Car symptoms
Pick what your car is doing to see the likely causes and how urgent it is — then run a free AI diagnostic or find a vetted local mechanic.
Run free AI diagnosticAC Not CoolingGet it checked soonIf the fan works but the air never gets cold, the AC system is either not moving refrigerant correctly or not letting heat leave the condenser.Battery Keeps DyingGet it checked soonIf you keep needing a jump start, the problem is almost never just the battery — something is either draining it while the car is off or failing to charge it while running.Car OverheatingStop driving — check nowAn engine that runs hot is one of the fastest ways to cause expensive damage. If the temperature gauge is climbing, treat it seriously.Car Runs RoughGet it checked soonA rough idle, hesitation, or shaking under power usually means one or more cylinders are not firing cleanly.Car Shakes at Highway SpeedGet it checked soonA shake that starts at highway speed and gets worse as you speed up almost always points at the wheels, tires, or suspension.Car Shakes When BrakingStop driving — check nowIf the vibration only shows up when you press the brakes, the problem is almost always in the braking system, not the tires.Car Won't StartStop driving — check nowWhat the car does when you turn the key tells you a lot — cranks but won’t catch, clicks, or does nothing at all each point to different problems.Check Engine LightGet it checked soonA steady (not flashing) check engine light means the computer logged a problem. It is worth reading the code, but it is not usually an emergency.Flashing Check Engine LightStop driving — check nowA flashing check engine light is different from a steady one. It means the engine is misfiring badly right now.Coolant LeakGet it checked soonCoolant is usually bright green, orange, or pink and smells sweet. A leak drops the level and eventually leads to overheating.Grinding BrakesStop driving — check nowA harsh metal-on-metal grinding sound when you brake almost always means the brake pads are gone and the backing plate is scoring the rotor.Oil LeakGet it checked soonDark brown or black spots under the engine usually mean oil is escaping somewhere. The amount and location tell you how urgent it is.Squealing BrakesGet it checked soonA high-pitched squeal when braking is often a built-in wear indicator telling you the pads are getting low — but not always.Steering PullsGet it checked soonIf the car drifts or pulls when the wheel is straight, start with tires and alignment, then check for brake and suspension problems.Transmission SlippingStop driving — check nowIf the engine revs but the car does not accelerate to match, or shifts feel delayed or harsh, the transmission may be slipping.White Smoke From ExhaustStop driving — check nowA little white vapor on a cold morning is just condensation. Thick, sweet-smelling white smoke that does not clear up is a different and more serious problem.