According to one mechanic, if you notice this warning sign on your car, it’s time to sell up as it could cost drivers thousands in repair costs to try and fix
It can be worrying when a dreaded warning light comes on your dashboard – and one mechanic has urged people to sell their car if they see one specific warning.
Scotty Kilmer has been a mechanic for 56 years and has revealed when it’s time to sell your second-hand cars to help avoid having to fork out on expensive repair bills.
No one wants to be told they have to spend thousands on their car repairs, and the expert revealed the importance of listing a car before serious issues develop – as some parts “may not be worth investing in”.
The first warning sign is coming across an issue with the car’s transmission, also called its gearbox. “Today I’m going to tell you when it’s a good time to get rid of a used car. Now this one has a perfectly smooth running engine but the transmission occasionally gives a big clunk when it shifts,” he shared in a YouTube video, as per the Daily Record.
“Now it wouldn’t do it for me in a half-hour drive so now is the time to get rid of it because fixing a 4×4 with an automatic can be a huge expense, so if you’re going to sell a used car, sell it before it breaks down entirely. But just make sure you let them know what they’re getting into.”
Fixing an automatic gearbox can often come with a “substantial expense” according to Motorway.co.uk. This is due to the “complex hydraulics and electronics involved in the system.” Other costly issues to fix are replacing airbags, starter motors, radiators, turbochargers and steering racks.
Experts at Haynes also echoed this and revealed that certain car parts could see drivers having to pay thousands for repairs. For example, a catalytic converter is one of the priciest items to replace as they can cost over £2,000. Other expensive parts include replacing the clutch or a new ECU (engine control unit) which can be over £1,200.
However it is against the law to be honest with potential buyers about the condition of a car according to DAS Law, they stated: “You could also be accused of misleading the buyer if they make their intentions clear to you and you fail to reveal that the car would not be suitable for their needs. For example, if the buyer told you that they needed a car for regular long journeys, it may be deemed that you have misled them if you knew that the car would not be fit for purpose.”
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