Know what to say before you're at the counter.

Plain-English help for car trouble: what it probably is, whether it's safe to drive, what it should cost, and a card you can hand your mechanic that says "Only do this."

What's your car doing?

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Grinding noise when braking

Metal-on-metal sound when you press the brake pedal.

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Check engine light: flashing vs. steady

Flashing is urgent. Steady means book an appointment.

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P0420 code (catalyst efficiency below threshold)

Before paying for a $2,000+ converter, rule out the cheaper causes.

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What brake pads and rotors should cost

Fair price ranges, per axle, and how to read a brake quote.

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Car shakes at highway speed

Steering wheel or seat shakes around 50โ€“70 mph.

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Car won't start (clicking or nothing happens)

You turn the key or push the button and hear clicking, a slow crank, or silence.

Three rules that protect you at any shop

  1. Get a written estimate before work starts, and ask them to call you before going over it.
  2. Ask for your old parts back, and say so before the work.
  3. For big repairs, get a second opinion.

Based on FTC auto repair advice.

Every price we show comes from a named source with a date. How we research.