There are a few things to do to prevent that.
- First, and most important, before downloading a new patch, remove your mods-folder from the game (just move it elsewhere for a few days)
- Second, keep an eye on Luthienrising's posts here: https://answers.ea.com/t5/Mods-CC-Issues/bd-p/the-sims-4-game-issues-mods-en - and keep an eye out for your mods and cc and/or their maker.
- If a mod or cc is updated, remove the old file and download the new updated file before using the mod again
In general:
- CC rarely breaks, unless new functions or animations are added to a particular type of object. In general it's usually safe and requires very little maintenance.
- MODS however break more often, how often depends on what type it is. I have mods I've never updated, while some break every single time there is a patch without fail and needs to be updated each and every time. You learn quickly which ones that is and if you want, it's easy to limit those to the ones you find important.
- Many modders are very good at updating their mods quickly so it's not a major thing, especially if you have few mods and choose them carefully.
