Auto Electrical Faults

A few simple preventative measures can dramatically increase a vehicle's lifespan. If you're eager to keep your car in good working order for as long as possible, follow the advice below.

Install a nudge bar

A single collision with another vehicle, a tree or even a large animal could completely destroy your car. Even in instances where if the damage done is repairable, you could end up spending a huge amount of money on mechanic's fees. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure that your vehicle remains roadworthy, even in the event of an accident; one of the most effective options is to install a nudge bar. 

Nudge bars are protective devices which can be fitted onto the front end of a car. Made from aluminium or steel, they are designed to protect a vehicle from damage during a collision. When an impact occurs, the nudge bar acts as a shield, which transfers and spreads the force of this impact across the car's frame which helps to prevent the more fragile components (such as the headlights, radiator, engine and fender) from being broken. Nudge bars are particularly useful for anyone who lives or regularly travels through rural areas where there is a greater chance of crashing into trees, boulders or livestock.

Learn to recognise early warning signs

A lot of the time, the mechanical faults that result in a car being sent to the scrap yard could easily have been rectified had they been spotted earlier. As such, if you wish to keep your vehicle on the road, it's worth learning how to identify the early, telltales signs of mechanical issues, so that you can address them before they become irreparable.

For example, regularly checking and adjusting the fluid levels of the power-steering, brake, radiator and engine coolant containers could prevent the engine from over-heating or the brakes from corroding.

It's also important to watch out for unusual noises and odours when driving. For instance, a burning smell, coupled with difficulties changing gears and a 'clunking' sound, could be an indication of a transmission problem. Similarly, a knocking noise which only occurs when you're turning a corner or driving over a bump, along with unevenly-worn tyre treads and a 'pulling' or drifting of the car to one particular side, is often a sign of suspension issues. Being able to recognise these 'symptoms' before the faults get worse is essential if you wish to extend the life of your vehicle.