Land Rover Maintenance
Maintenance is a key part of owning a Land Rover. The renowned British manufacturer has a rich history and every vehicle is carefully designed and built, with maintenance being a key responsibility of the owner.
Without the correct maintenance there are several issues to look out for that could affect the safety, longevity and overall driving feel.
Understanding maintenance issues is essential when buying a Land Rover too, as a model with a poor maintenance record may be unreliable causing expensive repairs down the line.
At Shires Garage, our highly skilled team of Land Rover experts know what to look out for and have created a comprehensive list of maintenance issues common in Land Rover vehicles. If you are experiencing any of these common issues then reach out to our expert team who will be able to assist.
Let’s dive deeper into the most common maintenance issues found in Land Rover vehicles, what to look out for and the importance of correct maintenance for your model.
Keep reading to find out more…
What Models Are Prone to Certain Issues?
Land Rover has released many different models throughout its rich history. From the utilitarian Defender to the luxury Range Rover, some are more prone to issues than others.
The Discovery for example has a range of maintenance issues including:
- Air spring leaking
- Air compressor issues
- Valve block issues
- Handbrake issues
- Power loss and engine warning lights
- Brake line corrosion
- Suspension arms, brushes, and ball joints
The Defender is a historic nameplate in the Land Rover line-up and the original models have corrosion issues, particularly the underbody where its chassis design allows water to rest in many places causing corrosion and rust.
Also, the head gasket is a common issue amongst most Land Rover models. Ensure that you do not experience any overheating or the head gasket will be problematic, causing expensive repairs or complete engine failure.
Common Maintenance Issues For Land Rovers
Some common maintenance issues that Land Rover owners encounter are:
Handbrake Failure:
Unfortunately, Land Rover owners can experience handbrake failure issues. Electronic handbrakes use actuators and control modules that determine the best time to deploy the automatic handbrake system. Sometimes the modules that control the handbrake can fail, illuminating a warning light on the dashboard.
In older models, if the handbrake cable is incorrectly aligned and does not have the right tension, it may not hold your Land Rover on an incline. This issue could also be caused by worn handbrake shoes.
Air Suspension Issues:
Designed for a smooth and adjustable ride for occupants, Land Rover air suspension systems are prone to failures. As the system relies on a sealed air pump system, the air hoses can leak, forcing air compressors to overwork.
Repairing the air suspension on your Land Rover could be expensive, especially if the compressor needs replacing.
Coolant Leaks:
Ageing Land Rover Discovery models experience coolant leaks from the throttle body area. This coolant drips onto the engine casing and forms a puddle on the ground.
Oil Leaks:
A lot of vehicles experience oil leaks, it’s a common occurrence as there are so many areas on the engine where a loose bolt or faulty seal can cause oil to leak. The engine oil needs to be at the correct level to ensure internals are being properly lubricated and cooled. Low oil levels increase wear on your engine, reducing its life. Common Land Rover oil leaks appear at the oil pan at the bottom of the engine, and at the valve covers on top of the engine.
Battery Drain Issues:
Certain models of Land Rover vehicles experience a parasitic draw on your battery power. This occurs even when the engine is switched off and repeated excess draw on your battery results in a shorter battery life and could leave you stranded and needing a jumpstart.
Leaking Sunroof:
Combining a pinched drain hose with the sunroof seal design means your Land Rover sunroof could leak. This allows water to enter the cabin and make its way into electrical components causing havoc.
Land Rover expert technicians are hard to come by and at Shires Garage, our dedicated team are on hand to assist you if you are experiencing any of these issues. Serving hundreds of Land Rover customers over the years with our vast knowledge, we get owners back on the road in no time!
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Land Rover Maintenance Issues
Identifying symptoms of these common issues early could save you on expensive repair bills. Let’s explore each of the common issues we previously described and how you can spot them in your Land Rover.
Handbrake failure:
If you experience a squealing noise when the handbrake is applied then this could indicate the parking brake module is on its way out. During your next service, make sure that the cable alignment is checked for your handbrake cable too (if applicable). Also if you need to replace the hand brake cable then ensure the rear brake pads, discs and shoes are replaced at the same time.
Air suspension:
Air suspension signs include the vehicle tilting to one side or generally sagging and appearing lower than usual. If you are trying to adjust the suspension height in the vehicle settings and nothing is happening, then the compressor itself may be faulty.
Coolant leak:
If the fluid reservoir tank is dropping below the minimum recommended level then it could indicate a leak. Also, coolant leaks create a puddle on the floor. After parking for a while, check under your vehicle before departing to see if there are any coolant leaks.
Oil leaks:
Any deposit or build-up of oil on the engine and gearbox components means there could be an oil leak. Inspect the engine bay when opening the bonnet and check for black fluid deposits on the floor if you suspect an oil leak.
Battery drain:
These could include difficulty starting the Land Rover and needing to replace batteries more often. More specialist equipment could be used to work out the current draw on the battery when turned off, but it’s best to consult electrical experts on battery drain issues.
Leaking sunroof:
Apart from obvious dripping inside the cabin, check the seals for pinching and condition. Rubber seals can break down over time due to age and exposure to the sun and may need replacing.
If you experience any of these symptoms and need specialist help then contact Shires Garage. Our team of dedicated Land Rover experts are here to fix any common Land Rover issues and get you back on the road in no time!
Preventive Maintenance for Your Land Rover
Preventive maintenance is the foundation of ensuring your Land Rover’s longevity and performance. By addressing issues before they become critical you can save time and money and avoid the inconvenience of unexpected breakdowns.
To keep your Land Rover in peak condition, follow these recommendations:
- Regular servicing: Scheduling routine maintenance with a trusted Land Rover specialist is vital. Our team of professionals at Shires Garage can identify and address potential problems early, preventing them from escalating into costly repairs.
- Fluid changes: Make sure essential fluids like engine oil, gearbox oil, and coolant are changed regularly at a reputable garage. Clean, fresh fluids help keep your Land Rover’s systems running smoothly and can extend the life of critical components.
- Inspections: Regular inspections by experts can uncover hidden issues. From worn brake pads to ageing suspension components, these inspections help you address problems before they compromise safety or performance.
By sticking to these preventive maintenance tips you could reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs and common Land Rover failures.
At Shires Garage, we have an expert team on hand to inspect, diagnose and repair any Land Rover maintenance issues. Contact us today if you experience any of these!
DIY vs. Professional Maintenance
Some of these common maintenance issues could be identified at home if you feel comfortable enough. But to prevent any accidental damage, it is advised to seek professional help to determine the cause. If you are ever in doubt then call us at Shires Garage; our team are on hand to handle any maintenance issue with your Land Rover thanks to our decades of experience.
Common Maintenance Issues for Your Land Rover: Act Now
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your Land Rover is safe and will last for years to come. Neglecting it could lead to common issues such as air suspension problems and coolant leaks. Recognising warning signs early can save you from costly repairs.
We urge you to prioritise preventive maintenance, leaving your Land Rover with our skilled team of experts at Shires Garage. With our years of experience, we can diagnose, repair and keep your vehicle in top condition, ensuring you stay on the road with peace of mind. Don’t wait for problems to escalate; contact Shires Garage today to defend your Land Rover’s future.
