Car repair guides
Recognize the warning signs, know how long parts really last, and find out what a fix should cost before you visit a shop.
How Long Does a Car Battery Last?Most car batteries last 3 to 5 years. See what shortens battery life, the warning signs of a dying battery and when to replace it. Bad Alternator Symptoms: 7 Signs Your Alternator Is FailingDimming lights, a battery light and a car that dies while driving are classic signs of a bad alternator. Learn how to tell it apart from a bad battery. Why Does My Car Shake When Braking?A steering wheel or brake pedal that vibrates when you brake usually points to worn or uneven rotors. Here are the six common causes and what each costs to fix. How Long Do Brakes Last?Brake pads usually last 30,000 to 70,000 miles, rotors 50,000 to 80,000 miles. See what affects brake life and how to tell when it's time. Bad Wheel Bearing Symptoms: How to Tell and What to DoA humming or growling noise that rises with speed is the classic sign of a bad wheel bearing. Learn how to find which side is bad and how urgent it is. Grinding Noise When Braking: Causes and UrgencyA grinding noise when you brake usually means pads worn down to metal. Learn the other causes, how urgent each one is, and what the fix costs. Bad Ignition Coil Symptoms: Signs and How to ConfirmA misfire, rough idle and a flashing check engine light are common signs of a bad ignition coil. Learn how to confirm which coil has failed. Bad Ball Joint Symptoms: Clunks, Wander and Warning SignsClunking over bumps, loose steering and uneven tire wear can all point to worn ball joints. Learn the signs and why this repair should not wait. Bad CV Axle Symptoms: Clicking When Turning and MoreA clicking noise when turning sharply is the classic sign of a worn CV joint. See the other symptoms, how urgent it is, and boot repair vs. axle replacement. Check Engine Light Flashing: What It Means and What to DoA flashing check engine light means a severe engine misfire that can damage the catalytic converter. Here is what to do right away and the most likely causes. Bad Fuel Pump Symptoms: 6 Signs Your Fuel Pump Is FailingSputtering at highway speed, a whining tank and a car that cranks but will not start are classic signs of a failing fuel pump. Learn how to confirm it. Bad Starter Symptoms: Clicking, Grinding and No-Crank SignsA single click, grinding noise or intermittent no-start can point to a failing starter. Learn how to tell a bad starter from a dead battery. Bad Catalytic Converter Symptoms: Signs and CausesA P0420 code, rotten-egg smell and sluggish acceleration can point to a failing catalytic converter. Learn the signs, causes and what to rule out first. Bad Spark Plugs Symptoms: How to Tell It's TimeRough idle, misfires, hard starts and poor fuel economy are common signs of worn spark plugs. See how often plugs need replacing and what happens if you wait. Bad Tie Rod Symptoms: Loose Steering and Uneven Tire WearLoose or wandering steering, front-end shimmy and rapid tire wear on the outer edges can all point to worn tie rods. Learn the signs and why it needs prompt repair. Bad Water Pump Symptoms: Leaks, Noise and OverheatingA coolant leak at the front of the engine, a whining noise and a rising temperature gauge are signs of a failing water pump. Catch it before the engine overheats. Why Are My Brakes Squeaking? Causes and FixesSqueaking brakes can be harmless morning moisture or a wear indicator telling you the pads are almost gone. Learn the causes and when it is time for new brakes. P0420 Code: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)P0420 means the catalytic converter on bank 1 is not cleaning exhaust efficiently. Learn the real causes, what to check before replacing the converter, and costs. P0300 Code: Random or Multiple Cylinder Misfire DetectedP0300 means the engine is misfiring on more than one cylinder or at random. See the most common causes, how to find the real one, and what each fix costs. P0171 Code: System Too Lean (Bank 1)P0171 means the engine gets too much air or too little fuel on bank 1. Vacuum leaks and dirty MAF sensors are the usual suspects. Here is how to find the cause.