For the last couple of weeks, our article series has looked at the most common forms of call out for our Roadside Breakdown service. Our articles probably came of no surprise to many when they referred to flat batteries, charging problems, issues with tyres and the suchlike.
But, at Autonational, we know we need to expect the unexpected on a daily basis.
Cars which are modified often flag up slightly different causes for Roadside Breakdown than those that are the same as when they left the factory. The reasons for this are possibly because modified cars are often older than new, and mostly unmodified cars. Also, modifications are often undertaken by enthusiasts at home using non OEM products. Common causes of ‘modified’ Roadside Breakdown include suspension issues, bits falling off (we jest not!), ECU or engine malfunctions, overheating and occasionally…sump holing (where lowered cars hit something in the road, including raised cats eyes, and hole their sump, effectively rendering their engine devoid of oil in some cases).
But, other problems are sometimes VERY simple fixes. Objects stuck between the wheels/brake/hubs are sometimes an issue, and wipers can be the simplest of all fixes but can be a major problem if a car loses a wiper blade on a major road during a rain storm.
Different cars have different ‘oddities’ and it’s not unusual for one particular manufacturer to flash a ‘Check Engine Light’ (CEL) fault on the dash…just because a petrol cap hasn’t been tightened quite enough. Actually, that same vehicle also flags the fault if petrol was allowed to drop to a very low level as it affects the omissions passing the O2 exhaust sensor. This roadside fix is often a simple ECU reset.
Finally, overheating cause by foreign objects has also be known to cause Roadside Breakdown call out requests in the past. A simple plastic bag which gets caught blocking a cars radiator can stop airflow and cooling to that cars engine rendering (sometimes) the ECU to flash a warning and sometimes for the cars temperature gauge to rise. Left unremedied this can cause potential damage to the engine, and whilst removal of the foreign object may take seconds, it’s long lasting legacy if not removed can be both extensive..and expensive.