When you get a new car, the last thing you need is to hassle with defects. Although these things rarely happen, it’s still something to consider when making a purchase. Luckily, the US authorities are doing a great job of addressing this issue.
“In the last few years, the government is constantly pressuring manufacturers to produce better cars,” according to Wirtz Law, a California lemon law attorney. According to these professionals, a manufacturer is obliged to buy back your vehicle if they cannot repair a defective product.
Lawyers who specialize in motor vehicles advise their clients to check their cars right after making a purchase. Although some of these defects are hard to spot, these checkups are necessary not only for your wallet but also for your safety.
Here are the 8 most common car defects that might force you to return a new vehicle.
- Seat belts
When thinking about potential malfunctions, most people focus on things such as engines or batteries. However, having bad seat belts can be every bit as dangerous. In fact, this might be the most common defect that people encounter when purchasing a car.
Having good seat belts cannot be understated. They are your first line of defense in case of accidents and the first thing to check.
- Door mechanisms
People are shocked when they learn how many vehicles roll out of factories with malfunctioning doors. This problem was so frequent in the past the authorities even began a formal investigation in 2014.
Although doors are not as important for your safety, you shouldn’t neglect this issue. A small latch malfunction can quickly worsen, sometimes forcing consumers to change the whole door after just a few months of driving.
- Airbag
Speaking of safety, airbags are the second most important tool at your disposal. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize they have an airbag malfunction until it’s too late.
One of the most frequent issues is premature deployment. The airbag might suddenly pop out, obstructing your vision while on a busy highway. What’s even worse, they usually exact enormous force on the driver’s face and torso, leading to injuries. So, not only can you sustain injuries due to an accident, but also due to airbag trauma.
- Brakes
If there’s one thing that you don’t want to experience, that’s faulty brakes. Luckily, this is something you can easily check as soon as you buy a vehicle. You can perform a test run on an empty road, alternating speeds and suddenly breaking. Like all other parts of the vehicle, this is another thing covered by the lemon law.
- Steering wheel and elements
The most common issues with the steering system include drifting, trouble steering, rumbling, and screeching noises. Each of these is a clear indication that there’s something wrong with your vehicle.
Issues with the steering wheel are easy to spot. Even if the problem doesn’t seem drastic, make sure to react immediately. That small sound that you’re constantly hearing will quickly become louder, potentially forcing you to change the whole system.
- Ignition system
Fuel problems can cause massive fires, sometimes leading to lethal results. Unfortunately, there are lots of things that can cause an ignition system defect. For example, these accidents often happen due to a lacking a cut-off device.
Another problem with ignition system malfunctions is that it’s hard to detect them. If something like this happens to you, not only should you ask for repairs, but you should also seek legal compensation in case of injury.
- Tires
When talking about tires, most people think of holes in the rubber. Truth be told, there are numerous things that can happen to tires and wheels that could potentially lead to an accident. For example, tires might not have the right pressure. Another major problem is defective or misaligned suspension.
If you’re an experienced driver, it’s relatively easy to detect tire issues. Basically, you should pay attention to any unevenness during driving. Even if you don’t have experience with a particular model, you should notice any wonkiness while driving.
- Lights
Generally speaking, issues with lights are not as grave as some other entries on the list. Even if you notice the problem while driving, you can simply stop at a gas station and rest until the morning. Keep in mind that this is one of the more common malfunctions for new cars.
This issue is very easy to spot. Whether your new lights are blinking or not working at all, you should take immediate measures to address the problem. Lights, like every other part of the vehicle, should be replaced according to the lemon law.