Practical car care & DIY fixes
Muhammad Umair Naseer 
A squealing noise when accelerating is most often caused by a slipping serpentine belt, because the belt is loose, worn, glazed, or contaminated with fluid. Other common causes include a weak belt tensioner, a worn pulley bearing, or a failing accessory like the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, or AC compressor. Most of these … Read more
If your brake pedal goes to the floor, the most common causes are low brake fluid from a leak, air in the brake lines, or a failing master cylinder. Less often, it’s caused by overheated brake fluid, badly worn brakes, or an ABS unit problem. This is a serious safety problem. If your pedal sinks … Read more
How far you can drive on a spare tire depends on the type of spare. On a temporary “donut” spare, most manufacturers recommend driving no more than about 50–70 miles at a maximum of 50 mph. A full-size spare can usually be driven like a regular tire, and run-flat tires typically allow about 50 miles … Read more
A burning smell after driving usually means something is getting too hot or leaking onto a hot part of the engine or exhaust. The most common causes are an oil leak dripping onto the exhaust, leaking coolant, overheated brakes, a slipping belt, or something stuck to the exhaust. The exact type of smell is your … Read more
If your car’s AC is blowing hot air on the driver side but cold air on the passenger side, the most common cause is a faulty blend door actuator. In cars with dual-zone climate control, each side has its own small motor that controls the temperature. When the driver-side one fails, that side can get … Read more
If your car won’t start but the lights work, the most common cause is a weak battery. Headlights and dashboard lights need very little power, but the starter motor needs a huge burst of current, so a battery can run the lights and still be too weak to start the engine. Other common causes are … Read more
A clicking noise when turning is most often caused by a worn outer CV joint, especially if the clicking happens during sharp turns while accelerating. Other common causes include worn strut mounts, bad ball joints or tie rod ends, worn sway bar links, loose brake parts, or a worn clock spring inside the steering column. … Read more
If your car shakes when braking at high speed, the most common cause is uneven brake rotors, often called “warped rotors.” Other causes include worn brake pads, a sticking caliper, loose lug nuts, and worn suspension parts. Where you feel the shaking (steering wheel, brake pedal, or seat) is the best clue to what’s wrong. … Read more