What Can Breakdown Recovery Mechanics Fix at the Roadside?

Breakdowns are inevitable – they’re part of being a motorist. Even if you buy the most reliable vehicle you can get your hands on, drive it gently and take very good care of it, you can’t account for everything. With so many components on each and every vehicle, one of them is bound to fail when you least expect it.

Breakdowns will happen to all of us at some point, then. But what should we expect when our car decides to give up the ghost? Will it be fixable at the side of the road, or will it need transporting to a garage for further investigation? We’re going to answer those questions and more in this simple guide.

What can mechanics fix at the roadside?

Generally speaking, roadside mechanics will be able to resolve many of the common issues that plague all vehicles. For example, changing a flat tyre (provided you have a spare) will be the work of moments for an experienced mechanic.

If your car isn’t starting, one likely culprit is the battery. If it’s flat or worn out, roadside mechanics should at least be able to give it a temporary boost of power (using either jump leads or a battery booster), which will be enough for you to continue on your way. Depending on the vehicle you’re driving, they may even be able to replace the battery entirely, giving you more of a long-term fix.

Roadside mechanics specialise in providing quick fixes to help you continue your journey. They may be able to engineer temporary fixes for more complex issues that will work long enough to get you home. It will then be up to you to resolve the issue fully by taking the car to a garage.

Can breakdown recovery fix a starter motor?

This is a question we’re often asked here at Cambridge Car Solutions. If your vehicle won’t start, the first port of call is usually the battery – but if the battery is healthy, the issue may be with your starter motor. Typically, this can’t be fixed at the roadside.

This is because each make and model of car uses a different starter motor, so carrying around hundreds of different parts in a van or breakdown recovery truck just wouldn’t be practical! Batteries tend to be much more universal, with only a handful of common sizes being used across the majority of best-selling vehicles.

How to choose a breakdown recovery provider

When you choose a vehicle recovery service, look for a business with an established track record, plenty of five-star reviews and a transparent approach. They should be able to provide you with a recovery quote over the phone without applying any hidden charges you’re not expecting!

If you live in East Anglia and are looking for a recovery firm you can count on, save our number into your phone. We operate 24/7 so, with Cambridge Car Solutions, you’ll never be left stranded.