Common car problems
What a symptom usually means, what causes it and how soon to get it looked at. When you're ready, a $149 diagnostic finds the actual cause.
Car AC blowing hot air →A car A/C that blows hot air is usually low on refrigerant because of a leak, or has a failed compressor, condenser fan or blend door. A recharge without finding the leak only buys a few weeks.Check engine light flashing →A flashing check engine light means the engine is misfiring badly enough to send unburned fuel into the catalytic converter. Stop driving as soon as it's safe and call us. A solid light is less urgent.Brakes grinding or squealing →Squealing usually means the pads are close to worn out. Grinding usually means they're gone and metal is cutting into the rotor. Shaking when braking points to warped or worn rotors.Car overheating →Most overheating comes from a coolant leak, a failing water pump or thermostat, or a radiator fan that isn't running. Pull over and shut the engine off. Driving an overheating engine can warp the cylinder head.Car won't start →Clicking usually means a weak battery or bad starter. Cranking without starting points to fuel, ignition or security systems. A battery that keeps dying suggests a drain or charging problem.Transmission slipping →Slipping or harsh shifting is often caused by low or old fluid, a faulty solenoid or valve body, or electronic faults. Many of these are fixed without replacing the transmission.Car leaking oil →Most oil leaks come from hardened gaskets: the valve cover, oil filter housing or oil pan. A burning smell means oil is dripping onto the exhaust.Air suspension sagging →A car that sits low after parking almost always has a leaking air strut or air line. A suspension fault message with the car at normal height often points to the compressor, valve block or a height sensor.Dashboard warning lights →Red warnings (oil pressure, temperature, brakes) mean stop now. Yellow warnings (check engine, ABS, ESP) mean book a diagnostic soon. Several lights at once often trace back to a weak battery.Car shaking →Shaking at highway speed usually means wheel balance or tires; shaking when braking means rotors; shaking at idle points to a misfire or worn engine mounts.
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