It’s always at the worst time. You’re in a rush, maybe running late for work or trying to pick the kids up from school, and suddenly, your car won’t start. Or perhaps it stalls in the middle of a busy Melbourne intersection. Times like these make you wish you’d given a bit more attention to your car’s well-being. But here’s the thing: most breakdowns are preventable. With some simple habits and checks, you can avoid taking a tow truck Melbourne and keep your wheels rolling securely.

Let’s talk about how you can take better care of your car and reduce your chances of ever requiring call-out help.

Keep An Eye On Fuel Levels (Seriously!)

Yes, I know, I know, it’s probably obvious, but more often than you’d think, it happens. Out of gas is not only embarrassing—it’s avoidable. Always be sure to fill up when your tank drops to a quarter tank. Life gets busy, and you won’t even notice how close you are to being out until it’s too late. A small habit of topping off in advance can save you from hailing a 24-hour tow truck in the middle of nowhere.

Battery Maintenance: Don’t Let It Catch You Off Guard

Batteries today are pretty reliable, but they won’t last indefinitely. A car battery will last three to five years on average. If yours is approaching that age, it’s time to take action. Corrosion on terminals, slow starting, or dimming headlamps are signs you shouldn’t ignore. Clean terminals, make cables tight, and if your battery is past the five-year mark, consider replacing it.

Tyre Pressure & Tread: The Two-Minute Check That Saves You Hours

Your tyres are the only part of your car that touches the road—treat them well! Under-inflated tyres wear unevenly and can blow out. When you’re fuelling up, take an extra two minutes to check tyre pressure. Better yet, keep a portable pressure gauge in your glove box and check it monthly at home. While you’re at it, look at your tread. Bald tyres are not only illegal—they’re dangerous.

Check Your Fluids: It’s Easier Than You Think

Coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine oil—these are all essential to your car’s function. Even if you don’t consider yourself handy, it’s not hard to read levels. Dipsticks are marked, and most reservoirs are transparent. Make a point to check fluids a few weeks at a time, especially if you drive a lot.

Don’t ignore a warning light or rise in temperature—it may just get you out of a breakdown.

Make Sure All Lights Are Working

Faulty brake lights or headlights are more than a nuisance—they can get you cited or worse, be the cause of an accident. Make it a habit to walk around your car once a month and test all the lights. If possible, use reflective windows or have a friend double-check that all is well.

Listen To Your Brakes—They’re Talking To You

If your car screeches, squeals, or grinds when braking, it’s not just being dramatic. Brake pads are built to make noise when they’re worn out. Ignoring them means you’re risking rotor damage—or even brake failure. Regular servicing will catch this, but it helps to be aware between appointments.

Don’t Skip Services

We get it—life gets hectic and skipping a service appointment seems harmless. But that quick visit to the mechanic can prevent major headaches later. Engine trouble, brake failure, overheating—these are expensive and dangerous issues that regular maintenance often catches before they escalate.

Stay ahead of the curve, and you’ll likely avoid needing a car towing Melbourne service anytime soon.

Bonus: Use Your Senses

Feel something weird in the steering? Hear a clunk under the hood? Smell something burning? Trust your gut. Your senses are powerful tools when something’s going wrong. Pull over safely, pop the hood, and don’t hesitate to call a 24-hour tow truck if things seem off.

When Prevention Fails—We’re Here To Help

Even when you get everything right, occasionally things do go wrong. Melbourne traffic, potholes, or just plain bad fortune can have you in a bind. That’s when a fast, reliable 24-hour tow truck is your hero. At Maningham Towing, we pride ourselves on fast service and careful attention. If you’re stuck on the freeway or stranded in your driveway, we’re only a phone call away.

Preventive car maintenance on your part saves you time, money, and frustration. It keeps you and your family safe, too. Take these tips to heart as part of your routine, and hopefully you won’t ever have to use our services—but in case you do, you’ll know who to call.