We have all been in that unfortunate position where a car either breaks down or refuses to start altogether. The truth is, this is one of those experiences which all motorists have to experience at some point. There is little you can do about the fact that it will happen to you at some point. However, one thing you can do is be as prepared as possible. That way, if the worst does happen, you at least have some idea of what to do. The truth is, there are only a very few common reasons for cars experiencing the problems they experience. If you can understand as much as there is to understand about these, then you are off to a good start. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the common problems cars face  -and what you can do about them.

Dead Battery

This is something which most motorists have experienced at one point or another. A dead battery may be caused by a variety of factors. Most often, it is due to the fault of the driver. Leaving your headlights on all night is a common way to flatten the battery. As such, the most effective method for dealing with a dead battery is not to let it get to that point. Take care with what you leave on when you leave the car. It is a good idea to always check as you leave that nothing is on. However, if your battery is dead, it’s not the end of the world. You will just need to get a car battery replacement sorted as soon as possible.

Damaged Tyres

It goes without saying, hopefully, that the tyres are very important to how your car runs. Let’s not forget – they are the only point of contact that your car has with the ground. As such, it is vital that you keep on top of them. As always, the best method is the preventative one, so take proper care of your tyres to ensure that nothing bad happens. Check the tyre pressure every now and then – not less regularly than every six weeks. That way, you can be sure that they are kept in the best condition possible.

Faulty Alternator

This one is a little trickier to detect and prevent, but it is worth knowing about all the same. It’s possible that you have experienced a faulty alternator without even knowing it at some point in the past. You know that there is a problem with your alternator if you are experiencing persistent battery problems. Also, if your headlights tend to dim when idling, then this is a sure sign of alternator problems. It is advisable to get this looked at as soon as possible.

Starter Motor

If your car is not starting at all, there are a number of possible causes. One such possibility is that the starter motor is not working properly. The truth is, it is hard to tell at first glance whether it is your starter motor or not. The best way is to ensure that you get your car serviced on a regular basis. That way, your starter motor is much less likely to fail on you.