You’re driving down the road on a beautiful Saturday afternoon when all of a sudden the car makes a terrible clanking and clunking sound, smoke comes out from under the hood, and your car slowly rolls to a stop on the side of the road. You get out of your car, open the hood, and stare blankly at the engine. Your stomach drops because you know this means costly repairs or having to replace your car, and your day is completely ruined. Hoist Towing & Recovery sees this all the time, and we want to offer you a few tips to help you avoid breakdowns in Prescott.

You have probably heard it a million times, but keeping the oil topped off in your vehicle is one of the best things you can do for the longevity of your car. It allows all of the parts of your vehicle to move properly, and it stops heat and friction buildup.

Regularly Serviced

Hearing that you have to spend a few hundred dollars to replace your brakes is never pleasant. But it is important to listen to the advice of professionals. They will keep your car running for a long time. If you are concerned you aren’t getting a fair price, get quotes from several mechanics.

Drive Properly

How you drive has a direct effect on the lifespan of your car. Do not accelerate or stop quickly. This makes your engine and brakes work harder than they need to, and wears them down faster. If you have a manual gearbox, riding the clutch will wear down the bearings which keep your clutch working. And avoid revving your engine in cold weather, as the rapid temperature changes can damage internal components.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

Many times, your car will let you know before it is about to die. If you hear any unusual noises or if your car starts to feel “weird”, you should have it checked out by a professional. Most importantly, when warning lights come on, it’s time to see the mechanic.

Breakdowns can happen at any time for any reason, but a majority of them are preventable by taking these simple steps. If you do find yourself broken down on the side of the road, you can call Hoist Towing & Recovery, 24-hour emergency roadside service in Prescott and Northern Arizona at 928-660-0606.