Flat Battery

A flat battery is the number one call out cause. You can easily prevent a flat battery with a little care and attention.

• Check your battery every month and if it came with a guarantee, keep it in the car.
• If you have an unsealed battery in your car, keep the water level topped up with distilled water.

The most common reasons why batteries fail are:

• Old age. Not all batteries have a lifetime guarantee. Your car battery may need replacing every 3 - 4 years.
• Leaving lights or sound systems on.
• A faulty alternator. The alternator recharges the battery while you drive. If it is not recharging, get the alternator checked.

Flat Tyre or Blow Out

A flat tyre or blowout is another common call out cause. Check your tyres regularly for wear and tear.

• Each tyre must have at least 1.6mm of tread. If the tread on your tyre is worn, it has less grip.
• Check your tyre pressure. Under and over inflated tyres take more strain and can lead to a blowout.

If you should experience a blowout while driving DON'T SLAM ON YOUR BRAKES. Slowly reduce your speed while indicating to other drivers and pull off the road. Try to find a flat area to change your tyre.

Fuel

Running on Empty

Running out of fuel is a major frustration. Check your fuel gauge when you start your car in the morning. If you have a 1/4 of a tank of fuel or less, it is time to fill up. Your fuel pump can get clogged with impurities if you frequently drive low on fuel. This can also lead to a clogged fuel filter.

To avoid serious damage to your car's engine, get your fuel pump and fuel filter checked when you take your car in for a service.

The Wrong Fuel

Putting the wrong fuel in your car can be an expensive mistake. The most common mistake is putting petrol into a diesel vehicle.

You will know when you have put the wrong fuel in your car when:

• It takes a long time to start
• Thick smokes pores out of your exhaust

If you realize your mistake before you start your car, DO NOT start it. Call for car rescue to take you to the nearest garage or Dealer. A professional will know how to drain the fuel from you car without damaging your vehicle.