Don't Panic! Simple Roadside Repairs You Can Tackle Yourself!
Let’s face it, a car breakdown on the side of the road is a hassle. But before you call for help, here are a few common issues you might be able to tackle yourself and get back on the road faster!
Important: Safety always comes first! If you’re unsure about fixing something yourself, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
Be a Flat Tyre Fighter!
If you’re not using modern run-flat tyres, then a flat tyre can leave you immobile, but changing one doesn’t have to be hard. Most cars will have instructions in the driver’s manual, but here’s a quick rundown:
- Find a safe spot: Pull over away from traffic and turn on your hazard lights.
- Get the tools: You’ll need your spare tyre, jack, and wrench.
- Loosen the wheel nuts (slightly!): Don’t remove them completely yet!
- Jack it up: Locate the designated jacking point on your car and raise the jack until the flat tyre is a few inches off the ground.
- Change the tyre: Remove the flat tyre, put on the spare, and tighten the nuts snugly.
- Lower the car and check tyre pressure: Lower the jack and double-check that the wheel nuts are secure. Then, inflate your spare tyre to the recommended pressure (check your manual for the PSI).
Need a Jump Start?
A dead battery can be frustrating, but a jump start can get you going again. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Friendly driver with a car (and jump cables/jump leads) OR a portable jump pack.
- Power Down: Turn off both vehicles and ensure all electronics are off.
- Cable Connections: Connect the positive ends of the cables together (red + to red +). Then, connect one end of the positive cable to the positive terminal on the dead car battery. Connect the other end of the positive cable to the positive terminal of the good car battery.
- Grounding the Negative Cable: Connect one end of the negative cable (black -) to the negative terminal of the good battery. Connect the other end to a solid metal part of the engine block on the dead car (not the negative terminal).
- Start It Up! Start the good car and let it run for a few minutes. Then, try starting the car with the dead battery.
- Success! If your car starts, let both vehicles run for about five minutes before disconnecting the cables in the reverse order you connected them.
Engine Overheating?
Before you pull over, try turning off your air conditioning and opening the windows to help cool things down. If that doesn’t work:
- Find a safe spot and pull over.
Important! Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot. It could cause serious burns. Let the engine cool completely before proceeding.
- Top it Up (Safely): Once cool, carefully open the radiator cap and add coolant (if the level is low). Use cool water in an emergency, but distilled water is preferred.
- Wait and See: Refill the radiator and wait for the engine to cool again before attempting to drive.
Remember, these are just a few basic fixes. If you’re unsure about tackling the problem yourself, or if the issue seems more complex, don’t hesitate to call a professional garage / mechanic for advice.
We understand that car troubles happen, and we're here to help! Bartlett Automotive is here to get you back on the road quickly and safely.
Don’t get stranded! For more information or to schedule your car service, car repair or MOT, contact your local garage, Bartlett Automotive today:
Visit our Huntingdon branch: 5-6 Falcon Court, Hinchingbrooke Business Park, Huntingdon, PE29 6AH. Call us: 01480 459 771
Visit out Peterborough branch: 4 Lakeside Court, Kingston Park, Flaxley Road, Peterborough, PE2 9FT: Call us: 01733 852 955
