Car and motorbike problems: find the cause
Start from the symptom. Each page ranks the causes and links to the cost and the fix.
Car
Car won't start, just clicksWeak or dying battery · 3 likely causesEngine cranks but won't startFuel pump · 7 likely causesCar judders when acceleratingFailing ignition coil · 7 likely causesLoss of power and limp modeSplit turbo hose · 6 likely causesBrakes squealing or grindingWorn brake pads · 3 likely causesSteering wheel shakes when brakingWarped or worn brake discs · 3 likely causesCar pulls to one sideWorn or under-inflated tyres · 4 likely causesEngine overheatingLow coolant · 6 likely causesWhite smoke from exhaustHead gasket · 4 likely causesBlack smoke when acceleratingClogged EGR valve · 4 likely causesBlue smoke from exhaustFailing turbocharger · 3 likely causesClunking over bumpsAnti-roll bar link · 4 likely causesClicking when turningWorn CV joint · 3 likely causesHumming noise that rises with speedWheel bearing · 2 likely causesBelt squeal on start-upWorn auxiliary belt · 3 likely causesClutch slippingWorn slipping clutch · 3 likely causesGears hard to engageClutch hydraulics · 3 likely causesBattery keeps going flatWeak or dying battery · 3 likely causesAir conditioning not coldLow AC refrigerant · 3 likely causesRough or unstable idleIntake air leak · 6 likely causesCar keeps stallingCrankshaft sensor · 6 likely causesBurning smellSticking brake caliper · 4 likely causesEngine rattle on cold startStretched timing chain · 3 likely causes
Motorbike or scooter
Motorbike won't startKill switch, side stand or clutch interlock · 6 likely causesMotorbike stalls when hotDirty carburettor · 5 likely causesMotorbike chain noiseWorn or slack chain · 3 likely causesSpongy motorbike brakesLow or old brake fluid · 3 likely causesMotorbike clutch slippingWorn slipping clutch · 3 likely causesMotorbike battery keeps dyingWeak or dying battery · 3 likely causesLeaking motorbike forkLeaking fork seals · 2 likely causesScooter lacks powerWorn CVT belt or rollers · 4 likely causesMotorbike misfiringWorn spark plugs · 4 likely causesMotorbike overheatingLow coolant · 3 likely causes