The Rover Doctor Plus Blog

by The Rover Doctor Plus 10 June 2025
Land Rovers are engineered to deliver a smooth, stable ride whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating rugged terrain. A major contributor to this performance is the suspension system, which absorbs bumps, maintains stability, and ensures driver control. Over time, however, even high-quality suspension systems can wear down or fail. Recognizing early signs of trouble can help you avoid more costly repairs and keep your Land Rover performing at its best. At The Rover Doctor Plus, we provide expert Land Rover suspension repair in the greater Irvine area. Here are four warning signs of a Land Rover suspension problem. Noticeable Sagging or Uneven Ride Height Many Land Rover models come equipped with air suspension, which adjusts the vehicle’s ride height depending on driving conditions. If you notice that one side of your Land Rover sits lower than the other, it’s often a sign of air spring failure. Uneven ride height can negatively affect handling, and should be addressed promptly. Excessive Bouncing or Rough Ride If your Land Rover no longer glides smoothly over bumps and instead feels bouncy or harsh, the suspension may be to blame. Worn-out shock absorbers or struts can no longer properly dampen bumps, resulting in a jarring ride. You might feel every bump in the road, especially at higher speeds or over rough terrain. This not only reduces comfort, but can also affect vehicle control. Warning Lights on the Dashboard Modern Land Rovers are equipped with sensors that monitor various aspects of the suspension system. If a problem is detected, such as a faulty air compressor or ride height sensor, a warning light will likely appear on the dashboard. Ignoring these alerts could lead to more serious damage. If your dashboard displays a suspension warning, it's time to have your system inspected. Unusual Noises When Driving Clunking, knocking, or creaking sounds coming from the suspension area are clear signs that something is wrong. These noises can stem from worn bushings, loose components, or damaged joints. Such issues could lead to further wear if not repaired quickly. Land Rover Repair in Irvine, CA For expert Land Rover repair in Irvine and the surrounding area, contact The Rover Doctor Plus at (949) 462-0648. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
by The Rover Doctor Plus 8 May 2025
When the check engine light comes on in your Land Rover, it’s a signal that something within the vehicle’s complex systems isn’t working properly. While the light itself doesn’t pinpoint the exact issue, there are several common reasons it may illuminate. Land Rovers, known for their performance and luxury, rely heavily on advanced electronics and sensors, which means even minor issues can trigger the warning. At The Rover Doctor Plus, we provide expert Land Rover check engine light diagnostics and repair in the greater Irvine area. Here are four common reasons why the check engine light might come on in your Land Rover. Faulty Oxygen Sensors One of the most frequent causes of a check engine light in Land Rovers is a failing oxygen sensor. This sensor monitors the level of oxygen in the exhaust and helps regulate the air-fuel mixture. If it starts to fail, the engine may run too rich or too lean, leading to reduced fuel economy and increased emissions. Left unaddressed, a faulty oxygen sensor can also cause problems with the catalytic converter, resulting in even more expensive repairs. Mass Air Flow Sensor Issues The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is responsible for measuring the amount of air entering the engine so the proper fuel-to-air ratio can be delivered. If the sensor is dirty or malfunctioning, it can throw off the engine’s performance. Land Rovers can be very sensitive to issues with airflow sensors, and a problem here can lead to rough idling, stalling, or poor acceleration—all accompanied by the check engine light. Failing Ignition Coils or Spark Plugs Ignition system problems are another frequent reason for the check engine light to come on. In Land Rovers, worn spark plugs or faulty ignition coils can lead to misfires, rough performance, and reduced fuel-efficiency. These components are responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine’s cylinders. When they don’t function correctly, the engine can run unevenly. Catalytic Converter Problems The catalytic converter helps reduce harmful emissions by converting toxic gases into safer byproducts. Over time, it can become clogged or fail, especially if other issues like bad oxygen sensors go unaddressed. A failing catalytic converter will often result in poor engine performance and increased emissions. Land Rover Repair in Irvine, CA For expert Land Rover repair in Irvine, CA and the surrounding area, contact The Rover Doctor Plus at (949) 462-0648. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
A black land rover defender is parked on the street in the dark.
by The Rover Doctor Plus 1 May 2025
Land Rovers are known for their luxury, off-road capabilities, and iconic styling, but like any vehicle, they’re not without their faults, including models from the 2010s. At The Rover Doctor Plus in Irvine, CA, we've specialized in Irvine Land Rover service and repair since 1999, and we've seen many of the same problems come through our doors. If you drive a Land Rover from the 2010s, here are five common issues to watch out for. Air Suspension Failures One of the most frequent problems in Range Rover and LR models is air suspension failure. The system provides a smooth ride and adjustable clearance, but over time, the air struts and compressors can wear out, leading to sagging suspension and poor ride quality. Coolant Leaks Many 2010s Land Rovers suffer from coolant leaks, often caused by failing water pumps, cracked coolant reservoirs, or degraded hoses. If left unchecked, this can lead to overheating and costly engine repairs. Electrical System Gremlins Electrical issues are notorious in Land Rovers of this era. Owners often report problems with infotainment systems, door locks, window regulators, and warning lights. Faulty wiring or outdated software can cause intermittent glitches that require expert diagnostics. Transmission Issues Some Land Rover models—particularly the Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport—have experienced rough shifting, delayed engagement, or transmission failure. These problems are often due to valve body or solenoid issues and may require major repairs if ignored. Timing Chain Wear On certain models with V6 and V8 engines, premature timing chain wear is a known concern. A loose or noisy chain can lead to poor performance, engine misfires, or in worst cases, engine failure if not addressed promptly. At The Rover Doctor Plus , we have decades of experience helping Land Rover owners in Irvine and throughout Orange County keep their vehicles running reliably. If you're noticing any of these issues, visit us for expert Land Rover repair in Irvine, CA. Trust the local experts who’ve been servicing Land Rovers since 1999!
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