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Top 5 Tips For Troubleshooting Your Car

Top 5 Tips For Troubleshooting Your Car
Courtesy of USAA

You don't have to be a mechanic to know when something's not working right, but narrowing down the problem helps when it's time for a fix.

1. Your Engine Won't Start
When you turn the key, do you hear a click, a whirr or … nothing at all? It's probably one of three things:

Keep These in Your Car

Jumper cables
Flashlight
Warning triangle
Flares
A blanket

Battery: With the key turned to ignition, check other functions like windshield wipers, radio or lights. Try recharging or a jump-start before replacing.
Starter: If the battery is fine, and you hear a clicking noise when you turn the key, there may be a faulty electrical connection between the battery and the starter. Inspect all wiring and connections before replacing.
Alternator: A grinding noise can be a sign of a failed or failing alternator. Check voltage and connections before replacing.

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2. What Else Could Go Wrong?
If you're less mechanically inclined, consult this list of potential problem spots to match a symptom with its possible cause.

Problem	Could Be
Screech or grinding when braking	Brake shoes or pads
Grinding noise	Water or power steering pump
Squealing sound	Loose or old belts
Clicking sound	Fan blades or low engine oil
Rattling, scraping, thumping	Exhaust system/muffler
Irregular or rough shifting	Transmission fluid
Difficulty steering	Power steering fluid

3. What Color is Your Leak?
Catching a leak early helps avoid bigger and more expensive problems. Refill reservoirs and check levels every few days. If the problem persists, contact your mechanic.

Looks Like	Could Be
Clear/yellow	Brakes
Reddish	Transmission or power steering fluid
Green/yellow-green	Cooling system or antifreeze
Dark brown/black	Low engine oil

4. Your Car is Talking to You

Keep a Log

Keep a small memo pad in your car's console for quick, easy reference. Use it to record and track mileage each time you refuel, as well as oil changes and other basic services.

In addition to dashboard indicators, most vehicles have On Board Diagnostics. A computerized system that alerts you to potential problems, OBD sophistication levels range from basic to fully interactive.

Common OBD messages tell you when tire pressure is low or remind you to change the oil, but OBD also contains information about your car's systems and sub-systems. Diagnostic Trouble Codes help a mechanic interpret problems, making it easier to accurately diagnose and recommend needed repairs.

If your car's OBD is sending alerts, make note of the information. Refer to your owner's manual for more information. A quick call to your dealer's service department can determine whether the problem requires urgent attention.

5. Choosing a Mechanic
Of course, the best time to choose a mechanic is when you don't need one, but if you're searching for the right person to work on your car, here's what to look for:

Dealership service department. If you bought the car new, this is an obvious choice, especially if your car has a maintenance program. Give the service department a test drive with routine or minor services like oil changes or tire rotations. Build a relationship with a service advisor by asking to speak with the same person each time you call or visit. Not impressed? Try another area dealership.
Word-of-Mouth. Get recommendations from friends, family and neighbors, or post a query on an online forum. Ask for specifics: