The Mercedes Benz company has been in existence for many decades. For the most part, these are considered to be reliable cars. That is part of why the company has done so well over the years.
However, it’s also undeniable that some of the parts you’ll find on these precision machines can break down or malfunction from time to time. When that happens, it may frustrate you, but it’s something you have to deal with.
Mercedes Benz owners report that when parts of these cars malfunction, it’s typically the same ones that are the culprits. You should know about them in advance if you are going to buy one of these vehicles. Let’s discuss the ones that are most likely to cause problems.
The Spark Plugs
If you visit a Northside service center to get a car serviced, and you ask them what parts most often break down, they will more than likely mention the spark plugs. That is true as it applies to the Mercedes Benz brand, but also other types of vehicles.
If your spark plugs are seeing wear and tear, which is almost inevitable from driving a car day in and day out, then that is going to cause issues with the ignition system. If an engine misfires, that will take away the engine’s efficiency.
You may even run into engine failure eventually, which is why you always want to keep an eye on those spark plugs and replace them periodically. Luckily, they don’t cost very much.
The Gas Cap
It might sound strange, but the gas cap of a Mercedes Benz can also become an issue as time passes. If it happens, then you can point to the engine light coming on as being a warning that this is occurring.
When that check engine light turns on, you can take the vehicle to a mechanic so they can look it over. If they’re good at the job, they will probably look at that gas cap before they turn to less obvious solutions.
The gas cap becomes problematic when it loosens. That means it will not create the tight seal the vehicle needs. Like the spark plugs, this is not a costly fix, though, so you needn’t be too worried if this is what the mechanic tells you is going on.
The Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter is something that is notorious for becoming an issue with the Mercedes Benz brand, but once again, it is not exclusive to it. This part minimizes air pollution, which is why you need to keep it in good working order.
There are also areas that require inspection stickers. If you get your car inspected and the person doing it sees that your catalytic converter isn’t in the best of shape, your vehicle will fail.
Misfiring will probably happen if you don’t correct the problem, and you may also see smoky emissions coming from the back of the vehicle. Nobody wants that, so have a mechanic look at the car if you suspect that this is what is happening.
This is one of the more expensive replacements on this list. You might grumble if you need to do it, but you will have little choice. If you’re lucky, there might be a clog instead of this part needing to be replaced entirely.
The Engine Mounts
Your engine mounts are filled with liquid. That is perfectly normal. However, if you see that the engine starts to vibrate more notably than it typically does, that should instantly get your attention.
The seat of the vehicle and the steering wheel when you hold it will let you know if there’s more vibration than normal. Don’t ignore the signs, or the condition will probably get worse.
Engine mounts that become faulty can be replaced. You will need to do that, because if you don’t, then the engine will not be as stable as it should be.
Engine instability is obviously a major concern, and not something that you should delay fixing. The wear and tear that faulty engine mounts can put on other parts of the vehicle are no small matter.
The Transmission Wiring Harness
Some people won’t even know that their Mercedes Benz comes with a transmission wiring harness, unless they are a mechanic who knows the industry and miscellaneous car parts. It matters more than you might think, though.
This harness can develop leaks as time passes and its stability wears down. Leaks in the wiring harness can damage not just the harness itself, but also the various computerized components that make up a modern transmission.
You can have a mechanic look at the transmission elements in the car when you take it for its annual checkup. During a tune up, a mechanic should know to scrutinize the transmission, but it doesn’t hurt to remind them to make sure they do it.
Parts That Anchor the Suspension System
There are also several parts that collectively secure the suspension system of any modern Mercedes Benz. They can start to wear down, starting when the vehicle is a few years old.
For instance, the ball joints belonging to the steering wheel would be a part of this relatively fragile automotive ecosystem. If that happens, then you will see the tires start to lose their tread.
Worn steering components and ball joints will cause rapid deterioration of those treads. The spring and the minute wheel movements that you make every time you drive will compound the problem. As the car glides over the road’s surface, you will doubtless feel it becoming rougher.
Like the other parts on this list, regular inspection is usually the best solution. If you have tires with the treads worn down, it will be a lot easier for the vehicle to hydroplane. That can cause an accident if you lose control of the car on a wet road.
If you keep all these parts in mind and get them inspected regularly, you can often avoid the most serious issues we’ve been describing.
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