Branch 1
Antwerpen / Merksem
Bredabaan 1052170 Merksem
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:30 Sat 10:00–17:00
Knowledge centre
Car problems: what does it mean and what now?
Noticed a warning light, a noise, a vibration or behaviour that does not feel right? Here you can read what it may mean, whether you can keep driving and what a garage can check. A guide, not a diagnosis.
In short
- An explanation per symptom, in plain language
- Clear about when to stop instead
- A guide to information, not a diagnosis
Problem finder
Find your symptom.
Pick a topic and a symptom and we point you to the right explanation. This is a guide to information, not a diagnosis: a garage identifies the cause.
All topics
Car problems by theme.
Every explanation says what a symptom may mean, how urgent it is and whether you can keep driving. It remains general information.
Warning lights and starting
A light that stays on or a car that will not start: what is the car telling you, and how urgent is it?
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Check soon
Check engine light on: what does it mean and can you keep driving?
The check engine light tells you that the car’s computer has detected a fault in the engine, the exhaust or the fuel supply. The light does not say exactly what is wrong: that takes a diagnostic read-out and a proper check. If it stays on constantly, have it looked at soon. If it flashes, extra care is needed. Read the explanation -
Check soon
Car won’t start: battery, starter motor or alternator?
A car that won’t start usually has a problem with the electrical supply, the starter motor, or the fuel and ignition system. What you hear and see when you try to start it often gives a first clue, but you only get certainty after a test. Read the explanation -
Check soon
Battery light on while driving
The battery light usually does not point to the battery itself but to the charging system: the car is no longer topping up the battery enough. From then on the car runs on the reserve in the battery, which is limited. Read the explanation -
Stop safely
Oil warning light on: stop at once or book an appointment?
A red oil warning light can point to low oil pressure or a low oil level. Without enough lubrication an engine can be seriously damaged in a short time. That is why the first answer here is not “book an appointment” but to stop safely. Read the explanation -
Stop safely
Engine running too hot: what does a rising temperature mean?
If the temperature gauge climbs towards the red zone or a warning appears, the engine may be overheating. That can cause serious damage within a short time. The cause usually lies in the cooling system, but which part is at fault has to be investigated. Read the explanation
Brakes, steering and handling
Squealing, vibrating, pulling or a pedal that feels different: signs that affect your safety.
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Book an appointment
Squeaking brakes: what could be the cause?
Squeaking brakes are a common signal. Sometimes the cause is harmless, such as moisture or dirt. Sometimes the noise points to worn brake pads. A grinding or metallic sound is a clearer warning than a light squeak. Read the explanation -
Check soon
Car vibrates when braking
A vibration that only occurs while braking often points to the brakes themselves, for example brake discs that are no longer smooth and even. The suspension or wheels can also play a part, so it is worth checking the whole chain. Read the explanation -
Stop safely
Brake pedal feels soft or sinks
A brake pedal that feels soft, goes down a long way or slowly sinks under steady pressure points to a problem in the braking system. It can lie in the hydraulic system or in the assistance for the pedal. Because brakes are safety-critical, this is not a signal to ignore. Read the explanation -
Check soon
Car pulls to the left or right
A car that drifts to one side without you steering it rarely has just one possible cause. Tyre pressure, wear, brakes and suspension can all play a part. It helps to know whether it happens when driving straight, when braking or when accelerating. Read the explanation -
Book an appointment
Steering wheel vibrates while driving
A steering wheel that vibrates often comes from the wheels and tyres, for example because the wheels are unbalanced. The suspension or brakes can also play a part. Notice when it happens: all the time, at certain speeds, or only when braking. Read the explanation
Engine, exhaust and fluids
Noises, smoke, fluid loss and an engine that is not reacting the way you are used to.
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Check soon
Car makes a ticking or knocking noise
A ticking or knocking noise from the engine is not always serious, but it can point to a lack of lubrication or to wear inside the engine. How it sounds, when it happens and whether a warning light is on as well all help to judge it. Read the explanation -
Check soon
White, blue or black smoke from the exhaust
The colour of the smoke gives a first hint, but never certainty. A little white vapour on a cold start can simply be condensation. Persistent, thick white, blue or black smoke points to a possible problem with coolant, oil or combustion. Read the explanation -
Check soon
Car is losing coolant
Coolant circulates in a closed system and should hardly drop at all. If you have to top it up regularly, there is a leak or the engine is using the liquid. The cause can be visible, such as a dripping hose, but it can also be internal and harder to find. Read the explanation -
Check soon
Car jerks when accelerating
A car that jerks or hesitates when accelerating is probably not getting the right combination of air, fuel and ignition, or has a problem in the drivetrain. It can happen with a cold engine, under load or every time you press the accelerator. Read the explanation -
Book an appointment
Car suddenly uses more fuel
Higher consumption has many possible causes, from simple things like tyre pressure and driving conditions to sensors, ignition or brakes that drag. It is worth first looking at what has changed, and then arranging a check. Read the explanation
Tyres, air conditioning, drivetrain and inspection
Tyre pressure and wear, air conditioning that does not cool, a slipping clutch or a car that failed its test.
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Check soon
Tyre pressure warning light stays on
The light tells you that the system has detected tyre pressure that is too low, or that the system itself has a fault. A tyre that is slowly going flat is one of the most common causes. Pressure that is too low affects grip, stopping distance and wear. Read the explanation -
Book an appointment
Tyres wearing unevenly
If a tyre wears more on the inside, the outside or in the middle, that says something about the cause. Pressure that is too low or too high, the position of the wheels and wear in the suspension often come into it. The sooner you spot it, the better the chance of saving the tyre. Read the explanation -
Book an appointment
Air conditioning not getting cold
Air conditioning that no longer cools well often has too little refrigerant, a leak or a technical problem in the system. A full cabin filter can also reduce the airflow. It is rarely something you can fix yourself. Read the explanation -
Check soon
Slipping clutch
When the clutch slips, the engine’s power is not fully passed on to the wheels. The engine speed rises, but the car’s speed does not follow. This often happens through clutch wear, but other causes are possible, such as oil on the clutch plate. Read the explanation -
Book an appointment
Car failed its test: what now?
A fail is annoying, but it is usually easy to follow: the test report states which defects were found. The aim is to have those defects repaired and then have the car tested again. The rules and deadlines that apply are shown on the test certificate itself. Read the explanation
Worried about your safety?
With a red oil light, an overheating engine, a brake pedal that sinks or heavy smoke, stop as soon as it is safe and arrange professional help. Do not keep driving just to make it to an appointment.
This explanation is general information and does not replace a technical diagnosis. The cause can only be established after your car has been checked. If you are worried about your safety, stop and ask for professional help.
Branches
Call or drop by.
Not sure, or is it urgent? Call the branch near you and describe what you notice.
2170 Merksem
Branch 2
Brasschaat
Bredabaan 7372930 Brasschaat
Mon–Fri 08:30–18:00 Sat 09:00–12:00
Rather have it checked right away?
Request a no-obligation quote, or call the branch near you. After an inspection you hear what we find first, and we only repair after your approval.