No one ever thinks it’ll happen to them, until it does. You’re driving through Rochester or heading down the A2 near Gillingham, and suddenly, the engine stutters, warning lights flash, or worse, the car just stops. Now you’re stranded in kent. At Reds Recovery, we’ve seen it all. But here’s the truth: most breakdowns don’t come out of nowhere.
In fact, there are warning signs that your car’s about to let you down, you just have to know what to look for. In this blog, we’ll go over five common signs that your car might be on the verge of a breakdown, and how you can avoid needing a tow truck in the middle of nowhere.
Of course, if the worst does happen, Reds Recovery is here 24/7, covering all of Medway and surrounding parts of Kent.
1. It’s Getting Harder to Start the Car
If your engine is slow to turn over in the morning, or you’re having to turn the key a couple of times before it kicks in, that’s usually a sign your battery is on the way out, especially in colder months.
What to do:
Don’t ignore it. A quick stop at a garage for a battery check can save you being stuck in a car park with a dead vehicle later. And if it’s too late? Give us a call, we carry jump-start packs and can replace batteries on-site if needed.
2. Warning Lights Are Coming On (And Staying On)
We’ve all seen it, a light flashes on the dash, and we hope it’s just a glitch. Sometimes it is. But if that engine light, oil pressure warning, or temperature gauge stays on, it’s your car’s way of saying help.
What to do:
Don’t wait for it to become a full-blown breakdown. Getting it checked early can prevent costly damage. If the light starts flashing or your car feels strange to drive, pull over safely and give us a ring.
3. Weird Noises or Smells While Driving
Grinding brakes, knocking from under the bonnet, or a smell like something’s burning? None of that’s normal. Strange sounds often mean parts are worn or loose, and they’ll likely fail soon.
What to do:
Have it looked at before it gets worse. A £60 repair today might save you needing full recovery tomorrow. If something does go wrong on the road, we’ll be there to recover your car, no questions asked.
4. Overheating or Fluid Leaks
An overheating engine is a common call-out for us, especially in the warmer months or when someone’s been stuck in traffic on the M2. If you see steam, smoke, or puddles under your car, something’s not right.
What to do:
Stop driving if your temperature gauge goes into the red. Let it cool down, and check your coolant levels if you know how. Don’t drive it hot, you could destroy the engine. If you’re stuck, we’ll tow it safely and help you sort repairs.
5. Vibrations, Pulling, or Strange Handling
If your steering feels shaky, your car’s pulling to one side, or you feel vibrations when braking, something could be wrong with your tyres, suspension, or brakes.
What to do:
Pull over and check your tyres, you might be close to a blowout. If it doesn’t feel right to keep driving, don’t risk it. We can recover you and your vehicle quickly, wherever you are in Medway.
Why Spotting These Signs Early Matters
We get a lot of calls from people who say the same thing. they thought it would be okay, or they thought it would sort itself out.
But the truth is, most breakdowns don’t come out of the blue. The sooner you catch a problem, the easier and cheaper it is to fix, and the less chance you’ll end up stuck on the side of the road with your hazards flashing.
And If You Do Break Down?
We’re here to help, no matter where or when it happens. Whether you’re on a quiet street in Chatham, parked outside a shop in Rainham, or broken down on the A229 at night, Reds Recovery is just one call away.
24/7 Recovery across Medway and Kent
Fast response times, we’re local, not a call centre
We recover cars, vans, bikes, and light commercial vehicles
Final Tip: Save Our Number Now
You’ll never regret having it when you need it. Save this in your phone:
Reds Recovery – 01634 926 801
Whether you need recovery today or just want to be ready for tomorrow, when you’re stranded in kent, we’ve got your back.