Vehicles are an essential part of life. They help people get to work, pick up the kids from school, and go on vacation without being stuck at home. When you’re in need of a new vehicle, there’s nothing more exciting than picking out the perfect one for your needs and style. But if you’ve been having problems with yours that won’t go away or just feel like something is off – don’t ignore it!
There may be a problem with the vehicle that could lead to more issues later down the road or make it difficult for you to enjoy your time behind the wheel. If this sounds familiar then read on because we have some information for you from an expert lemon law lawyer San Diego about how to know if your vehicle might be considered a lemon.
These are some ways that you can know if your vehicle is a lemon:
Look at the Buyer’s Guide
A dealer should never pressure you into buying a vehicle. They are required by law to post an informative Buyer’s Guide in the window of their vehicles, so make sure to take it!
The Federal Trade Commission has several guidelines for dealers that need to be followed when selling vehicles:
Information such as:
- If the vehicle is sold “as is” or under a warranty
- Repair costs percentage taken by the dealer that is covered under the warranty
- Information on the vehicle’s major parts
…is included in the buyer’s guide.
Get the History of the Vehicle
The most comprehensive and objective source of information about a vehicle is the vehicle history report. Not only does it provide any accidents that happened to your vehicle in its lifetime, but also includes all recalls for safety issues from manufacturers. If you don’t have access to this type of report on a dealer lot, you can simply get one yourself with just their VIN number and some basic personal details such as name, address etc. Sites such as Carfax and AutoCheck can help you get the vehicle’s history.
Take the Help of a Registered Mechanic
A diagnostic inspection can assess the condition of your vehicle. This will help you avoid major problems or repairs down the road. With dealerships being usually fine with one taking their vehicle for an inspection, it is worth asking private sellers to meet at the mechanic as well.
The mechanic will look for signs of repairs that indicate damage or an ongoing mechanical problem. If you uncover any damage, the qualified expert can help decide if it’s still worth purchasing at a lower price, or whether to walk away from the deal altogether and find another vehicle.
Worn Out or Different Tires
One of the first things you should do when looking at a used vehicle is checking to see how its tires are in shape. This can tell you more about the maintenance and treatment it has gone through over time.
Before you check for wear and tear, the first thing to do is make sure that all sides of your vehicle are using a tire with the same size. When they match up like this it means everything on them will be uniform in size, treads or pattern. If they don’t, you may have a lemon on your hands.
Check the Steering
To ensure your safety and comfort, the steering on your vehicle should be checked for any damage or wear. You might experience difficulty driving straight if there is a problem with it. If you notice excessive slack in the wheel or some play when turning, then this could indicate that something needs to be repaired soon before more serious problems arise!
Malaligned Body Parts
When inspecting a vehicle be sure to go over its body panels, vehicle doors, hood gaps, and trunks. Ideally you want everything here to be evenly aligned and even–check for anything that doesn’t seem right too! If you find irregularities in the width between seams along the fenders or anywhere else on your vehicle’s frame as well, it may be a lemon.
How Can a Lemon Law Lawyer Help?
If you’ve been wondering if your vehicle is a lemon, it may be time to consult experienced California lemon lawyers. A reputable lemon law lawyer California will help you determine whether your vehicle qualifies for protection under the law and can also assist in negotiating with the manufacturer of your vehicle.