Some people avoid buying used cars, citing potential maintenance issues as the reason. But new cars, though absolutely faultless and with more advanced transmissions, aren’t immune to frequent issues as well.
If you’re a new driver buying your first car, you’ll likely start noticing problems within the first three years of owning your auto. Your city’s most trusted auto mechanic shop can solve any problem, but you still need to check for small issues that can be resolved quickly, without spending for professional repairs.
Also, many issues in cars — modern and older models — have already been present for a while now, despite engineers continually modernizing transmissions and other engine functions. That said, let’s run through those common problems, and what causes them.
1. Flat Tire
Flat tires are a result of different causes, including punctures and the tires themselves not holding enough air. With a spare tire, you can quickly replace the flat one, but it doesn’t improve convenience by much. You’re still going to be late for work or school, especially if you’re already in a rush.
But aside from a spare tire, you also need a four-way cross lug wrench and a jack. No worries, because most cars already come with both.
2. Exhaust or Emission Control System Problems
In a survey by Which?, a U.K. consumer association, problems in the exhaust or emission control system are found to be the top issue undergone by thee-year-old cars.
The primary function of the emission control system is to limit the release of toxic gases, such as nitrogen oxides. Issues in this system are supposedly caused by wear and tear, but based on the survey results, such isn’t the case.
Indicators of exhaust problems include power loss and thick plumes of smoke. Your dashboard will also flash a warning light.
3. Faulty Battery
Battery issues commonly spring up in older vehicles, but 3% of the Which? survey respondents also reported it happening to their new cars.
But cars nor their batteries aren’t the ones to blame for this issue. Most of the time, it’s the drivers’ habits, such as leaving the head and tail lights on, drain the battery. They may also habitually forget unplugging their devices from their autos before hopping off. Hence, if you’re a new driver, be sure to check the lights and plugged devices first before switching off the engines.
4. Sat Navigation Failures
If your new car has a sat nav system, you probably paid high for that extra feature. But be on high alert, because an unusually high percentage of new cars reportedly experienced sat nav failures, according to the Which? survey.
Problems in the navigation system will be pretty obvious, so pay attention and immediately have any malfunctions repaired.
5. Brake Failures
Faulty brakes are a serious safety hazard, so they have to be identified early. Preventive maintenance services usually detect brake issues, but since your auto is new, it isn’t likely to be due for servicing yet, so you have to spot the signs yourself.
If your brakes emit a grinding noise or vibrations, or your car veers to one side each time you step on the brake pedal, then those are potential signs of mechanical brake failures.
6. Technological Issues
J.D. Power’s annual Vehicle Dependability Study found that modern vehicles less than three years old often experience in-vehicle connectivity and voice recognition issues. Seems that technological advancements have made drivers scratch their heads in frustration, with their autos taking too long to connect and misinterpreting their voice commands.
If you just splurged for a brand-new car with superb electronic features, don’t be disheartened by these common issues. As long as you’re a responsible driver and car owner, you can save your vehicle from costly problems, and your safety on the road can be assured.