Cars may not talk, but they are willing to tell you when something is going wrong. If you ignore the common signs of car trouble, you could end up with more expensive repairs and serious safety hazards down the road.
Whenever the dashboard warning lights come on, you hear a strange sound or the car doesn’t seem to perform as well as it should, you need to pay attention. Of course, if the problems remain consistent despite your attempts to have them repaired, you may be facing a lemon vehicle.
The Lemon Pros are experts in defective vehicles and getting compensation. With a practice area centered on lemon cars, our team of professionals has secured millions in settlements for our clients in California. Contact us today for your free consultation to see what you are entitled to.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover the warning signs you need to know about. From the Check Engine Light to a coolant leak or strange sounds, we show you why promptly addressing warning signs is in your best interest. In addition, we discuss when it’s time to take action and start a Lemon Law claim.
If you’ve recently bought a car and it’s already acting up, you are not alone. New car issues are more common than you may think. Before we dive into the top 10 warning signs, you may also want to check out our guide on how long it takes to get a car serviced, just so you know what to expect.
Modern cars are equipped with a self-run diagnostic system for many of the major components. When there’s a fault, a warning light will illuminate on the dashboard to tell you something is wrong. Here are some of the most common warning lights and their meanings:
Your owner’s manual should show you the varying lights your car offers, or you can find the information online specific to your vehicle. Once a warning light comes on, you need to have the codes scanned with a special computer to find out what the fault is.
Repairs should be made immediately to prevent further damage. For example, by continuing to run an engine with faulty spark plugs, you allow damage to the catalytic converter, which can be extremely expensive to replace.
It’s important to listen to the sounds coming from your vehicle, as these can tell you early on if there’s a problem. Here are a few common sounds you may encounter:
When dealing with strange noises, it’s important to pinpoint where they are coming from. Once you narrow down the system involved, it will be much easier to determine what needs to be fixed.
Vibrations while driving could indicate simple tire issues or larger suspension problems. There could also be brake issues involved, especially if the shaking is noticed most when pushing on the brake pedal.
To prevent costly repairs and ensure everyone’s safety, you want to have the vehicle inspected immediately. Ignoring these signs can cause faster wear on other parts and make driving more dangerous over time.
Automotive fluid leaks are not only bad for the environment but also put stress on the system that has low fluid levels. The easiest way to determine what’s leaking is to look at the color of the fluid.
Fluid leaks can lead to serious damage if left unchecked. Low fluid levels can cause overheating, loss of lubrication or even complete system failure in parts like the engine, brakes or transmission.
When the vehicle’s performance is lacking, it’s a sure sign that something is wrong. You may notice difficulty accelerating when you push down on the gas pedal, engine stalling or reduced fuel efficiency.
These problems are often related to the fuel system, engine problems or the ignition system, such as the spark plugs or coils. There may also be a clogged filter that needs to be replaced.
By continuing to run the engine like this, you not only lose money because of the drop in fuel economy, but you also face larger repairs later that are going to drain your bank account.
Just as you want to pay attention to bad sounds, you should also be on high alert for unfamiliar odors. Here are some common smells that occur during car problems:
If you notice a strange smell, don’t ignore it. Odors can signal serious problems under the hood. Pull over safely, check for visible leaks or smoke and have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.
If the car suddenly has difficulty steering, you notice a wheel pulling or if there’s excessive looseness, you should also pay attention. The wheel alignment may be off or there could be low tire pressure, both of which affect the vehicle's safety. There’s also the chance that there is a power steering fluid leak occurring.
First, you should make sure you have properly inflated tires. If all looks well with the tires, we recommend having a technician inspect the car to prevent potential safety hazards.
If you notice trouble stopping when you apply the brake pedal, there could be issues with the system. You may also notice squeaky brakes or a spongy pedal. Brake fluid leaks are a common reason for trouble stopping, along with worn brake pads or rotors.
Because of the critical safety implications of braking problems, it’s vital to have a professional inspection performed. Expert brake services will include a complete evaluation of the system. The technician will look at the pads, rotors, brake lines and master cylinder to find any problems.
Transmission fluid leaks, delayed shifting, slipping gears and unusual sounds should all be looked at immediately. Car owners may be able to have a low-cost fix if the problem is caught early on and can prevent a transmission replacement, which is expensive and time-consuming.
To keep the car running smoothly and to prevent transmission problems, regular maintenance is critical. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for transmission service, including flushes.
If you see a dashboard light, such as the stability control light, you may only be looking at an electrical problem. With today’s sophisticated cars, the electrical system is responsible for keeping the engine running smoothly. You may notice dimming lights, malfunctioning accessories or battery problems, apart from the engine issues.
In some cases, a code scanner will be needed to read trouble codes. If the engine cranks slowly or won’t start at all, there may be an issue with the charging system, such as the battery or alternator. Otherwise, it may be something related to the ignition system, such as a faulty starter motor, a bad ignition key or other electrical components.
You can try to replace the battery to see if that fixes the issue, but most of these problems should be dealt with by a professional mechanic.
There are many types of problems covered by the Lemon Law in CA, so it’s important to know what may be included. Here are some criteria to keep in mind:
While most Lemon Law claims are for new cars, there are some provisions for used cars as well. To file a used car Lemon Law claim in CA, the vehicle would need to be covered under a warranty.
What is a lemon car and can you expect compensation? To qualify for coverage in California, your vehicle must:
If you live outside of California, you want to research local laws as some states don’t have the same level of protection for consumers. Some problems that may lead to a Lemon Law claim include, but are not limited to:
It’s vital that you know what to do if you have a lemon because time is of the essence. For this reason, we believe that you need a lawyer for Lemon Law claims.
Yes – if your vehicle qualifies under California’s Lemon Law provisions, you may be entitled to a full or partial refund. The average Lemon Law settlement in California is between $40,000 and $50,000, but these amounts depend on your type of car and the defect.
A Lemon Law buyback may include the full purchase amount, your down payment, already made monthly payments, the loan payoff, registration fees, sales tax and towing or rental car costs, if applicable. You may also be entitled to a replacement vehicle that compares to what you are currently driving. In some cases, usually for minor faults, you may prefer the cash-and-keep settlement instead.
Hopefully, you’ve done your part to keep up with regular car maintenance and you should be able to expect a good-running vehicle. When that doesn’t happen, it’s time to take action. Whether you are dealing with a flashing Check Engine Light, a faulty oxygen sensor or other engine-related problems that can’t be repaired, it may be time to speak with an attorney.
The Lemon Pros are prepared to fight for your rights. As the best Lemon Law attorney in California, you can trust us to negotiate on your behalf as if it were our own case. We offer a free case evaluation and are ready to meet with you to estimate a settlement amount.
Unless you are a mechanic, you may not know the difference between a clogged radiator and severe engine damage. For that reason, it’s best to have an expert technician look at your car if you are experiencing trouble.
We recommend learning how to avoid a lemon car in the first place, so you never have to deal with these issues. Buy your vehicle from a reputable dealership and ask about the warranty coverage. It’s also good to perform a vehicle history check if you are purchasing a used car.
It can be difficult to know unless you are a mechanic. For example, a Check Engine Light can come on for something as simple as a loose gas cap, but it could also be some major issue with the vehicle’s wiring. You should never assume that you know what’s going on with the car’s engine or other critical parts. It’s always better to be safe and have it checked out.
If the seller doesn’t have the title or it’s not in their name, you should be wary. You also want to take a used car to a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection to see if there are any issues to be aware of. If the seller won’t let you take the car to a mechanic, you may want to purchase from someone else.
Lemon problems range from a rising temperature gauge and an overheated car because of a faulty water pump or other engine malfunctions. They could also be issues as simple as electrical glitches to body corrosion. Any significant defect that affects the safety, value or use is covered if the other requirements are met.
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