DRIVERS WARNED OVER KEY CHECK THAT COULD HELP AVOID CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE

As summer draws near, more drivers are planning extended trips, prompting The AA to highlight common breakdown causes and prevention tips. With the holiday season on the horizon, many motorists are gearing up for holidays or visits to relatives across the UK.

A spokesperson from The AA has cautioned drivers about the importance of maintaining their vehicle's engine components to avoid breakdowns while travelling. They emphasized the significance of checking the timing belt, stating, "Timing belts (or chains) are critical components in an engine, and a failure can cause catastrophic damage."

They further advised, "Regular servicing, including timely replacement based on manufacturer recommendations, can prevent these issues." Often known as the cambelt, timing belts play a crucial role in many engines by ensuring the crankshaft and camshaft are properly aligned, reports the Express.

Typically, it is recommended that drivers replace their vehicle's timing belt every 10 years or 60,000 miles, with the replacement cost usually around £350. Failure to replace the belt on time can lead to it becoming brittle and breaking, which may result in severe damage to essential engine parts like cylinders and valves.

Additionally, The AA highlighted that flat or faulty batteries are another frequent cause of breakdowns during long journeys, with over 630,000 drivers experiencing this issue in 2023. Battery problems are often caused by drivers who primarily use their cars for short journeys, which doesn't allow the battery to charge effectively.

However, if your vehicle is showing other unusual signs, such as dimmed headlights, it could indicate an issue with the alternator - the component that charges the battery. The AA has also advised motorists to keep their car keys in a sensible location when embarking on long journeys to avoid being locked out.

Despite many drivers believing they won't lose their keys, vehicle supply professional OSV found that nearly half (47%) of drivers regularly misplace their keys. It's generally recommended to have a spare set of car keys at home, which can be used until the primary key is located or if a new one needs to be cut.

2024-06-12T05:39:41Z dg43tfdfdgfd