8: Clutches
A slipping clutch will not allow the gearbox to engage fully with the engine, leaving limited or no drive. Poor driving skills, such as riding the clutch, make a clutch wear faster.
Warning signs: Shuddering on pull away, the engine revs without the vehicle accelerating.
9: Engine and gearbox seals
Failure leads to loss of lubricant and engine or gearbox seizure.
Warning signs: Oil leaks from the front or rear of the engine, or rear of the gearbox. High oil consumption. Oil dripping onto the road surface. Total loss of lubricant.
10: Starter motors
Bearings wear out over time, causing increased effort to turn the engine and, very quickly, a flat battery.
Warning signs: The engine will turn sluggishly and take time to start, with symptoms similar to those of a flat battery, even when the battery is still charged.
11: Oil pumps
Failure means insufficient lubricant to the engine, parts seizing/engine failure.
Warning signs: The oil pressure gauge or oil level warning light will indicate the low oil pressure. It’s imperative to stop immediately.
12: Engine & gearbox mountings
Failure results in the engine and gearbox not being kept in their correct position/ alignment, causing damage to engine and gearbox parts.
Warning signs: Engine – a loud knocking sound or vibration on start-up and pull away. Gearbox – a knocking sound or vibration during pull away and gear changes.
13: Wheel bearings
The wheel bearing can disintegrate and cause the hub assembly to detach from the vehicle. Literally, the wheel coming off, resulting in no steering control.
Warning signs: A shudder in the steering wheel during braking or cornering is an early warning. A good shake of the wheel top to bottom with the wheel jacked up off the ground will indicate a slight knocking feel or sound as well.
14: Universal joints (in vehicles with rear or all-wheel drive)
Failure will lead to the prop shaft dropping out of the vehicle, causing serious damage to the rear differential (“diff”) and other undercarriage parts.
Warning signs: A vibration through the floor of the vehicle at speed. This is similar to the symptoms of bad wheel balancing, which should be eliminated first.
“This is a broad guideline of things that more commonly go wrong, but there are, of course, quite a few more systems that could fail, even on newer vehicles,” Coetzee said.
“A good extended or pre-owned mechanical warranty is a smart investment as it gives you the opportunity to be fully prepared for non-wear and tear damage to your vehicle’s engine, transmission, drive train, electrical system, turbo assembly and more. It can also help you out of a pickle when it comes to a rental vehicle and/or accommodation when you’re stranded far from home.”