10 Common Problems in Used Cars and How to Fix Them

October 20, 2024

Are you ready to discover the most common problems in used cars nowadays? Do you want to own a car but do not have the funds to purchase a brand-new one? You can simply buy a used car, which is cheaper than buying a new one. But you should know that buying used cars can have some pitfalls.

Whether new or old, a car requires regular maintenance, especially when an issue arises. When you buy a used car, some problems could come with it. In situations like this, it is important to know the common problems in used vehicles. This knowledge will help you decide when to fix issues or call a professional.

If you have a problem with your car and ignore it for a long time, it can cause bigger issues and expensive repairs. But when you understand commonly used car problems, you can identify and immediately address the issue. This will help you save on maintenance and even extend the life of your car.

Key Takeaways

Used cars often have common issues. However, if you can quickly identify these issues, you can repair or manage them at a cheaper rate.

You can resolve or minimize these issues by consistently doing your routine checks and preventive maintenance.

Additionally, knowing the solutions to common car problems can help you save time and money.

Keep reading to learn more about the common problems with used cars. We will also discuss some used car maintenance tips and basic car repair tips.

Below are ten common used car problems:

1.  Engine Oil Leaks

Engine oil is one of the most important things that can make you enjoy your car for a very long time. An oil leak is the last thing that anybody wants for his vehicle.

This can damage your engine and lower oil pressure. It can also make you lose control of your car while driving. For this reason, it is important to know the causes of engine oil leaks so that you can make the necessary fixes.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of engine oil leaks include fluid leaking under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels. Once you begin to notice these things happening, you should take quick action to fix the problem.

Causes

Before fixing any problem, you should first know what caused it. So, it is important to know the leading causes of engine oil leaks. Worn seals, loose oil filters, and damaged oil pans can cause engine oil leaks.

Fixes

Because of how crucial engine oil is to your vehicle, you should be able to fix an oil leak. Here is how to fix it:

·    Check for visible leaks around the engine

·    Tighten the oil filter

·    Replace worn seals or gaskets

Prevention Tip: Pay attention and, regularly change your oil, and always monitor the oil level.

2.  Brake Wear and Tear

This is another common problem in used cars you can encounter when purchasing a new car, and it is very dangerous. If someone does not handle it immediately, it can cause serious accidents that could even lead to death.

Symptoms

Before your brake wears out, you may notice some warning signs. These include squealing sounds, strange noises, longer stopping distances, and a brake warning light. Once you notice these symptoms, then you should quickly get your brake fixed.

Causes

Some causes of this problem include worn brake pads, rotors, or callipers.

Fixes

You should not wait a second before fixing your brake when you notice that it is getting faulty. The steps that can be taken are as follows:

·    Inspect brake pads and rotors

·    Replace them if they have worn down

·    Bleed brake fluid if necessary.

Prevention Tip: Try to check your brake pads regularly and replace them when necessary.

3.  Battery Life and Corrosion

This is also one of the common problems in used cars. If you do not take care of your battery, it will slowly lose its life and may eventually fail. Corrosion on the battery terminals can make the battery not deliver power well.

Symptoms

Some signs will begin to appear before your battery finally stops working. For example, your car will not start, headlights will go dim, and you will have corroded battery terminals.

Causes

Some causes of battery failure include an old or weak battery, buildup of corrosion, and frequent short trips.

Fixes

Here are some things that you can do:

·    Check the battery terminals and clean off corrosion

·    Test battery strength

·    If your batter is over 3-4 years old, try to replace it.

Prevention Tip: Regularly check your battery terminals and keep the battery fully charged.

4.  Transmission Issues

Often, after buying a new used car you may face transmission issues from common problems in used cars. We need to fix these issues right away. This is because if the gearbox wears down, it may be difficult for you to change gears properly. Additionally, you may need to spend more money to fix it if not properly maintained.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of transmission issues include slipping gears, delayed shifting, and transmission warning lights.

Causes

A few things that could cause transmission issues are low transmission fluid and when transmission components have worn out.

Fixes

Follow the following steps to fix transmission problems:

·    Check and refill transmission fluid

·    Inspect transmission for leaks

·    Consult a mechanic if it needs serious repairs.

Prevention Tip: To avoid this problem, keep the transmission fluid at the right level. Change the fluid as recommended.

5.  Suspension Problems

After buying a used car, you might find that it has suspension issues. This is a common problem in used cars.

But if your car does not have such a problem, then that is good for you. No matter if your car has this problem, you should be able to spot it. You should know the causes, the steps to prevent it, and how to fix it.

Symptoms

The symptoms of suspension problems are a rough ride, noisy suspension, and uneven tyre wear.

Causes

The main causes of suspension problems are worn shocks, struts, or suspension bushings.

Fixes

To fix this problem, do the following:

·    Inspect struts and shocks for wear

·    Then replace all the worn-out components.

Preventive Tip: You can prevent suspension problems by checking the components during routine service.

6.  Electrical System Malfunctions

Electrical problems like faulty lights, faulty speakers, and more are also common problems in used cars. These issues, especially the lights, should be fixed quickly. Lighting is very important for safety, whether it is the headlight, indicator, or brake light.

Symptoms

Some signs that you will notice include faulty power windows, non-functional lights, and unstable dashboard lights.

Causes

Faulty fuses, worn wires, or battery issues can all cause your electrical systems to malfunction.

Fixes

To fix electrical system malfunctions, replace blown fuses, inspect the wiring, and replace the battery if necessary.

Prevention Tip: Periodically, the electrical components and fuses. This will help to extend the life of your car’s electrical system.

7.  Cooling System Failures

It is always frustrating to see that your newly purchased used car has a faulty cooling system. This is a common problem with used cars. Once you detect that your car’s cooling system is faulty, you should take the necessary steps to put it back in good working condition.

Symptoms

Here are some symptoms that show there could be a problem with your cooling system: Coolant leak, overheating engine, and temperature gauge hitting the maximum level.

Causes

Some causes of cooling system failures include clogged coolant hoses, leaking radiators, and failing water pumps.

Fixes

Here is how to fix this kind of problem:

·    Replace the damaged radiator

·    Check coolant levels

·    Flush the cooling system as needed.

Prevention Tip: To prevent this problem, you should regularly check coolant levels and inspect radiators and hoses.

8.  Tire Wear and Alignment Issues

Tire wear and alignment problems are very common in used vehicles. If you are not careful, you may be unfortunate to see that your newly bought used car has these issues. You might also be lucky enough that your vehicle did not come with any of these problems. Whatever the case is, you should be able to know when your car is developing tyre wear and alignment issues.

Symptoms

Here are some signs to let you know that your vehicle is developing tyre wear and alignment issues: steering pull, vibration at high speeds, and uneven tyre wear.

Causes

Some things that could cause your car to develop such issues are poor alignment, worn tyres, or imbalanced tyres.

Fixes

Here are the steps that can be taken to fix this problem:

·    Rotate tyres

·    Balance wheels

·    Perform wheel alignment

Prevention Tip: Regularly inspect your tyre condition and keep tyres properly inflated.

9.  Exhaust System Problems

This is another common problem in used cars, you may experience after buying a used car. If your car has this problem, you do not need to worry too much as it can be fixed. You need to fix it immediately so as not to cause a bigger problem in the long run and make you spend more.

Symptoms

The symptoms of exhaust system problems are rusted exhaust components, loud exhaust noise, and reduced fuel efficiency. If you notice any of these signs, you should quickly fix them.

Causes

Exhaust system problems can be caused by corrosion, loose exhaust pipes, or leaking exhaust manifolds.

Fixes

Follow the steps below to fix your car’s exhaust system problem:

·    Replace broken or rusted parts

·    Tighten loose pipes.

Preventive Tip: To prevent this issue, regularly inspect the exhaust system for leaks and rust.

10. Worn Out Spark Plugs

Worn-out spark plugs are also common problems in used cars. This means that if you are buying a used car, you might end up buying a car with this problem if you are not careful. We are going to highlight the symptoms, causes, and how to fix them, as well as give you a prevention tip.

Symptoms

If your car’s spark plugs wear out, you may experience rough idling, engine misfire, and poor fuel economy.

Causes

Old or dirty spark plugs or incorrect spark plug gaps can result in wear out.

Fixes

Fixing this issue can be simple. Here are what to do:

·    Replace bad spark plugs

·    Check the spark plug gap and set it correctly.

Preventive Tip: replace spark plugs as recommended in the car’s maintenance schedule.

FAQs: Common Questions about Used Car Problems

How can I tell if a used car has engine issues?

If a used car has engine issues, it will be making some noises, like knocking, backfiring, hissing, and popping. When you hear these sounds, then it means that the combustion flow has developed problems.

How often should I replace the battery in a used car?

Generally, the lifespan of car batteries is 4-5 years. But check with your car manufacturer to know the specific number of years that should pass before you replace the battery.

What causes an overheating car engine?

Your car engine can begin to overheat due to leaks in the cooling system, blocked hoses caused by mineral deposits or corrosion, damaged water pumps, or radiator issues.

Are transmission issues common in older cars?

Yes, transmission issues are common in older cars. However, apart from age, transmission problems can still happen if you do not maintain the car properly.

How much does it cost to replace brakes in a used car?

If you want to do a complete repair, which involves replacing the pads, callipers, and rotors, you may spend between $300 and $1000.

How can I extend the life of my used car?

To extend the life of your used car, you should consistently perform routine maintenance, use quality fluids and components, drive smoothly, know the signs of used car trouble, and fix used car issues as soon as you notice them.

When should I change spark plugs in a used car?

Since you do not know what kind of driver used the car before you bought it, the best thing to do is to change the spark plugs immediately after you purchase the used car.

Conclusion

Buying a used car can be cheaper than a new one. But, some problems could come with it. We have highlighted some common problems and symptoms of used car issues.

You need to be aware of these common issues and know how to fix them. Fixing used car issues is a constant thing.

Always remember repairing used car problems is a must so that you will not have to spend more money on larger and costlier repairs.

Also, when you are consistent and proactive in caring for your used car, this can help to extend its life and reliability. Follow the used car reliability tips mentioned in this post, and you will enjoy your vehicle for a long time.