Top 13 Common Causes of Car Breakdowns in Western Australia

Western Australia’s heat, long country runs and stop-start traffic put extra stress on cars. And small faults can quickly become full-blown breakdowns. If you’ve ever been stranded with a dead battery on the Kwinana Freeway or a flat tyre outside Mandurah, you know how quickly a day turns into a headache.

This guide walks you through the 13 most common car breakdown causes in Perth/WA.

We’ll explore why each happens in WA conditions, how to prevent it, and what to do if it strikes. We’ll cover signs to watch for, quick fixes, and when to call in the professionals.

Read on for expert tips… and remember: South City Towing offers 24/7  breakdown towing service and roadside assistance in Perth. Call at 0492 013 846 anytime for immediate help.

Top 13 Common Causes of Car Breakdowns in Western Australia

These are the 13 things most likely to leave Perth drivers stranded on the road. Explore what they are, how to fix or avoid them, and when to call a towing service provider.

1. Dead or Dying Battery

Heat, short trips and aging cells make batteries the number-one cause of car breakdown in Perth.

Typical signs are a single click or slow cranking, dim dash lights, or electronics that won’t boot. They can get worse by long periods of sitting in hot conditions.

If your battery dies, try turning off all accessories and attempt a jump-start (or use a jump pack). Prevent by testing battery health at each service, replacing after 3–5 years, and taking regular highway runs to keep cells charged.

If a jump doesn’t work, call us for on-site jump-starts or battery replacement.

2. Flat Tyres & Blowouts

WA roads, heat and debris increase puncture and blowout risk. You may feel a sudden pull or loud bang, and handling will become unstable, especially at speed on highways or over pothole-ridden suburban streets.

If a tyre fails, slow down steadily and pull well off the road with hazards on. Change to a spare only if safe and you know how. Otherwise call us to get immediate breakdown help. We can assist with tyre changes or a tow. Prevent with monthly pressure checks, routine tread inspections and carrying a properly inflated spare.

3. Alternator Faults / Charging System Failure

The alternator keeps your battery charged while driving. In Perth’s stop-start traffic, heavy electrical loads can reveal alternator faults. Look for a battery/charge warning light, flickering lights or a stalling car that won’t recharge.

If charging fails, switch off non-essentials and get off the road before the battery dies. Regular electrical checks, belt inspections and servicing can prevent failure.

If the alternator won’t charge, call us to jump or tow you to a mechanic (flatbed if needed).

4. Engine Overheating / Cooling System Failure

Perth’s high temperatures and long idles can expose weak radiators, leaking hoses or failed thermostats, causing rapid temperature rises, steam or smell of coolant. Overheating can badly damage an engine if not handled quickly.

Stop immediately, turn off the engine and wait for it to cool before checking coolant (don’t open a hot radiator cap). Prevent with coolant checks, periodic system flushes and hose inspections. For persistent overheating, reach out to us for urgent recovery.

5. Running Out of Fuel / Empty Tanks

Long country distances and sparse fuel stops mean running dry is a common, avoidable breakdown on WA highways. Symptoms are sputtering, then complete engine cut-out as the tank empties.

Prevent by refuelling at ~¼ tank on long trips, planning fuel stops and carrying an approved jerry can for remote runs. If you run out, move off-road, set hazards and call for fuel delivery or a tow rather than trying risky walks. Contact us as we offer fuel delivery and towing.

6. Misfuelling & Fuel Contamination

Putting petrol in a diesel (or vice versa) or picking up contaminated fuel can cause immediate stalling, rough running or injector damage. Contaminants like water or debris are also common after heavy rains or at low-quality pumps.

If you suspect misfuelling, do not start the engine. Call for recovery immediately to avoid circulating bad fuel. Prevent by double-checking pump labels and using reputable stations.

Call us. We will tow your vehicle to a workshop for tank draining and repairs.

7. Ignition & Starter Motor Failure

When you hear a click or nothing at all despite a healthy battery, the starter motor or ignition circuit may be the culprit. A frequent issue in older cars or those with high stop/start usage.

Try basic checks (battery terminals, fuses) and a gentle tap to a stuck starter only if you know how; otherwise stop attempts to avoid flooding the engine. Regular inspections catch wear early. For a no-crank situation, call South City Towing to tow to an auto-electrician.

8. Locked Keys & Key Problems

Modern key fobs, dead fob batteries or keys left inside cause many breakdowns. A broken key or transponder issue leaves you stranded even if the car is perfectly drivable.

Keep a spare key in a safe place and check fob batteries regularly. If locked out, avoid breaking glass — call for professional lockout assistance.

We provide car lockout assistance or tow support for key issues.

9. Spark Plug Issues & Engine Misfires

Worn or fouled spark plugs and coils cause misfires, reduced power and poor fuel economy — common in heavy stop/start driving around Perth. Persistent misfires can damage the catalytic converter if left unchecked.

Replace plugs per service intervals, inspect coils and avoid excessive idling. If you experience rough idling or reduced power, pull over safely and get a tow to a garage for diagnosis. We will take you to a workshop for plug/ignition repairs.

10. Clutch Problems & Transmission Faults

Clutch slipping, gear grinding or automatic transmission failure often starts as difficulty changing gears or a burning smell. If left unresolved, these faults make a car undrivable. Heavy traffic and towing loads can accelerate wear.

Prevent by following service schedules, checking fluid levels and avoiding clutch “riding” in traffic. If gears won’t engage, stop driving and arrange a flatbed or tilt-tray to avoid further damage.

We offer tilt tray towing service for safe transportation of the transmission-fault vehicles.

11. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Problems

Diesel DPFs can clog if your driving is mostly short urban trips that prevent proper regeneration. A clogged DPF causes power loss and persistent warning lights, and can sometimes put the vehicle into limp mode.

Prevent by doing regular highway runs to allow regeneration and following service alerts promptly. If DPF warnings persist or the car goes limp, avoid repeated restarts and call us for a tow to a DPF specialist. We can move you to the right workshop.

12. Electrical Wiring & Blown Fuses

Rodents, corrosion or heat-stressed wiring can cause intermittent failures (lights, pumps, sensors). A blown fuse might disable critical systems like fuel pumps or headlights, leaving you stranded unexpectedly.

Check fuses if safe, but don’t keep swapping a fuse that keeps blowing; that’s a short. Protect wiring, secure battery terminals and have added electronics professionally fitted. For persistent electrical issues, call South City Towing to transport your car to an auto-electrician.

13. Accidents & Collision Damage

Collision damage, even minor, can produce hidden problems like steering, frame or brake damage and they make continued driving dangerous. After an impact, safety must come first.

Stop safely, call emergency services if anyone’s hurt, document the scene and avoid moving a badly damaged vehicle.

Or you can reach out to us. We provide specialist recovery for crashes with quick accident towing service or emergency towing service for secure 24/7 recovery and transport.

Quick Checklist: What to Do Immediately When Your Car Breaks Down in Perth

• Stay Safe: Pull over to a safe spot off the road and switch on hazard lights. Leave at least one wheel on pavement.
• Warn Others: Set up reflective triangles or flares a few meters behind your car if you have them.
• Gather Info: Note your exact location (kilometre markers, road names, GPS). Give clear details to the dispatcher, including your vehicle make/model, color and any visible damage.
• Document: Take photos of the scene and any damage (useful for insurance). Note your insurance details and breakdown membership (if any).
• Call for Help: Contact South City Towing, saying “Car breakdown” and giving your location asap.

Have the Car Breakdown in Perth guide handy for a checklist and more tips.

Car breakdown? Stuck on the side of the road in the Perth heat and don’t know what to do?

Call South City Towing: Get Fast, 24/7 Breakdown Towing Service in Perth

We are here to save your day – day or night.

We are fully WA-licensed and local, with a GPS-tracked fleet across Perth metro. Our drivers know WA roads and take pride in fast, professional service. In Perth metro we aim to dispatch within 30–60 minutes on average, even in peak hours (rural areas take a bit longer).

Got a battery that won’t charge? A flat tyre at midnight?

CALL NOW at 0492 013 846 | Book Online

We will either fix the problem on the spot or safely tow you and your vehicle to a nearby mechanic in Perth.

Car Breakdown FAQs

What should I do if my car breaks down in Perth?

Pull over safely out of traffic, switch on hazard lights and, if safe, exit the vehicle. Call for roadside breakdown help (South City Towing 0492 013 846) and give your exact location (road name/KM marker), vehicle make/model and a brief description of the problem.

What is the most common reason for a car to break down?

A flat or failing battery is the number one cause of breakdowns. You’ll usually hear clicking or slow cranking when the battery can’t turn the engine over.

How much does a breakdown tow cost in WA?

Costs vary by distance, vehicle type and time of day. Most providers charge a call-out fee plus a per-kilometre rate. On average, charge for light vehicle breakdown towing is $485 for the first 50km, with an additional $4.40 per kilometre after that. Contact South City Towing for an upfront, no-surprise quote.

Do you provide 24/7 breakdown towing in Perth?

Yes. We offer 24/7 breakdown towing and roadside assistance across Perth and surrounding suburbs, day or night.

How quickly can you reach me in Perth?

We dispatch the nearest GPS-tracked truck and aim for fast metro response times (typically around 30–60 minutes depending on traffic and location).

Can you jump-start a flat battery or do you only tow?

Yes. Our trucks carry jump-start kits and many dead batteries are fixed on the spot; if the battery or charging system has failed, we can tow you to a garage or replace the battery as needed.

Do you tow luxury, low-clearance or electric vehicles?

Absolutely. We operate tilt-tray/flatbed trucks ideal for low-clearance and luxury cars and have experience with EV recovery. Mention vehicle type when you call so we dispatch the right truck.