Top most dangerous car breakdowns

Today we will cover top most dangerous car breakdowns.

Even the calmest driver can be easily thrown off balance by a sudden car problem. On a cold morning, the engine won’t start, the wipers clean poorly, a tire is flat, the warning lights on the dashboard are lit, the air conditioner isn’t cooling, the heater isn’t working, the gearbox shifts poorly, and all of this makes you lose your temper. The list of scary things is truly endless. Let’s figure out which car breakdowns are particularly dangerous. We’ll discuss the most common ones that, if present, are not recommended for driving the vehicle.

Metal corrosion

Any vehicle older than five years may have a similar problem. And there’s nothing surprising about it, as the layer of anti-corrosion protection applied at the factory ceases to be effective. Extra efforts are needed to prevent the further spread of the problem.

By corrosion, we mean the chemical reaction of metal with oxygen and water. Simple oxidation occurs, resulting in the formation of a large amount of rust.

The main danger of corrosion is the loss of the body’s strength; the metal becomes very brittle and fragile. If nothing is done, even a minor impact will bring a lot of inconvenience and complications. You’ll have to spend a lot of time and money on restoring the body or even buying a new car.

Serious corrosion can also worsen the vehicle’s handling, as the chassis components may shift. Specialists note that corrosion has a significant impact on the frame rails and the underside of the vehicle. Such components need to be inspected as a priority.

Timing belt failure

Currently, a large number of vehicles are designed with the use of a timing belt (cam belt). This approach reduces costs significantly, as there’s no need for complex equipment. However, if the timing belt breaks, it can lead to a host of issues, especially at high speeds, which is not surprising.

Here are a few main problems that can arise from a timing belt failure:

1. Engine valves bend.
2. Scuffing occurs on the cylinders.
3. Piston bottoms can be damaged.
4. Deformation of the cylinder head seat.

Experts note that 16-valve engines are most commonly affected. To prevent negative consequences, regular adjustment and monitoring of the belt tension are essential.

Malfunction of windshield wipers

Even though it may seem like a relatively minor and perhaps not the most essential part, malfunctioning windshield wipers can cause a great deal of discomfort. The primary function of windshield wipers is to ensure visibility on the road, regardless of the season or weather conditions.

If the wipers are broken, the driver won’t be able to effectively control what’s happening on the road, potentially leading to a road accident and other issues. In the case of any malfunction in the wipers, it is crucial to repair or replace them promptly.

Fuel system leaks

If the integrity of the fuel hose, fittings, or the fuel tank is compromised, it can lead to a rapid gasoline leak and even external combustion. This is something no one wants to experience.

In the event of any fuel leak, it is crucial to promptly contact a specialized service and conduct a thorough inspection and repair.

Malfunction of lighting devices

The lighting devices of a vehicle are considered crucial components. They are necessary to enable the driver to move without significant issues during both daytime and nighttime, ensuring control over everything happening on the road. This becomes particularly critical during the dark hours of the day.

In case of any malfunction, it is essential to seek service and replace the faulty component promptly.

Malfunction of a ball joint

When a ball joint fails, there is a sudden outward twisting of the wheel. Controlling the vehicle becomes impossible, and it can lead to a road accident. This is particularly dangerous at high speeds, such as when driving on a highway. To prevent such incidents, regular diagnostics and inspection are essential, especially if you are going on a long trip.

Key signs of an imminent ball joint failure include:

1. Decreased vehicle maneuverability.
2. Knocking sounds during movement.
3. Squeaking and cracking noises from the steering wheel, especially during maximum turns.

Low levels of specialty fluid

All fluids in a vehicle serve specific functions. If there is a deficiency or excess of any of them, it can lead to various issues.

For example, it is crucial to monitor the oil level in the engine regularly by checking it on the dipstick in the engine compartment. Waiting for the warning light on the instrument panel to illuminate is not recommended, as this proactive approach can save your engine from a complete overhaul of the cylinder-piston group and crankshaft machining.

In addition to monitoring a decrease in the oil level in the engine, attention should also be paid to a sudden increase in this level, as it may indicate a coolant leak into the lubrication system or the combustion chamber. Operating the vehicle in such a situation should be stopped immediately. A further confirmation of this unfortunate situation could be a decrease in the coolant level in the expansion tank.

Conversely, a shortage of coolant leads to an increase in the engine’s operating temperature. It’s worth noting that in severe cases, consistent overheating can cause warping of the cylinder head, necessitating costly repairs. Here, you can learn why coolant leakage occurs.

Brake fluid is also of particular importance, as its effectiveness directly affects the operation of the most crucial safety system. It is a hygroscopic substance that requires not only monitoring its level but also systematic replacement to avoid boiling and brake failure during prolonged downhill descents.

It’s important to remember the transmission fluid in the gearbox as well. Its replacement is not as frequent as in the engine, and many car owners tend to forget about this crucial procedure. For a manual transmission, neglecting this can lead to increased effort on the levers and difficulty engaging gears. If these symptoms are ignored, it can result in excessive bearing wear, making further operation impossible.

An automatic transmission is even more demanding when it comes to the level and condition of the transmission fluid. Changes in its properties during prolonged operation can lead to costly malfunctions and the risk of having to replace the entire assembly.

Defects in the steering system

The loss of responsiveness of a vehicle to steering wheel turns indicates issues in the crucial steering system. Problems can arise due to wear of the tie rod end, steering shaft bearing, or prolonged use of the vehicle in off-road conditions.

Remember that the total steering wheel play of a passenger car should not exceed 10°. Even slight deviations from this norm, combined with vibration at speed, indicate a malfunction in the steering components.

A thorough inspection of the steering system and testing the hydraulic or electric power steering assist can only be done in professional service centers using specialized equipment.

Damage to the body geometry

If your car has been in an accident even once, there’s a high probability that the body geometry is already compromised, and quite significantly. It doesn’t necessarily require a major collision – even a light impact against a pole, curb, or a minor collision with another vehicle can affect it.

Such a deviation is problematic not only due to changes in the car’s external appearance (dents) but also because unnoticed damage can interfere with the vehicle’s control function, leading to potential issues and accidents in the future.

Restoring body geometry can be very expensive, often reaching half the value of your car. If you find yourself in such a situation, it might be better to sell the car without delay.

In such cases, even insurance companies often do not fully compensate for the damages and may declare the car a total loss, meaning they pay a much smaller amount than what would be needed for the car’s repair. Insurance companies employ professionals who are well-versed in issues like body geometry deviations, and their assessment may lead to a decision to consider the vehicle a total loss.

It’s essential for car owners to carefully review their insurance policies and understand the terms and conditions, especially regarding how the insurance company handles damage assessment and compensation in the event of body geometry issues.

Brake system malfunctions

The braking system is crucial for the car. The operational braking system is the foundation of your safety. As practice shows, in the event of brake failure, the likelihood of stopping using the handbrake or engine braking is very low.

If there are any brake malfunctions, the driver simply won’t be able to brake when it matters. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the braking system, replace brake fluids, keep an eye on the condition of the brake pads, and conduct diagnostics.

Faulty brakes can be identified by characteristic impacts, squeaks, unpleasant sounds, or changes in the position and response of the pedal. If the car skids sideways during braking, it also indicates a malfunction in the braking system.

Tips for brake care:

1. Timely replace brake fluid and check its level in the reservoir.
2. Daily check the car for leaks.
3. Regularly inspect brake discs – they should have a thickness of at least 10 mm.
4. Ensure that no air enters the brake system.
5. Periodically check the functionality of the fuel pump and brake cylinders, as well as the tightness of pipes and connections.

By following these recommendations, you will avoid dangerous brake failures and ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers.

Tire Wear

It’s worth noting that tires should correspond to the season. In other words, you should not use winter tires in the summer and vice versa. This negatively affects traction. Additionally, cracks and bulges may form on the tread. If nothing is done, the tires will lose their properties over time. You can learn how to extend the lifespan of your car tires in our material.

When the tread depth is less than 4 mm for winter tires and 1.6 mm for summer tires, the wheels lose their ability to “grip the road.” Such a vehicle is more dangerous in turns, and its braking distance is significantly longer. Maneuvering, even on dry asphalt, becomes challenging, and the car can easily go into a skid.

A tire with thin tread can simply burst, and it’s fortunate if it happens at low speeds. Pay attention to the special rubber bars in the tread, which are present in any tire. If wear reaches these bars, it’s time to replace the tires.

Now you know top most dangerous car breakdowns, and remember that you can find any parts for your service in MyNextParts, just fill out the simple form!