- January 05, 2025
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Category:
If you want to avoid hefty vehicle repair bills, addressing minor issues as soon as they appear is essential. Keeping your secondhand car in good condition is the best way to ensure your family's safety when on the road. No matter the make or model, all cars experience wear and tear. Usually, this includes minor, easily fixed issues.
The Tony Lahood Motors team has compiled the top 16 most common car problems. Read on to learn more.
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Warning light on dash: If a warning light appears on your dashboard, don't ignore it. This is often the first sign of an issue with your vehicle. Most cars will have a vehicle manual, so consult that first, but if your secondhand car doesn't come with a manual, book your vehicle into a service centre. They will check the system and repair it as required.
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Sputtering engine: If your engine is sputtering and jerking, it might indicate poor fuel, lack of oil, or several other issues. Please don't ignore it; you could end up with a seized engine, which is very expensive to replace.
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Shaky Steering Wheel: If your steering wheel shakes after you start the car and pull away, you may have damaged suspension components or wheel bearings. It's likely a tyre/wheel balance issue if the wheel shakes at high speed. Either way, these can become serious issues, so book your car into a service centre for a mechanical inspection.
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Worn brake pads: Brakes suffer wear and tear, and you must keep them maintained. Faulty brakes can cause serious accidents. Make sure any problem is resolved long before the brakes fail.
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Squeaking/grinding brakes: Any brake-related problems, including unusual noises or a soft brake pedal, must be assessed by a professional mechanic. While some minor issues can cause brakes to squeak or squeal, there is a more serious problem if you hear grinding.
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Flat tyres: Punctures happen and can be easily fixed. They can either be a slow leak or a complete puncture.
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Uneven wear on tyres: If one tyre wears more quickly on your used car, your wheels may require rebalancing, or the suspension may need realignment.
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Car consuming excess oil: Constantly topping up your oil? You might have a leak. Get it checked out. If the oil light comes on, check oil levels and book a service if you're concerned.
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Leaking radiator: Is there a pool of fluid under the car every morning? You might have a leaking radiator. These leaks are almost always caused by corrosion - book your vehicle in for a service.
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Engine overheating: Overheating in newer cars is rare, as their complex systems and sensors keep the vehicle's temperature just right. Regularly checking the water level in the radiator, especially on older used cars, is a cheap and easy way to prevent overheating problems.
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Cracked windscreen: Flying debris can crack your windscreen. Even tiny cracks have the potential to shatter, so call your insurance company and organise a replacement.
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Car blowing smoky exhaust: If you notice your car's blowing smoke from the exhaust pipe, book your vehicle in for a service.
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Slipping automatic transmission: If your automatic transmission is jerky or slips, there may be issues with the system's seals, gaskets and lines. Service your car, including the transmission, regularly to avoid this.
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Broken lights: Never ignore a broken car light, as they are imperative to your driving safety. Corrosion and wiring can affect the head, brake or indicator lights and must be fixed promptly. You can replace them or take your car to a respected service centre for assistance.
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Flat Battery: Flat batteries are inconvenient and often expensive. You may have left a door open or the lights on - whatever the reason, your roadside assistance will get you back on the road in no time. A flat battery can occur because it is old and has lost the ability to keep a charge, or it could be an alternator failure or problems within the charging system.
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Rust: Rust on the bodywork is unfortunate, as it affects the cosmetic appeal, but it's not dangerous. Rust underneath the car or on your exhaust could be another issue. If you spot rust under your vehicle, take it to a mechanic to investigate before it eats away at essential components.
Regular Services Will Keep Your Used Car in Good Condition
While some car models are more prone to specific issues than others, all cars require regular maintenance regardless of your vehicle. Paying attention to changes in your car's performance can save time and money and keep you driving safely. Regular maintenance ensures your car's fuel efficiency and safety.
Choose Tony Lahood Motors - The Best Used Cars in Australia
If you're considering servicing your vehicle, book your car at our Car Service Centre in Lidcombe. Tony Lahood Motors Lidcombe's skilled mechanics are experts in servicing, diagnosing, and repairing your vehicle. We also stock the best secondhand cars in Australia. We're experienced car sales dealers in Sydney.
Our car service centre is conveniently open from 8 am-4 pm Monday to Saturday. Find our workshop at 130B Platform, Lidcombe. Please book online or call us at 02 9748 2344 and speak with one of our friendly staff members.
