Car won't start: what it usually means
What you hear when you turn the key narrows it down a lot. Here is how to read the symptoms, what you can safely check yourself, and what to tell a mechanic.
Car problems
What is my car trying to tell me?
Plain-English guides to common symptoms: what they usually mean, whether it is safe to drive, and what to tell a mechanic.
Check engine light on: what to do next
The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a fault. Some are minor, some need attention quickly. Here is how to tell the difference.
Brakes squeaking or grinding
Brake noises range from harmless to urgent. The type of noise, and how the pedal feels, tells you which.
Failed your WOF: what happens next
A WOF fail is common and usually fixable. Here is how the recheck works, how to get repairs quoted, and how to avoid paying for a full inspection twice.
Car overheating: what to do right now
An overheating engine can be damaged quickly. Here is what to do on the spot, what usually causes it and what to tell a mechanic.
Car battery keeps going flat
If a battery goes flat again and again, the battery itself is only one possibility. The charging system and parasitic drains are the other two.
Car air con not blowing cold
Warm air from the vents is usually low refrigerant from a leak, but electrical and component faults cause it too.
Car shaking or vibrating
When the vibration happens is the best clue. At speed, when braking and at idle each point to different causes.
Car making a strange noise
Squeals, clunks, knocks and hums each tend to come from different parts of the car. Here is how to describe what you hear so a mechanic can quote accurately.
Car leaking fluid: what the colour tells you
A spot under the car is worth identifying. The colour, smell and where it drips from tell you what system it is and how urgent it is.
Buying a used car: what to check first
A short checklist before you hand over money for a used car in New Zealand, and when an independent inspection is worth it.
When is my cambelt due?
A snapped cambelt can badly damage many engines. Here is how to find out when yours is due and what is normally replaced with it.
Clutch slipping: what it usually means
Revs rise but the car does not speed up to match, usually in the higher gears or going uphill. Here is what causes it, including on a clutch that has just been replaced.
Automatic gearbox problems: the common signs
Harsh shifts, a delay when you select drive, or revs that flare between gears are signs the transmission needs attention. Catching it early often keeps the repair smaller.
Car pulling to one side: what to check
A car that drifts left or right on a straight road, or pulls when you brake, usually has a tyre, alignment, brake or suspension cause.
Steering wheel shakes when braking
A shudder through the steering wheel or brake pedal when you slow down is one of the most common brake complaints, and it is usually straightforward to fix.
Smoke from the exhaust: what the colour means
The colour of exhaust smoke is a useful clue. Some is harmless, some needs attention quickly.
Burning smell from the car: what to check
Different smells point to different systems. Some need you to stop straight away.
ABS warning light on: what to do
The ABS light means the anti-lock braking system has found a fault and switched itself off. Your normal brakes usually still work, but without the anti-lock help.
Oil warning light on: what to do
The red oil light usually means low oil pressure, and an engine can be damaged in minutes without it. This is one warning light not to drive on.
Battery light on while driving
The battery light usually means the charging system is not charging, not that the battery itself is bad. The car will run on the battery until it goes flat.
Car losing power or in limp mode
Limp mode is the engine computer protecting the engine or gearbox by limiting power. It is a symptom, and a scan tells you where to start.
Rough idle or misfire: what it usually means
A shaking engine at idle, hesitation or a stumble under acceleration usually means one or more cylinders are misfiring.
Clunking over bumps: what it usually means
A knock or clunk over speed bumps, potholes or when turning usually comes from worn suspension or steering parts.
DPF warning light on a diesel
The diesel particulate filter traps soot and burns it off on longer runs. Lots of short trips can block it, and the light is the car asking for help.
Hybrid system warning light on
A hybrid system warning on cars like the Prius or Aqua can be a minor sensor fault or a high-voltage battery or inverter problem. It needs someone trained in hybrid systems.
Car key not working or lost
Most modern keys contain a chip the car must recognise before it will start. A specialist can usually cut and program a new one without a trip to the dealer.
Windscreen chip or crack: repair or replace?
A small chip can often be repaired before it spreads. A crack in the driver's line of sight can fail a WOF.
Uneven tyre wear: what the pattern tells you
Tyres wearing on one edge or in patches usually means an alignment, pressure or suspension problem, and fixing it saves the next set.
Car broken down: what to do next
Get safe first, then work out whether it can be fixed where it is or needs a tow.