When your car breaks down at the side of the road over and
over again, you may eventually need to make a decision to replace the car
rather than constantly paying for repairs. But getting to the bottom of the
repeated breakdowns could help you decide whether the car is likely to keep
causing problems or whether it just has had a poor run of luck.
Learn about some reasons why a car could keep stranding you
time and time again.
1. Neglected Maintenance
Many cars are neglected in some way. Some car owners simply
don't have the budget for great maintenance, while others could be misinformed
about car care. Some maintenance tasks that are vital to your car's continued
operation include:
- Changing the engine oil
- Changing coolant and other engine fluids
- Repressurizing or replacing tires
These, and many other maintenance tasks, need to be
performed regularly if you want to avoid a car malfunction. For instance, a tire
that's low on pressure could eventually become a flat tire, stranding you on
the side of the road.
2. Undisclosed Damage
If you buy a car used, you need to be able to trust the
seller. If you simply buy a car from a local individual based on an online
listing, you could end up inheriting problems that the seller didn't bother to
disclose. You can try to avoid this problem by working out a deal where you
only pay for the car if your mechanic clears it first.
However, an even better bet is to buy from a reputable car
reseller. Make sure you find a used car dealer who is appropriately licensed.
3. Poor Quality Work
Repairs and maintenance can also affect your car's
reliability if done poorly. For instance, choosing a backyard handyman to fix
your car just to save money could result in inexpert work or even cutting
corners. If you don't know enough about cars to check up on your mechanic's
work every time, you need to be able to trust the mechanic with your life.
4. Hard Operating Conditions
Hostile driving conditions and poor driving habits can make
your car wear out faster, which could cause early failure of some parts. Some
examples of extreme conditions include driving on a dusty road or doing a lot
of stop-and-start city driving. Temperature extremes, heavy load towing, and
even short commutes can also qualify as extreme conditions.
Stop-and-start driving may, for instance, increase wear on
the brakes. Engine fluids are another common victim of extreme driving
conditions. If you don't sufficiently allow for the conditions you drive in,
your vehicle could end up needing more repairs.
5. Age
Like any other piece of machinery, your car will likely
become less reliable over the years. Different components have different
expected lifespans, so if you use a car that's a couple of decades old, some of
the older parts are more likely to fail than if you bought a newer model.
Although this effect can be somewhat mitigated by regular
maintenance, even a well-maintained car will need more repairs and be more
likely to break down as it ages.
6. Known Model Failings
Some models of cars are known to be prone to certain
problems. For example, Volkswagen Jettas are known to frequently experience
difficult-to-diagnose failure to start. In some cases, common model failings could
be due to manufacturing or design problems, and you may want so simply choose
another model of car rather than constantly fighting your car's inclinations.
If you don't think your car's recurring problems are from a
solvable issue, consider simply replacing the car. For more information on
buying a used car or the repairs and maintenance we perform, contact Euroclassics,
LTD., today.
