eCarService · Driver Academy
Learn what a warning light or worrying symptom may mean, what you can check safely and when you should stop driving.
Knowledge base
89
guides to help you prepare for a conversation with a workshop.
Understand first
Learn the possible cause of a symptom
Then decide
Know what to ask during your visit
Choose a location
Book a workshop at the location you prefer
Latest guides
Learn about the possible causes first. Choose a location once you are ready to book a visit.
Slow cranking, no response when you switch on the ignition and a charging warning light can have various causes, so they do not necessarily mean the battery needs replacing. If the charging warning light comes on while driving, stop safely and check the vehicle handbook.
A few drops of water and light vapour after a cold start are usually caused by condensation in a cold exhaust system. If thick white vapour continues after the engine warms up, coolant level drops or the engine overheats, prompt diagnostics are needed.
Whistling or hissing under acceleration combined with a loss of power does not necessarily mean the turbocharger has failed. The cause could be an intake leak, a boost control fault or a problem with another engine component, so the entire system needs to be diagnosed.
Rough running, juddering, stalling and increased fuel consumption can result from problems with the fuel system, ignition, intake, sensors or mechanical problems with the engine. A visible fuel leak, flashing engine warning light, repeated stalling or clear loss of power means you should stop somewhere safe and seek an urgent assessment.
Winter tyres from the previous season can be used again if they have sufficient tread, are not unevenly worn or damaged, and their age and condition are acceptable. Visible tread alone does not confirm that a set is safe.
An engine that still starts does not prove that the battery is in good condition. Have it tested before the first frosts, especially if you mainly drive short distances or the starter turns the engine more slowly than before.
A reading above the maximum can be caused by overfilling, but fuel may also be diluting the oil. Check the level as instructed and find out when it is safer to stop using the car.
If the engine stalls when you take your foot off the accelerator or press the clutch, there may be several causes, and the symptom alone does not identify a specific fault. Find out what to note, how diagnosis works and when not to continue driving.
A constant hum or whine at a steady speed often comes from drivetrain components. How to recognise the source, when to stop driving and what the workshop will check?
Stalling at idle or when slowing down has several common causes. Check the symptoms, when to stop driving, what you can inspect yourself and how workshop diagnostics proceed.
How to recognise turbocharger problems, what to safely check yourself and what to expect during professional diagnostics. When to stop driving and go to the workshop.
The check engine light comes on right after refuelling. Most often this is an EVAP system issue, but there can be several causes. We explain possible reasons, what you can safely check yourself and how professional diagnostics proceed.
Need help?
Choose a workshop and describe the symptoms in the booking form.
