Have you noticed something amiss with your vehicle while driving around Birmingham lately? Perhaps it’s not dealing with bumps as it once did, or the tyres seem to wear out more quickly than they should. If that rings a bell, you’re not alone. Indeed, drivers citywide contend with the type of problems — and Birmingham’s roads could be more responsible than you realize.
Birmingham is also among the UK’s busiest cities, with the ever-present roadworks and constantly changing weather and road surfaces. Even with regular servicing, these factors can be really tough on your car. No matter if you commute every day or only take your car out to the country on the weekends, knowing what’s going on under the hood and why it’s important can save you tons of stress and money.
So here’s a guide to the most common reasons cars fail to make it on Birmingham roads and what you can do about it.
Poor Road Conditions: The Silent Car Killer
Birmingham’s infrastructure is in perennial strain. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and constant resurfacing challenge vehicles to stay in optimal shape. Streets around areas around Digbeth, Ladywood, and even close to the city centre are quite often fairly tatty, particularly after winter. Your suspension and tyres get the battering first when your car goes over these rough spots over and over.
Even a minor pothole can throw your wheels out of alignment. In the long run, that causes uneven tyre wear, bad steering control and a bumpier ride. You probably don’t realize it immediately, but your vehicle definitely does.
If you’ve ever hit the A38 or driven through tunnels near Aston and felt your steering tugging slightly to one side, chances are it’s a sign your alignment’s out. This slight tug can affect you in terms of tyre replacements, or even fuel efficiency, if you leave it in an unchanged state.
Traffic and Stop-Start Driving
Birmingham’s traffic isn’t merely vexing: It also takes a toll on your vehicle. Stop-start driving, particularly during peak times on roads like the Bristol Road or in the Bullring area, adds strain to your brakes and engine components.
City traffic wears your brake pads down at an accelerated pace. And, the more you brake and accelerate in short bursts, the more of your clutch and engine parts you wear out. When your car suddenly feels less responsive or the brakes begin squeaking or grinding, it may not be a symptom of bad driving — simply that Birmingham traffic can extract a toll on vehicles.
Brake-related faults are among the top issues facing UK drivers in urban environments, RAC reports.
Heavy Rain and Weather Impact
Let’s be honest — Birmingham weather isn’t always generous. For example, as you drive through the rain, water can reveal defects by pooling in low-lying streets or older sections of the road. Tyre grip is reduced on wet roads which in turn increases the chances of your car sliding out or handling poorly.
Wear your tyres down even a little and they will have real difficulty keeping in traction on wet roads in Birmingham. You’ll feel it the most during sudden deceleration or while turning in an intersection.
Ever tried braking on Pershore Road during a torrential downpour and have it take longer for your car to stop? That’s probably because of less grip — and it’s a warning to inspect your tyres before it goes more seriously wrong.
Humidity can also seep into your electrical devices. A malfunctioning ABS sensor or scarily dim headlights could be the result of water damage, especially if your car has been parked in a flooded or poorly drained area.
Speed Bumps and Suspension Damage
Birmingham’s residential neighborhoods and school zones are full of speed bumps. There great at keeping everyone safe, but are also a nightmare on your car’s suspension if you go over them too quickly — or don’t see them coming.
Every time you drive over a speed bump too quickly, you’re punishing your suspension to absorb more shock than it’s designed to. This ultimately destroys components like struts, shock absorbers and coil springs.If your vehicle starts bouncing more than it used to over bumps, or if you hear the occasional clunking noise, have it checked.
One customer at Mechamz came in complaining the car had dull handling and the rattling noise. It turned out a speed bump had broken one of his rear suspension arms. Bad luck, yes, but it’s a common problem, especially if your daily commute takes anywhere near Erdington or Sparkbrook.
Engine Trouble from Short Trips
Birmingham is a city characterized by short distance driving. If you’re nipping to the shops in Selly Oak or doing school runs in Kings Heath, these short journeys don’t allow your engine to properly reach its operating temperature.
There is a specific temperature an engine runs best at. In particular, if you do a number of short trips constantly, you do not get your engine oil hot enough to clean the system effectively. Over time, this can cause buildup in the engine, clogged filters and poor fuel economy.
If the fuel mileage of your car has dropped or it feels sluggish, you may be to blame for your short trips. An appointment for a full health check every few months can help catch these early signs before they develop into more serious problems.
What You Can Do to Stay Ahead
The good news? Most of these problems can be controlled, or even avoided, with routine inspections and a little attention.Monitoring tyre pressure, topping up fluids and getting timely services can significantly affect how your car treks the roads of Birmingham.
At Mechamz, we have assisted hundreds of local drivers in getting back behind the wheel! Whether it’s the suspension check, brake pad replacement, or even full diagnostics, we know exactly what Birmingham cars experience—and we’re here to ensure you catch the problem ahead of the game.