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The car is still considered the most popular and safest way to travel on vacation. However, some models can spoil the idyllic mood and unpleasantly surprise the owner. According to car mechanics, which of them poses an increased risk?
We will focus on models from segments C, D and minivans. We have selected the cars that are most frequently visited by car repair shops in the ProfiAuto network, and were manufactured after the year 2000 – ie the ones in which we go on holiday most often.
Statistics show that of all the failures that drivers may encounter on the road, those related to the electrical system and drivetrain can be the most problematic. It cannot be overlooked that certain defects are usually faced by specific models, even though their next generation is already available on the market.
“An immobile car will never please, and if it happens abroad, it can completely ruin the holiday, both in terms of driving itself and the costs associated with its repair. A visit to a foreign service is usually much more expensive than in the Czech Republic. Therefore, before traveling, let’s not overlook the symptoms that the car shows. It will be better to check anything worrying immediately, especially if the car mechanics have marked the vehicle as above average. “ recommended by Adam Lehnort, an expert from the ProfiAuto network.
Faulty electricity is the main culprit of unplanned downtime
Wiring faults are most often encountered in the second and third generations of the Renault Megane and Scenic (2002-2009 / 2008-2016), Laguna II (2001-2007) and Peugeot 307 (2001-2011).
“Electrical faults often brought our customers to the tow truck platform or caused a mechanic to call. Common failures include problems with the BSI module, keys, card, and immobilizer. The weakness of the petrol versions of the Megan II and Laguna II from the initial years of production were also the ignition coils. It is also impossible to ignore minor failures, such as failures to download windows, lights or locks, and sometimes also ABS sensors. Fortunately, they do not rule out continuing to drive. The owners of these models should entrust them to a mechanic before leaving to detect any oil leaks and also check the turbocharger in the diesel version. Computer diagnostics of the injection system can also be recommended. “ names Adam Lehnort.
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“But that doesn’t mean we have to worry about these models. It all really depends on how you use it and the quality of regular service. It is also good to add that we are seeing an improvement in the quality of the suspension in French cars and the fact that serious problems are rare. “ adds Lehnort.
Luminous Ford or Opel models
Experts also point to recurring problems with the Ford Mondeo Mk3 (2000-2007), the third generation Opel Astra (2004-2014) and the second generation Opel Zafira (2005-2014).
“The third edition of Mondea very often suffers from central locking failures, which can not only result in problems opening the car during holidays. It is worth checking before departure whether the classic unlocking with the key works. If the car slams, it will be better to call for help and not break the window, mainly because the side windows are more expensive on some models than the windscreens. Although the Mondeo Mk3 petrol is more of a trouble-free vehicle, in the diesel version (it is an older Ford 2.0 TDCI turbodiesel) it often has problems with the dual-mass flywheel, injectors and turbocharger. In the case of the popular Opel, it pays to check the alternator or air conditioning compressor before your holiday. In the case of petrol engines, the ignition coils go on strike, in the older 1.7 diesels the injection pumps, sometimes even the propulsion system itself, “ points out Adam Lehnort.
Even the best do not avoid failures
“The general belief in the reliability of Japanese cars spoils the Mazda6. It does not malfunction in the petrol version. However, diesels bring more and more problems as the car gets older. The cost of repairing replaceable parts of the lubrication system or wiring can exceed the price of the car. However, these are not faults that surprise the driver out of nowhere. If he has a regularly serviced vehicle, he should not be unpleasantly surprised on the road. Which also applies to owners of other models from the land of the rising sun, “ Lehnort points out.
What should we check before each long trip?
Drivers are not always able to predict exactly what can go wrong during the holidays. However, if they notice disturbing symptoms before the trip or just want to make sure that the car will take them to their destination and happily return home with it, ProfiAuto experts recommend visiting a car repair shop. It is important to do this in advance so that technicians have enough time to repair any faults.
„Before each trip, first check the condition of the battery and its charge, the condition of the belts and the cooling system. These faults could make it impossible to continue driving or even prevent you from reaching the nearest service center. It is also necessary to check the control system and suspension. For example, check when you last replaced the shock absorbers and springs. It is also worth looking at operating fluids, both in terms of quantity and quality. It would be good for the mechanic to also check the condition of the brake system and connect the car to the diagnostic equipment to see if there are other faults that require attention. “ concludes Adam Lehnort from the ProfiAuto network.
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