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Symptom checker

What’s wrong with my car?

Pick a symptom and answer one question — we’ll show the most common causes, urgency and an approximate cost.

Step 1 of 2 — pick a symptom

Symptom not listed? Describe it in the form or call us. Book a visit · +48 571 058 591

Check engine light is on

  • Steady, the car drives normally: A sensor (lambda, MAF, temperature); Intake or EVAP leak; EGR valve, DPF filter
  • Blinking, the engine runs rough: Misfire: coil, spark plug, lead; Injector; Unburnt fuel can damage the catalytic converter
  • Lost power (limp mode): Boost pressure (turbo, leaking hose, valve); Clogged DPF or EGR valve; Sensor or throttle body

Knocking over bumps

  • Over potholes and speed bumps: Anti-roll bar links; Control arm bushes or ball joints; Shock absorbers, strut mounts
  • When turning and pulling away: CV joint (clicking on turns); Tie rod ends; Engine mount

Car pulls / steering off-centre

  • Uneven tyre wear: Wheel alignment out of spec; Play in the suspension; Uneven tyre pressure
  • After hitting a kerb or pothole: Alignment needs setting; Possibly bent suspension parts or rim; Damaged tyre (bulge)

Brake problem

  • Squeal or metallic grinding: Worn pads (wear indicator); Pads worn to the metal damage the discs; Seized caliper or slide pins
  • Steering wheel or pedal vibrates: Warped brake discs; Unevenly worn pads; Less often: suspension play
  • Soft pedal that sinks: Air or old fluid in the system; Brake fluid leak; Master cylinder

A/C not cooling or smells

  • Weak cooling or blows warm: Low refrigerant (normal loss); Leak in the system; Compressor or its clutch
  • Bad smell from the vents: Old cabin filter; Bacteria and mould on the evaporator; Blocked condensate drain

Car won’t start

  • Starter cranks slowly or clicks: Flat or worn battery; Alternator not charging; Starter motor, loose or corroded terminals
  • Cranks normally but won’t fire: No fuel or pressure (pump, filter); Crank or cam position sensor; Immobiliser, ignition

Rattling from the engine

  • A few seconds after a cold start: Stretched timing chain or worn tensioner; Low oil pressure at start-up; Hydraulic lifters
  • All the time or getting louder: Badly worn timing chain — risk of it jumping; Damaged chain guides; Less often: exhaust heat shield

Exhaust smoke / loss of power

  • Black, when accelerating: Carbon build-up in the intake and EGR valve; Injectors; Boost leak or MAF sensor
  • Bluish, the car uses oil: Turbocharger; Valve stem seals; Worn piston rings — we check with an endoscope
  • Thick white, coolant level drops: Head gasket; Cracked cylinder head; Engine overheating

Jerky gearbox or clutch

  • Automatic — jerks or slips: Old or degraded ATF fluid; Gearbox adaptation needed; Mechatronic unit or valves
  • Manual — clutch bites high / slips: Worn clutch disc; Dual-mass flywheel; Release bearing or slave cylinder

FAQ

Does the quiz replace a diagnosis?

No. It shows the most common causes of a symptom. The exact cause is found by a mechanic — computer diagnostics from 100 PLN.