You are riding across the woods in your brand new car,  driving to the nearby city in order to get some work done,  but the moment you’re deep inside the woods,  your car suddenly breaks down,  and you have no way to call for help. This does sound like a horror movie,  but it can actually become reality.  

Especially in a country like India but poor road conditions are the number one reason why cars break down in the very first place. While our cars are resilient enough, it’s always best to do some proper maintenance so that this car breakdown issue doesn’t arise altogether. 

Which is why in this article, we’ll be sharing some car maintenance tips to make it simpler for you.

Common Causes of Car Breakdowns

Let us take a step back and understand why cars break down in the first place. Usually, a breakdown indicates that your car is toward the end of its useful life. However, if they take care, car owners can simply avoid it. Knowing the causes of a car breakdown is necessary for this. 

For owners, breakdowns can be very stressful, particularly if they have to be somewhere right away. The following are some typical causes of auto breakdowns:

  • Ignoring regular oil changes: Oil is the lubricant of your engine, and avoiding it means you’re damaging the engine, which can cause a car breakdown.
  • Weak or overused car battery: If the car battery is weak over used,  the engine actually takes a lot more stress to start up,  which, if not addressed properly, can cause a car breakdown. 
  • Low coolant or engine oil levels: If the coolant and engine oil levels fall down it can actually cause a car breakdown,  as again it is the engine that will get damaged.
  • Worn-out brake pads: If you are breakfast on worn out you won’t even be able to stop your car properly,  which will prolong the engine running and can cause a car failure.

How Preventive Maintenance Helps Avoid Breakdowns

The reasons discussed above can cause serious complications and can cost you a lot of money later down the line, which is why you need to take some measures which will help prevent car breakdown. Here are some preventive measures you’ve got to take:

  • To avoid overheating and excessive engine wear, change your engine oil on a regular basis.
  • To prevent unexpected no-start situations, schedule routine battery inspections.
  • For safety, don’t forget to check your brakes, especially when driving on highways or in congested areas.
  • To increase mileage, grip, and overall drive quality, monitor tyre pressure and rotate your tyres on a regular basis.
  • To assist in controlling the temperature of your engine, don’t forget to replenish coolant and other fluids.

Key Components That Need Routine Checks

Now that you understand why car maintenance is important, there are some key components that you need to keep an eye on if you want to avoid car breakdowns later.  This is because these components are connected to the engine and directly or indirectly affect the car’s performance. 

ComponentWhat You Should Keep an Eye On
BatteryEvery now and then, pop the hood and make sure the terminals aren’t covered in white crusty stuff. A quick wipe or check of the battery health can save you from those awkward “car won’t start” moments. Maintenance-free batteries make this even easier.
EngineThink of this as your car’s “heart.” Keep the oil fresh, the filters clean, and make sure belts and spark plugs aren’t worn out. Little things here make a huge difference in how smooth the drive feels.
BrakesIf the pads look thin or you notice a squeal, don’t ignore it. Also, check the brake fluid—low levels can really mess with stopping power.
TyresJust glance at the tread and feel the pressure once in a while. Underinflated or bald tyres can affect mileage, grip, and even safety on a rainy day.
Electricals & LightsSwitch on the headlights, indicators, and cabin lights to see if everything’s behaving. A flickering bulb or a loose wire is easy to miss but even easier to fix early.

Signs Your Car Needs Immediate Attention

But how do you know that your car needs immediate attention in the first place? Well,  there are some warning signs you need to keep an eye out for,  the warning signs are:

  • Strange noises, vibrations
  • Difficulty starting the car
  • Dashboard warning lights
  • Drop in mileage
  • Fluid leaks or smoke
  • Burning smells, jerky acceleration

If these warning signs appear, it’s best to have a proper car servicing routine to avoid issues further down the road.

The Cost of Neglecting Car Maintenance

There is a high cost when it comes to neglecting car maintenance. The table below  illustrates it:

Neglected TaskPossible BreakdownApprox. Repair Cost
Skipping oil changeEngine seizure₹30,000–₹70,000
Weak batteryThe car won’t start₹5,000–₹10,000
Low brake fluidBrake failure₹15,000–₹25,000
Damaged tiresBlowoutHigh risk + ₹3,000–₹8,000

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

Your car can break down in the middle of the road, depending on the season. Here is the checklist so that it’s easy for you to make out which components can be damaged by which season:

  • Summer: AC, Tire, Coolant
  • Monsoon: Wipers, headlights, brake pads, battery load.
  • Winters: Battery, defoggers, engine.

Keeping an eye out for the particular components helps make sure that you avoid a car breakdown.

Benefits of Regular Maintenance

There are some Obvious benefits when it comes to regular maintenance,  they are:

  • Better fuel efficiency
  • Lower running costs
  • Longer vehicle lifespan
  • Better safety and reliability
  • Higher resale value
  • Smoother driving experience

Expert Maintenance and Battery Care by Livguard

When it comes to producing the greatest car batteries, Livguard is a top battery manufacturer. For every type of car, we offer the best batteries with unparalleled performance. Our team uses the most recent methods and innovations to provide maintenance-free batteries that are appropriate for the most difficult terrain and provide the best possible driving experience. Every one of our batteries is designed to function very well on difficult roads and in severe weather.

Conclusion

Nobody likes to get stuck in the middle of the road due to a broken car; with these maintenance tips,  you can avoid a car breakdown by a great margin. Here at Livguard, we are committed to the safety and security of our customers, and our batteries reflect that.