Breaking Point! - Pictures

Flat battery436,000 callouts - 17.45%When you finish your journey, turn everything off before you kill the engine. This means next time you start the car, all the battery's power can be used to fire it up. If you make lots of short tri

Puncture/wheel change242,000 callouts - 9.71%Every week, check each tyre for pressure, tread depth and overall condition - and don't forget the spare. Look for bulges in the sidewalls which might hint at a future blowout. Avoid bumping

Engine problems122,000 callouts - 4.88%Having the correct levels of oil, water and antifreeze, especially during the winter, is half the battle. Make sure they're regularly topped up - don't wait until a warning light comes on. Even if

Alternator/fanbelts97,000 callouts - 3.89%What condition is the fanbelt in? If it's frayed or cracked, replace it. If there's a squeal when the engine is revved then the belt is slipping and won't be turning the alternator correctly -

Starter motor69,000 callouts - 2.78% This one is more tricky because there's no routine maintenance you can do, and any fault won't be obvious. Warning signs include the engine not starting first time, or sounding noisy when it tu

Lock-outs/lock-ins66,000 calloutsShutting keys in a car's boot is a common problem. Keep a spare set at home - but make sure you know where they are! Inspect your keys and locks for wear and visit the dealer if they become stiff. And i

Fuel problems61,000 callouts - 2.44% Your engine uses more fuel in winter, so motorists who don't think about filling up until 10 miles after a warning light comes on are taking a risk. Be sure to put the correct fuel in diesel mo

Clutch53,000 callouts - 2.11%Don't wait at the traffic lights with your foot on the clutch - it increases wear on the release bearing. And don't hold the car on the clutch as it burns away the friction lining. If it's on the way out, t

ECU/engine management46,000 - 1.83%Another difficult one for the DIY expert. Watch for an illuminated orange symbol on the dashboard and seek professional help at the earliest opportunity. The car is usually still driveable - orange ic

Cylinder head gasket42,000 callouts - 1.67%Check the coolant level - if it's falling, find out where it's going - and watch for oil mixed in. A white mayonnaise-like buildup on the oil filler cap could be a gasket problem. Is your cool