Preventing Breakdowns: The Most Common Faults and How AI Can Predict Them

Why Most Breakdowns Are Predictable

Contrary to what many believe, most breakdowns don’t happen “out of nowhere.”
They follow patterns — the same warning signs, the same maintenance gaps, the same missed advisories.
By studying millions of MOT results and repair data points, our AI can spot those patterns early, helping you avoid the common failures that leave drivers stranded.

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The Five Most Common Breakdown Causes in the UK

Based on verified data from the AA, RAC, and aggregated MOT trends, these are the leading culprits behind UK breakdowns — all of which can be anticipated through AI insight:

1. Battery Failure ⚡

   • Often caused by short trips and undercharging.
   • AI highlights age indicators and low-voltage event patterns from service records.

2. Alternator & Charging Issues 🔋

   • Gradual voltage drops often go unnoticed.
   • Predictive signals show up in recorded advisories and voltage-related diagnostics.

3. DPF and Emissions System Faults 🌫️

   • Common in diesel vehicles used mainly for short journeys.
   • AI flags cars with regeneration failure trends and excessive advisories in the emissions category.

4. Cooling & Overheating Failures 🌡️

   • Typically coolant leaks, water pump or thermostat faults.
   • Our models detect vehicles that show repetitive coolant advisories or rapid temperature variances in MOT history.

5. Timing Chain or Belt Wear ⛓️

   • Missed service intervals or oil degradation accelerate wear.
   • AI compares mileage, service intervals, and manufacturer schedules to recommend early inspection.

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How AI Helps You Stay Ahead

Each Check A Car report includes a “Common Issues & Reliability Forecast” section, powered by aggregated national data.
It highlights:

• The top three failure items for your specific make and model
• Average mileage or age when these faults occur
• Related MOT advisories that may suggest upcoming repair needs
• Preventive maintenance suggestions you can act on immediately

This turns your vehicle report from a one-off check into a maintenance guide that saves you time, stress, and money.

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Preventive Maintenance Made Simple

Instead of waiting for a dashboard warning light, you can now plan smarter:

• Schedule inspections before wear items fail
• Budget for upcoming maintenance based on likelihood, not luck
• Avoid buying cars with recurring advisories or model-wide issues
• Use AI-backed forecasts to negotiate better when purchasing a vehicle

For example:
If a model has a known record of EGR valve clogging at ~60,000 miles, AI will surface that pattern and recommend proactive cleaning or long-drive routines.

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Verified Data Meets Practical Insight

Every insight is backed by official MOT data and manufacturer guidelines.
We don’t guess — we interpret what thousands of vehicles of the same model have already experienced.
That means the forecast you see isn’t theoretical; it’s grounded in real UK reliability statistics.

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The Bigger Picture: Prevention Is Value

Predicting breakdowns isn’t just about convenience — it’s about protecting your investment.
A £70 battery test today can save a £400 tow tomorrow.
By identifying risk patterns before they become faults, AI transforms maintenance from reactionary to proactive.

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Check A Car’s AI turns hindsight into foresight.
The result? Fewer breakdowns, lower costs, and a smarter way to own your car.