Vacations by car: Self-help in case of breakdown: What can you fix yourself?

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A rare sight on our highways: a car parked on an open hood. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any malfunctions – usually when you least need it. For example, on a vacation trip by car.

However, with a few simple precautions, any mishap can be avoided and the risk minimized. The best way to protect your car from defects is to have it serviced regularly. This includes the periodic toothed belt replacement specified in the service booklet. This is already mandatory for rental or company vehicles, which are common in Switzerland.

These tips will get you to your destination reliably:

• You should not neglect the maintenance and wash and clean the vehicle regularly. This includes checking tire pressure and profile.
• A quick look under the hood: If you see loose wires, especially ignition wires, cover them with insulating tape to protect them from marten bites (more on marten protection here).
• Prevention means being prepared for exceptional situations. That’s why jump leads and tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, work gloves and pliers belong to every car. A flashlight and tape wouldn’t hurt either. Get familiar with the guide beforehand to know where to find what information.

If you get stuck, you don’t necessarily have to call breakdown service. Some defects can be fixed by yourself.

• First create a refractive triangle and wear a high-visibility vest to be seen.
• Loose parts can be temporarily reattached with adhesive tape and some wire. After that, you should go to the nearest service as soon as possible. On older cars you can still replace faulty headlight halogen bulbs yourself – but this is impossible for LEDs.
• The number one classic of failure is a dead battery. If you have your own jumper, all you need is a donor tool. Important: Always insert the positive pole first – and the assisting vehicle’s engine should be running.
• Classic number two: the flat tire. When replacing a tire, loosen the wheel nuts just before the wheel takes off. This is easier and also applies when tightening the screws later. See the manual where you can safely place the jack under the car.

• You can temporarily fix a problem with very hot coolant yourself. Stop and open the hood to let the heat escape (careful, hot! Wear your gloves). Check the underside of the car for any fluid leaks. You should only look for the cause in the engine compartment after the engine has cooled down a bit.
• Is there a crack or hole in the hose? Temporarily patch both with electrical tape or a Band-Aid. Then you should visit a workshop as soon as possible. If there is water in the boat, you must refill the coolant (note the fill mark!). Even mineral water, if necessary, is suitable for this.

• If the engine stutters, it may be due to a faulty ignition system. A spark plug can also be replaced if there is a spare on board. However, this requires some dexterity: If you’re a little too brave with the pliers, you might break the spark plug – then you’ll definitely need a breakdown service.
• It happens more often than you think: the engine stalls because the tank is empty. You better pay attention to the fuel gauge.
• If in doubt: Do not tamper with yourself, call a specialist. When it comes to electronics, you can’t do much without the right diagnostic tool anyway. Safety-related parts such as brakes or steering are also taboo for ordinary people.

Source: Blick