A car is a machine with which people have close bonds, and it is one of the biggest purchases a common person makes. A significant part of their savings is put into this purchase, so the car is bound to offer optimum safety and reliability. But what happens sometimes is, unfortunately, your new ride won’t be able to live up to these expectations, owing to some manufacturing defects.
If you bought a new or gently used car and only came to know about these defects later, it’s still not too late. In such cases, you may hire lemon lawyers in Bakersfield, CA, as they can help you fight for your rights. But before that, you must know how to spot the warning signs of a defective car.
Having to Do the Same Repair Again and Again
This is one of the major red flags you need to be aware of. If you have to keep doing the same repair again and again, something is really off. For instance, the engine may keep stalling, or the electrical systems may keep failing. You should know that this can’t be just bad luck. Meanwhile, always keep detailed records each time you take your car in for repair. These documents can be vital in court when you try to prove your case later.
Warning Lights That Won’t Stay Off
Warning lights are supposed to indicate to you in case there are any issues with your car. So, what does it mean if they refuse to turn off?. A check engine light that constantly turns on, or warning lights for brakes, airbags, or oil pressure that won’t stay off, is a major red flag. Here, the case may be that the car dealer keeps resetting the light without fixing the root cause. If so, it is evidently the sign of a deeper problem.
Uneven or Excessive Tire Wear
Tires give away a lot about a car’s condition. You might think that replacing the tire might be the easy way out, but the real problem lies in what caused this wear in the first place. For instance, signs of uneven or unusual tire wear can be a hint that something is wrong with the alignment, the car’s suspension, or even the car’s frame. Feel around the tire’s surface to find any bald spots or suspicious patterns. If you find anything, hire a mechanic immediately and inspect the undercarriage for any hidden damage.
Fluid Leaks Under the Car
You never ignore a puddle found under your car. Fluid leaks must not be taken lightly, as they can prove to be fatal very soon. Common fluids that leak include oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant. Even after taking your car to the mechanic multiple times, if the leak is not fixed, it’s time to push back. This could point to a serious defect that qualifies under California’s lemon law.
Failing Safety Features
If your airbags, seat belts, or anti-lock brakes don’t function properly, you’re driving an unsafe vehicle, and you don’t want that. If you face any recurring issues with any of the safety equipment, it is a huge red flag. So, get it checked promptly and keep all service reports to show the issue wasn’t fixed.
Unreliable Electrical Systems
The cars these days come with a lot of electrical components. If any single component fails to do its function, it might affect the performance of the whole system. The issues include flickering headlights, doors that won’t lock, and windows that won’t roll up. Even with multiple expert interventions, if the issue still persists, it is safe to assume there’s a serious defect. Faulty wiring can also be a fire hazard, so don’t ignore this warning sign.
Dealer or Manufacturer Fails to Address the Issue Properly
Good customer service never keeps the customer hanging. Hence, if you receive a lukewarm response from the customer service department of the dealership, it is a big “no-no”. Do they ignore your calls? Keep promising to fix the issue, but never do? Or do they keep your car for weeks but hand it back with the same problem? If you feel like you’re being ignored, it is about time you get professional help. Lemon lawyers can step in and hold the manufacturer accountable.
More than just being an inconvenience, a defective vehicle is a threat to your life. So, if you face any of these issues mentioned above, research lemon lawyers in Bakersfield, CA, and hire the best expert. California has strong lemon laws to protect vehicle buyers. If your vehicle is still under warranty, has a serious defect, and hasn’t been properly fixed after a reasonable number of tries, you may be entitled to a replacement or refund. So, know your rights, watch for these warning signs, and take action when you need to.