Car faults by symptom
Start with what you notice: a warning light, noises, smoke, jerking or a car that will not start. Each page explains the most likely causes in order, what you can safely check yourself and when to stop driving or go to a garage.
Most common symptoms
- Check engine light on: what to doWhat the check engine light means, when you can keep driving and how to find the cause from the symptoms and the OBD code.
- My car is losing power: causes and how to diagnose itWhy a car loses power and how to narrow down the cause: turbo and hoses, air flow meter, EGR, particulate filter, fuel or ignition.
- My car won't start: what to checkWhat to check when the car won't start, depending on what it does: the starter doesn't turn, it cranks but doesn't fire, or it starts and stalls.
- Exhaust smoke: white, black or blueWhat white, black or blue exhaust smoke means, when it is normal and when it points to a fault that should be checked soon.
- Noise when braking: causes and when it is dangerousWhy brakes make noise (squeal, metallic grinding or vibration), which causes are minor and which mean you should stop and have them checked.
More faults explained
These guides are only available in Spanish.
- Mi coche da tirones al acelerar: causas, comprobaciones y cuándo parar
- ¿Tu coche vibra al frenar? Causas y qué hacer
- El motor se calienta: qué hacer ahora y por qué pasa
- Mi aire acondicionado no enfría: causas, comprobaciones y cuándo ir al taller
- Filtro de partículas (FAP) obstruido en diésel: síntomas, causas y qué comprobar