Top 10 Most Common Car Problems

As vehicles age, it’s not uncommon for mechanical issues to pop up more frequently than they once did before. This is due in part to overall wear and tear based on how often you use your vehicle, what you use it for, and how well you have kept up on its routine maintenance over the years.

Despite our every effort to reduce the amount of mechanical issues we have on our older vehicles, they are unfortunately, inevitable. That’s why when your car or truck has reached a certain age, you should considering whether or not doing heft repairs is really worth the time and money.

For everything that can’t be fixed, isn’t worth fixing, or anything in between, there’s More Cash For Scrap. We offer MORE cash for scrap cars than any other scrap car removal company in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

Top 10 Most Common Mechanical Issues on a Car

Vehicles don’t have to be old to start experiencing frequent mechanical issues. Some are newer vehicles, but high a really high number of kilometres on them. While others are not that old, but are prone to recalls and mechanical failures, which have a tendency to ripple throughout the vehicle for a variety of reasons.

Knowing what the most common car problems are, how to spot them, and what to do about them is critical in deciding whether or not to scrap your car or sell it.

The Most Common Mechanical Issues on Vehicles Are:

1. Engine Problems

Definitely the biggest problem people experience with older vehicles is an engine issue. The most common engine problem being overheating.

Engine overheating usually occurs as the result of another problem such as coolant leaks, a malfunctioning thermostat, a problem with your water pump, or low oil caused by burning or leaking oil.

All of these smaller problems can created one really big and expensive problem to repair. So, if you’ve noticed your oil levels are low, or that you have puddles under your car when parked, get your vehicle into a professional mechanic for an inspection. The trick to saving yourself thousands of dollars in repair is catching engine issues early.

In fact, many of the scrap cars we buy are the result of engine problems. Whether it’s a dead engine, an engine that’s burning oil or has several leaks, or simply isn’t firing right. Fortunately for our customers, we always pay MORE cash for scrap cars than anyone in Vancouver!

2.Brake Problems

Brake issues can happen to even the most well-maintained vehicle. However, it’s a common problem on vehicles with a higher number of kilometres, or vehicles that are older.

Although brake replacement and maintenance are a regular part of vehicle upkeep, when an essential repair is needed, it can be costly. Signs that you need to have your brakes service include:

• Squealing
• Grinding
• Shaking while breaking
• Squeaking
• Thumping
• Reduced braking power
• Brakes that stick
• ABS light is on
• Check engine light is on

Another sign that something could be wrong with your brakes is if your e-brake isn’t supporting the weight of your vehicle well while parked on hills. When one thing goes, more usually follows. So, do yourself a favour and don’t ignore the signs of brake problems when they first present themselves.

3. Malfunctioning or Failed Starter

For whatever reason, it seems like the starter always goes when we are caught in one of Vancouver’s freak rainstorms, or when we are trying to leave a Christmas party before the snow gets too bad to drive.

Fortunately, there are signs and symptoms to watch our for when your starter is starting to go. Knowing what to look for is key in preventing yourself from being stranded at the most inopportune times.

Signs Your Starter is Going:

• There’s a delay from when you turn the ignition key, to when your vehicle actually begins to start
• You periodically only get a clicking sound instead of the sound of start up
• A grinding or whining noise when you turn the key to start your car
• The obvious, your engine not actually starting
• Smoke and/grinding when starting the motor

Starters isn’t exactly a big issue when it comes to getting it repaired or replaced, but it’s usually a sign that your vehicle is aging, and things are starting to fail. When you’ve got a lot of miles on your car, and age stacked against it as well, it may be time to consider scrapping your car and getting a new one. More Cash For Scrap are the ones to call because we always pay MORE cash for scrap cars than any other scrap car removal company in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

4. Exhaust System Issues

We’ve all heard an extremely loud vehicle racing down the street at one point or another. And sometimes, what we expect isn’t what shows up. What may sound like a loud powerful vehicle, can actually be something small, old, and experiencing exhaust system issues.

Additionally, some people actually get their vehicles to sound like that on purpose, so it may be an intended exhaust system issue! Either way, exhaust system issues are quite common, and need a professional mechanic to evaluate it, like our friends at Minit Tune & Brake in Kitsilano.

Here are some of the most common signs that your exhaust system needs some attention:

1.Rust – Rust leads to corrosion which leads to leaks. You can buy a spray to help protect your vehicle’s exhaust system from developing excessive rust prematurely. For those who drive more often and in wetter weather (like Metro Vancouver), you are more prone to rust on your exhaust system.

2.Leaks – As stated a moment ago, leaks can be caused by rust. They can also be caused by damage or loose components. Keeping your exhaust system free of leaks means keeping up on regular routine maintenance. Just like you try to avoid skipping your doctor’s visits, avoid skipping your car’s mechanic’s visits.

3.Block Catalytic Converter – A block converter can cause all kinds of issues with your vehicle. From poor performance and a serious lack of power to toxic fumes leaking into your cabin. If you start noticing a rotten egg type of smell in your car while driving, open your window, and get your car to a mechanic a.s.a.p.

4.Loose Mounts and/or Brackets – While these are necessarily catastrophic at the onset, they can lead to major repairs if not addressed in time. Fortunately, a loose bracket or mount is quite easy to notice as you’ll hear a rattling sound that is very prominent while driving.

5. Malfunctioning Sensors

It’s not unusual for a sensor to go on your car. It’s a delicate component that while small, does a lot for our car.

Sensors like the Throttle Position Sensor, or TPS for short, are responsible for controlling your vehicle’s speed. If you notice erratic acceleration, rough idling, or random surges while driving, it could be that your TPS needs replacing.

Other sensors like your O2 sensor are responsible for controlling your vehicle’s air to fuel ratio. When the sensor is malfunctioning, you’ll notice rough idles, poor engine performance, and a noticeable decrease in fuel economy. When you are experiencing any of these issues, get your car checked sooner rather than later.

6. Alternator Issues & Electrical Problems

This is a very common issue, and also one of the most dreaded for drivers and mechanics alike. When you experience electrical problems of any kind on a vehicle, it can be tough to diagnose. One thing leads to another which leads to another, and finding the source of the problem can be a nightmare. You’ll end up paying more in labour costs to resolve the issue than you ever will on parts.

Even a standard alternator replacement isn’t what it used to be. Once upon a time you could replace an alternator for a couple hundred dollars. Now, some vehicles cost upwards of $1800 to replace the alternator, and that’s IF that is the source of your electrical problems.

We see so many vehicles that come through our scrap car removal company that were perfectly good cars, until they suffered an electrical failure. If you are one of the unfortunate people to have a car with electrical issues, talk to our team today. We can offer you MORE cash than any other local scrap car buyers in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

7. Radiator Leaks

If you’re noticing random leaks that are green or orange, you could have a radiator leak. Also, if you notice your vehicle’s temperature gauge rising and the coolant levels dropping, you may need to get it replaced.

Without getting your radiator serviced at the first sign of trouble, you could end up with a dead engine due to overheating issues. The radiator is a vital part of your vehicle’s cooling system, and without it, your car can’t run properly.

Once your radiator goes, It only takes a few minutes for your vehicle’s engine to overheat. If you’re driving along and suddenly notice that your car’s temperature is steadily climbing, pull over immediately and allow your vehicle to cool down. Then, get it into a mechanic promptly.

8. Air Conditioning Problems

This is a very common problem that most of us won’t even address until it’s 40 degrees out in the midst of August in Metro Vancouver.

With annual forest fires now being a thing, you’d think the majority of us would be prepared to deal with excessive heat. Yet many people still fail to have their car air conditioning serviced before it’s too late.

Air conditioning problems can be very expensive to repair, or they can also be on the simpler side. It takes a professional to know exactly what needs replacing or repairing. Repairs can run anywhere from $300 all the way up to $3,000 for a complete air conditioning replacement on a vehicle.

If you’re experiencing any kind of A/C problems on an older vehicle and are expecting a massive bill from your mechanic to fix it, sell your car to us instead. We always pay MORE cash for cars with air conditioning problems than any other scrap car removal companies in the Lower Mainland.

9. Worsening Gas Mileage

When you buy a vehicle brand new off the lot, the salesman will generally promote the exceptional gas mileage it gets, along with any other bonuses that come from its fuel economy. However, as a vehicle ages, the gas mileage slowly starts dropping.

What was once 7.0L/100km is now easily 8.5L/100km in the city, and highway mileage is nowhere near what it used to be. That’s because a vehicle’s engine experiences build up in a variety of places including injectors, valves, pistons, and even cylinder walls.

Also, other unknown mechanical issues can affect your fuel consumption. Things like:

• Malfunctioning sensors
• Exhaust system issues
• Clogged oil filter or fuel filter
• Clogged or dirty fuel injectors
• Clogged or dirty air filter
• Damage to your piston rings
• Wrong engine oil in your car
• Brake issues like stuck brakes

If you have noticed that you’ve been spending more at the pump than you once did, you may need to get your vehicle checked for possible mechanical issues that could be contributing to reduced gas mileage.

10. Battery Issues

Without your car’s battery, your vehicle simply wouldn’t run. It works in synch with your car’s alternator to provide your vehicle and all the electrical components with electricity. So, needless to say, if your battery isn’t working correctly, neither will your car.

Corrosion on the connectors is a very common issue that can cause your battery to stop working properly, or at all. Corrosion usually happens when battery acid gets on the connectors and along the top of the battery. This eats away at the connectors and makes it impossible for the electricity to get through.

Most batteries are relatively inexpensive to replace, but some vehicles’ batteries cost upwards of $400. If you have the option to get a warranty with your battery purchase, do so. It could save you money in the long run.

Cash For Cars with Mechanical Issues in Vancouver

With so many things that can go wrong with your car, Vancouverites are lucky to have a scrap car removal company like More Cash For Scrap.

We always offer MORE cash for cars with mechanical issues and electrical problems. Unlike some scrap car buyers in Vancouver who will deduct money off the price of your car depending on the issues it has, we don’t. We simply offer the most cash for cars in any condition and with any problems.

Want to Know How Much Your Scrap Car is Worth?

All it takes is a simple call, text, or email to find out what your junk vehicle could be worth. Provide our team with the make, model, year, condition, and location of your car. Then, we’ll present you with an instant cash offer right over the phone!

If you accept our offer, we’ll dispatch our free junk car towing service to come pick up your car that same day. We are also happy to accommodate specific days and times if you need them also. We operate 7 days a week, from 7:00am to 11:00pm, and even work on most statutory holidays as well.

Call us today and find out for yourself why we’ve been the #1 scrap car removal company in Vancouver since 2005.

What Are the Most Difficult Mechanical Issues to Diagnose on a Car?

For anyone who drives a used vehicle, or even one that is simply starting to age, you are probably more than aware that older vehicles come with their fair share of “quirks”. Things that weren’t present suddenly are, and things that once worked well have slowly started not to. That’s because like almost anything in this world, a vehicle only has a certain shelf life.

However, unless you are a mechanic, or have money in your pocket to burn, repeatedly taking your car into the shop can not only be expensive, but it can also be frustrating.

That’s why it’s a good idea to Google the symptoms of your vehicle beforehand and make a list of what you notice to show your mechanic. Although this will help them narrow it down, many mechanical issues can elude even the most seasoned mechanic.

Difficult Repairs to Diagnose on a Vehicle

When it comes to vehicles, they are without a doubt a complex piece of engineering and machinery. It’s all the little intricate moving parts that get us from point A to point B. However, it doesn’t come without a price tag, does it?

When your vehicle starts to show signs of a mechanical failure, there’s usually small symptoms that present themselves, leading up to the ultimate and inevitable failure. As a driver and a car owner, we tend to miss those cues because we get complacent with our older vehicle and the quirks or smaller issues it may have.

While older vehicles require more maintenance than others, some have fewer issues until they are hit with one great big mechanical failure. And even people that are mechanically savvy may need a professional mechanic, like our friends at Lee’s Transmissions to diagnose the problem.

Most Difficult Issues to Diagnose on a Car

To help you narrow down what possible problems you may be having with your vehicle, we’ve created this list of the most difficult issues to diagnose on a car. If you aren’t sure what could be wrong with your car based off the symptoms its presenting, it could be one of the more difficult ones, and it’s best to get it into a mechanic.

1.Electrical Issues

For anyone who has ever experienced even the smallest electrical problem on a vehicle, you’ll already be more than aware that this one takes the cake. Electrical problems are the hardest to resolve on a vehicle, and often times, even harder to find the source.

With so many vital components relying on your vehicle’s electrical system, it’s without a doubt one of the most difficult and most expensive repairs that is needed on a vehicle. While many people think a transmission or engine replacement is the most expensive repair, they are wrong.

This is because with electrical issues, there’s truly no limit to what could be malfunctioning. It could be caused by your alternator, your battery, loose wires, broken wires, frayed wires, water damage to various electrical components, and the list goes on. In fact, electrical problems that couldn’t be repaired or even diagnosed is one of the leading reasons people scrap their cars with us.

Fortunately, we pay MORE cash for scrap cars with electrical problems than any other scrap car removal company in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. If you have a vehicle with electrical issues, get in touch with our team of scrap car buyers today. We’ll offer you cash for your car!

2.Engine Failure

It’s a common misconception that when your engine goes, you’ll know it. While this can be true in some situations, it’s not always the case. We’ve even had people sell us their scrap vehicles thinking their engine was dead, when there was an entirely different problem going on. That’s why a mechanic’s diagnosis is so important.

Engine failure can present in several different ways, and sometimes, not at all until it finally goes.

There are other sensors and components that are responsible for protecting your engine in the event of failure, as well as notifying you, the driver, of potential engine failure.

If your knock sensor isn’t working, your vehicle won’t signal to you that your engine is knocking. If your engine is misfiring, but you don’t have common knowledge of vehicles or possible symptoms, you can miss the cues. There are also many other issues that can mimic engine failure, and could even cause it, but it isn’t actually your engine failing.

More Cash For Scrap buys MORE cars with dead engines than any other scrap car buyers in the Lower Mainland. However, if you think your engine is toast, but haven’t had it properly diagnosed yet, we may advise you to do so before selling your car. We want what’s best for our customers so that we can truly pay you MORE cash for scrap cars in Metro Vancouver.

3.The Check Engine Light

The check engine light is there to signal that an issue is present in the mechanics of your vehicle.

It could be something simple like your gas cap isn’t closing all the way. Or it could be something major like your engine is misfiring, or your timing belt is about to go. Knowing what issue to address is a job for a professional mechanic.

However, even though they have tools to help diagnose what your check engine light is saying, as it throws a code for their code reader to advise, it doesn’t mean that they have the problem solved immediately.

Sometimes, the check engine light signals multiple problems at once. When this happens, it can be hard to detect what’s really going on under your hood. As once they fix the first issue, they clear your check engine light. You won’t know what else could be an issue until it comes on again, and sometimes, it doesn’t.

4. Rust Damage & Corrosion

When you park an older vehicle outside for long periods of time, it puts it at risk to various kinds of damage from weather exposure, if nothing else.

When hit with Vancouver snowy weather, sometimes a vehicle can sit in 2-3 feet of snow for days on end. Particularly if you live in or around the Fraser Valley. Additionally, this is a problem for older vehicles because they are already beginning to break down from years of wear and tear.

When a vehicle starts experiencing rust in the wheel wells and along the underside of a car, it can spread to other areas of your vehicle like the exhaust system and fuel tank, causing a whole host of other problems that can be difficult to diagnose. The more widespread the corrosion, the harder it is to diagnose all that needs to be fixed.

5.Transmission Issues

Unless you’re an expert mechanic who’s trained to identify complex transmission issues, finding out if your transmission needs replacing is harder than you think. Even experienced professionals have a difficult time sometimes identifying exactly what the problem is.

That’s because knowing if you need a repair done to your transmission, versus a full replacement, is a fine line. It also depends on the type of transmission that you have, how often you’ve had it serviced (if ever), and what your vehicle’s symptoms are.

Sometimes you might think you need a new transmission, but what you have is a linkage issue. Other times, you might think you just need timing adjusted, but your transmission is entirely on its way out. Discerning which it is is most definitely a job for a professional with the right diagnostic tools.

What Factors Can Delay Your Car Repair?

Aside from the increased labour required for a more complex vehicle repair, there are other factors that can result in your mechanic keeping your car longer than expected.

Things Like:

Parts- Sometimes mechanics need to order a specific part for your vehicle. When it’s not in stock, they have to try various different vendors. Once they find one, they need to get the part expedited to their shop. This can increase the length of time that your mechanic has your car.

Complications- Even when a mechanic knows what’s wrong with your car, and what needs to be done to fix it, other problems can arise. Finding other problems while rectifying one or having difficulties installing or removing parts can increase the time your car spends at the shop.

Even if the issues they find are small, they may require specific parts that are not in stock and need to be ordered. Also, they may find other serious issues that need to be addressed before completing the repairs that you came in for.

This can also increase your labour costs. So, if your car spent more time at the shop than expected, inquire as to why, and check your invoice closely to see what you paid on labour costs.

Busier than Normal- Like any business, sometimes mechanics are busier than normal. Different times of year warrant different levels of influx in their shop.

During the winter months, they will see more customers for tire changes, heating maintenance and repairs, and other weather-related issues. This can increase the wait time for you to get your car back after a repair.

Additionally, if they are short staffed due to employees on vacation or calling in due to illness, this can further prolong the duration that they have your vehicle. Try to be patient, as they are usually doing their best to get cars in and out as quickly as possible.

What Car Issues Take the Longest to Fix?

When we realize what’s wrong with our car, many of us turn to Google to find out how much parts will cost to get our vehicle fixed. However, one thing we can’t always discern before taking our car in for repairs is the labour cost.

There’s usually a typical time frame for each repair that a mechanic shop does. Although certain jobs only require a certain amount of time, things can always go sideways when fixing a vehicle. Finding other problems or encountering more difficulty in removing or replacing parts can bring the bill up much higher than we expected.

Repairing or Replacing the Following Tends to Take the Longest:

• Engine replacement
• Engine repair
• Transmission replacement
• Transmission repair
• Spark plugs replacement
• Catalytic converter replacement
• Clutch replacement or repair

When you own an older vehicle, shelling out the thousands of dollars required to keep your vehicle going isn’t a practical decision. That’s why MORE people choose to scrap their old cars for cash with More Cash For Scrap. We always pay MORE!

Cash for Cars with Mechanical Issues

More Cash For Scrap is the Lower Mainland’s top scrap car removal company. That’s because we genuinely care about our customers and make every effort to offer MORE cash for cars with mechanical issues than other scrap car buyers.

If you’ve got a vehicle that has engine problems, transmission issues, no catalytic converter, or any other kind of mechanical failure, get in touch with our scrap car removal specialists today. We offer MORE cash for scrap cars than any of our competitors!

Scrap My Car in the Lower Mainland

Inflation these days seems to be at the forefront of almost every news story in some form or another. From fighting homelessness, to battling gas prices, to affordable housing for the working class; money is much easier to spend than it is to earn. Unless you have a junk car to sell!

With More Cash For Scrap, we offer MORE cash for cars, trucks, SUV’s, and vans than the other guys. Plus, we provide same day scrap car removal, free towing from anywhere in the Lower Mainland, and the best customer service in the industry.

No other scrap car buyers in Metro Vancouver or the Fraser Valley can say the same!

How Much Cash Can I Get for My Car?

Every vehicle is different and has its own set of pros and cons. However, we still offer MORE cash for scrap cars than our competitors, even if your vehicle has some serious issues.

Provide our team with the make, model, year, condition, and location of your scrap car. We’ll make you an instant cash offer right over the phone based off the information you’ve provided us with.

If you accept the offer that our scrap car buyers give you, we’ll arrange for our free towing service to come collect your car that day. If you need a specific day and time, we are MORE than happier to accommodate that as well.

Contact Our Scrap Car Removal Team Today!

If you’re wondering what your scrap car is worth, give us a call, send a text, or fire off an email to our team. We are always ready and willing to provide you with any answers or advice about scrapping your car.

We offer our scrap car removal services 7 days a week, from 7:00am to 11:00pm, and even work most statutory holidays to make scrapping your car for cash that much MORE convenient.

If you want reliable, professional, and prompt scrap car removal in Metro Vancouver or the Fraser Valley, you want More Cash For Scrap. We always pay MORE!