4 Essential Breakdown Prevention Tips Every Car Owner Should Know
September 7, 2020
Although we may have the tools and emergency kits to try and manage a breakdown, we still want to do everything we can to avoid being stuck on the side of the road. Not only is there an inconvenience, there is a safety concern as well as the cost of a tow truck and unexpected repairs. I know it's not the kind of surprise anyone wants! So, that means the million dollar question must be, “Is there any way to avoid a broken down car?
In short, yes! Keeping up with your car’s maintenance will help your car avoid that dreaded ‘B’ word, and here’s how you do that:”
Check Fluid Levels
Has anyone ever gone a day without water? Or perhaps drank less water than they usually do? How do you feel the following morning? You feel sluggish. Your tongue is probably dry. Your head may feel a little pressure, and your skin feels dry and tight. It’s not a great feeling, and we find ourselves chugging down three glasses of water before we even make it to the coffee machine. Well, just like we need water not only to survive but to perform at our best, your car also needs fluids to survive and perform at its best as well.
If your car is low on fluids, that’s a sure-fire way to end up broken down. Much like if our bodies are low on water, we aren’t going to be our best selves. We suggest checking your vehicle’s fluid levels once a month, or you could also do so when you get an oil change.
1. Level: Letting your oil level drop can cause excessive friction in the engine which can damage or even cause it to seize up.
2. Coolant: Failing to check the coolant can result in an overheated car. Overheating can cause warped cylinders or cracks in the head gasket.
3. Power steering fluid and break fluid
Checking these fluids will help make sure your car is happy, and you avoid any unplanned adventures on the side of the road.
Replace Your Fan Belt Regularly
Your car relies on your fan belt to move. And we all can say with certainty an immobile car doesn’t help us much. Typically, a fan belt lasts about 60,000 to 90,000 miles. We recommend getting your fan belt checked every oil change to ensure it’s working properly.
Check Your Tires
Getting your tires check is crucial throughout your car’s life. It’s important to be on the lookout for low tire pressure and worn tire treads. An old tire is more prone to blowing out, leaving you on the side of the road. Even if you have tools and kit to handle such an event, I doubt it's on your wish list for the day of desired activities. Balding on the treads is a sign of an old tire as well as cracks on the sidewall. As a whole, we recommend replacing your tires every six years, regardless of balding.
Helpful tip: If you do ever need to use your spare, be sure to get a new tire as soon as possible. Driving around on a spare for an extended period of time is not recommended, so in that event, head over to Team Ryan, and we’ll be sure you aren’t driving on a spare tire for too long. Did you know that with every oil change Team Ryan inspects your spare to ensure it is ready to do its job?
Don't Ignore Warning Lights
Your car can talk to you, but not in the way that you might think. When warning lights come on, that is your car’s way of saying, “hey, something’s going on here!” And you don’t want to ignore that. We also understand that sometimes warning lights can be a little hard to decipher, but don’t fret because we can figure it out for you. As soon as that warning light turns on, come visit us, and we would love to get your car back to tip-top shape!
Team Ryan Automotive in Buford, Georgia wants to keep you safe while you are on the road. Although it’s good to always have an emergency plan, we want to make sure your car stays in the best work condition, so that plan hopefully remains a backup plan and not reality. If you have any questions about what we offer, give us a call at (678) 765-7926 or contact us here.
As we head into the new year, we are kicking things off with exciting news for the Sugar Hill and Suwanee community, because Team Ryan Automotive is officially in town! Since opening our doors in 2015, Team Ryan Automotive has proudly delivered exceptional service and trustworthy repairs in Buford, GA (Gwinnett County) and Cumming, GA (Forsyth County). Today, we are excited to bring that same level of care, expertise, and community commitment to drivers in Sugar Hill and Suwanee with our newest location at 820 Brogdon Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024. Did you know that it's possible to be in Sugar Hill city limits while having a Suwanee address? That's exactly where our Team Ryan Automotive Sugar Hill / Suwanee location is positioned. A Meaningful Transition This new location represents a special passing of the torch. After 26 years in Gwinnett County, John and Lori of J & L Automotive are retiring and entrusting their previous customers to be taken care of into 2026 and beyond by Team Ryan. As a husband and wife team, John and Lori built their business on trust and care. Those same values continue with husband and wife team Dan and Shara of Team Ryan Automotive, making this transition a natural fit and a continuation of a strong local legacy.
Auto Repair You Can Trust for Every Driver Every driver has different needs, but whet her you’re commuting in a family SUV, managing a fleet truck, driving your first car, or serving the community as a first responder, you deserve an auto repair shop that puts honesty, safety, and expert care first. At Team Ryan Automotive, serving Buford, Cumming, and Sugar Hill / Suwanee, our family-owned shop is built on one promise: Your car. Your needs. Our expertise. For Parents & Family Drivers Your vehicle carries the most important passengers in your life. From school drop-offs to weekend errands, we help keep your car safe and reliable with: Oil changes and fluid checks Brake repairs Tire rotations and alignments AC repairs and multi-point inspections At Team Ryan Automotive, we believe trust starts with transparency. That’s why we never hesitate to walk you out to the shop and show you exactly what’s going on with your vehicle. Seeing an issue firsthand helps ensure clear communication and confident decision-making. We also use Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) to keep you fully informed. Each inspection includes: Photos of your actual vehicle Clear descriptions of any recommended maintenance or repairs Honest explanations—no pressure, no surprises You’ll always know what your car needs and why. For Young & New Drivers A first car should come with confidence. We offer: Clear explanations Honest recommendations ASE-certified diagnostics No pressure. No confusion. Just a trusted mechanic you can rely on. For Contractors & Fleet Drivers When your truck is your business, downtime isn’t an option. We provide: Fast diagnostics Brake and suspension repairs Tire services and alignments Routine fleet maintenance We help keep your workday running smoothly. For First Responders & Essential Workers We're honored to support our community heroes with dependable, transparent auto repair you can count on, every visit, every time. Our team has the experience and equipment to service a wide range of vehicles, including: Vehicles up to 15,000 pounds Sprinter vans Emergency and service vehicles Dually trucks and work vehicles Why Drivers Choose Team Ryan Automotive? Family-owned and operated ASE-certified technicians Honest diagnostics, no upsells High-quality parts and repairs Lifetime Warranty on most services Convenient online scheduling Whether you’re searching for auto repair near me, oil change in Buford, or brake repair in Cumming, Team Ryan Automotive is here for you.
What an incredible season and a moment of pride for the entire Buford community. This championship represents a true dedication to hard work, discipline, and teamwork, and it is a testament to a program that continues to set the standard both on and off the field. At Team Ryan Automotive, we are incredibly proud to be a sponsor of this outstanding program, not only for what these athletes accomplish under the Friday night lights, but for the leadership and character they demonstrate beyond the game. The Buford Wolves consistently show that success is about more than wins and trophies. It is about integrity, accountability, and lifting others up along the way. Earlier this year at a Buford Academy pep rally, the football team took time to personally connect with every child in the room, making each student feel seen and valued. Moments like that show what this program truly stands for. Character. Community. And doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Our son Aidan shared how much it meant to him that he “got to slap hands with the real football team players,” a small moment that left a big impression. Experiences like that inspire younger students and remind all of us how powerful positive role models can be. That spirit of leadership and heart is something our family and our entire team at Team Ryan Automotive align with wholeheartedly. We believe in showing up for our community, supporting one another, and leading by example, values we see reflected so clearly in this program. Well earned, Wolves. Buford is proud of you, and we are honored to stand behind such an incredible team. 💚🏈
