Catalog
Symptoms
Start from what you notice, a noise, a smell, or a warning light, and we map it to the likely problems by probability and severity.
Car AC Not Blowing Cold: How to Diagnose Before Spending Money
AC not cold? About 80% of the time it's low refrigerant, but the leak source matters more than the recharge. Here's the order before you hit Pep Boys for a $30 can.
Car Won't Start: How to Diagnose No-Start vs No-Crank in 5 Minutes
Car won't start? The first question is 'no crank' (dead silence or click) vs 'cranks but won't fire'. Each has a different fix tree. Here's the 5-minute triage.
Check Engine Light On: What It Really Means and What to Do Next
The check engine light tells you a fault code is stored, not which one. Solid light is usually drivable; flashing light means stop now. Read the code at any auto parts store for free, then triage from there.
Engine Overheating: What to Do Right Now and How to Diagnose
If your temperature gauge is climbing, stop driving within the next few miles. Continued operation cracks heads and warps blocks. Here's what to check after you've safely pulled over.
Oil Leak Under Car: How to Find the Source by Color and Location
Oil leak under your car? The color tells you the fluid (engine, trans, brake, coolant) and the puddle location tells you the source. Here's the field-ID guide.
White Smoke From Exhaust: Steam, Coolant, or Head Gasket?
White smoke from the exhaust is normal at cold start (steam) and a warning at any other time (coolant in the combustion chamber). Here's how to tell the difference.
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