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Car problems

What the car is doing, and how soon it needs a look.

Pick what the car is doing to see what it often points to, how urgent it is and what the mechanic is likely to check. A red or flashing light, or a car that suddenly drives differently, means pull over somewhere safe first. If anyone is hurt or in danger, call 111.

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What does the car need?

What does the car need?

Stopped on the road? Get everyone well clear of the traffic. If anyone is hurt or in danger, call 111.

Only one local mechanic gets your number.

A red or flashing light, or a car that suddenly drives differently, means pull over somewhere safe first. If anyone is hurt or in danger, call 111.

Reading the signs

Amber lights usually mean book it in soon. Red ones, a flashing engine light, a temperature needle climbing or brakes that feel soft mean stop when it's safe and don't keep driving.

Noises and smells help the mechanic too. Note when it happens: cold or warm, braking or turning, at speed or idling. That detail can shorten the hunt for the cause.

Not on the list? An ABS light, a car that stalls or a key that won't turn all still go through the card: pick "A noise, a smell or not sure" and describe it in your own words.

Warning lights, noises and leaks

Check engine light onSteady or flashing engine light: what each one means, and what to do before you ring anyone.Braking and the car shakesA shudder through the wheel or pedal under braking: what causes it and what should be measured.Car won't startClick, slow crank or silence: what the sound tells you, and what to check before you ring for help.Car wiggling or shakingA shake at idle or on the motorway: how to tell an engine problem from a wheel problem.Car overheatingTemperature gauge climbing or steam from the bonnet: what to do now, and what usually causes it.Blown head gasketWhite smoke, vanishing coolant or milky oil: what points to a head gasket and how it's confirmed.Squeaky brakesA brake squeal that fades, one that's always there, and grinding: which is which and how urgent.Smoke from the exhaust: white, blue or blackWhite, blue or black exhaust smoke: what each colour usually means, and how urgent it is.Car leaking oilOil on the driveway: how to tell it's oil, where it comes from, and how soon it needs fixing.Coolant leakBright drips under the car or a falling coolant level: how to tell, and what to do this week.Car battery dead or flatA click or nothing on a cold morning: getting going safely, and finding out why it went flat.Wheel bearing noiseA hum or growl that rises with speed: how to tell a wheel bearing from tyres or the gearbox.

Helpful next

Check engine light onSteady or flashing engine light: what each one means, and what to do before you ring anyone.Car overheatingTemperature gauge climbing or steam from the bonnet: what to do now, and what usually causes it.Car won't startClick, slow crank or silence: what the sound tells you, and what to check before you ring for help.Engine light check and car diagnosticsWhat a car scan reads, why a code isn't the answer, and how a proper diagnosis finds the fault.

Ready to get the car sorted?

Anything you already picked is still in the card up top. Carry on from there.

Get it sorted