Most breakdowns don’t come out of nowhere. Your car will usually give you a few warning signs first. Problem is, most people don’t know what to look for, or they just hope the issue goes away on its own. Then one morning the car won’t start, or it cuts out on the A2, and you’re ringing for help.
The truth is, you can avoid a lot of breakdowns by paying attention to the little things your car tells you. We see this every day around Kent. Cars rarely fail suddenly. Something has usually been off for a while.
Here are the signs your car might be close to breaking down, and what to do if you spot them.
1. Strange noises that weren’t there before
If your car starts making noises you’ve never heard, don’t ignore it. Grinding, whining, rattling, knocking, squeaking, all of that means something’s not right.
- Grinding usually means brake problems.
- Knocking from the engine can be serious.
- A squealing belt could snap at any moment.
You know how your car normally sounds. If it suddenly sounds different, get it checked. A lot of people in Kent break down simply because they ignored a noise and kept driving.
2. Slow or rough starting
If your car is struggling to start in the morning, even if it eventually fires up, that’s a sign of a weak battery or starter motor. It won’t fix itself.
Symptoms include
- dim lights
- slow turning over
- clicking sound
- needing to try twice
Once a battery starts going, it tends to get worse fast. It’s a very common breakdown call we get in cold weather around Medway and Sittingbourne.
3. Warning lights staying on
Dashboard lights are there for a reason. If one stays on, something isn’t right.
- Engine light
- Battery light
- Oil pressure light
- Temperature warning
If the engine light flashes, stop driving immediately. That’s usually something serious. A lot of people ignore warning lights because the car still feels fine, then they end up stuck on the roadside.
4. Burning smells or unusual smells
Burning smells are never good. Could be oil leaking onto something hot, or electrical wiring getting too warm, or brakes overheating.
Other smells to watch for
- sweet smell (coolant leak)
- fuel smell (dangerous, don’t ignore)
- hot rubber smell
If you smell burning, don’t keep driving. Pull over and check it out.
5. Jerking, shaking or losing power
If your car starts jerking, shaking, or feels like it has no power, that’s a major sign something’s wrong.
Common causes
- blocked fuel filter
- failing coil packs
- misfiring
- dirty injectors
- gearbox problems
You might feel it most when going uphill, accelerating, or joining a motorway. If it keeps happening, the car could cut out completely.
6. Overheating or temperature rising
If the temp gauge keeps creeping up, that’s a serious warning. An overheated engine can completely destroy itself.
Check for
- steam from the bonnet
- coolant leaking
- loud fan noise
- temperature light
A lot of breakdowns on the A249 happen because people keep driving even when the engine is roasting hot.
7. Stiff steering or weird handling
Your steering should feel smooth. If it suddenly feels heavy, loose or pulls to one side, that’s not normal.
Could be
- low power steering fluid
- alignment issues
- worn suspension
- low tyre pressure
This can become dangerous quickly, especially on faster roads like the M2.
8. Electrical issues and flickering lights
If your lights flicker, the radio cuts out, or windows move slower than usual, the car might have an electrical fault or alternator problem. Once the alternator goes, the car eventually dies while driving. That’s when you really need recovery.
9. Fluid leaks under the car
If you start seeing puddles under your car, something’s leaking.
- clear water is usually normal (AC)
- green or pink is coolant
- brown or black is oil
- red can be transmission fluid
Fluid leaks are one of the biggest early warning signs. If you ignore them, the car will eventually break down.
10. The car just doesn’t feel right
Most drivers know their car well. If something feels off but you can’t explain why, trust your gut. A little vibration, a small smell, slight loss of power, anything like that. These things don’t fix themselves and usually get worse.
What to do if you spot any of these signs
Don’t wait for a complete breakdown. If the car is still safe to drive, get it booked into a garage. But if something feels wrong right now and you don’t want to risk it, call Reds Recovery Services and we’ll pick it up safely.
If you’re already at the roadside
- pull over as far as you can
- hazards on
- stay out of the road
- don’t try driving if the car feels dangerous
When to call Reds Recovery
Call us if
- the car won’t start
- it loses power
- it overheats
- a warning light is flashing
- you smell burning
- you feel unsafe driving
We cover the whole of Kent including Medway, Maidstone, Sittingbourne, Gravesend, Chatham and all the main routes like the M2, A2, A20 and A249.
Our number is 01634 926 801 and we’re available 24 hours.
We’ll give you a straight price over the phone and get a driver out to you quickly.