Free · No sign-up · Works on any phone

What’s wrong with my car?

Tell us what your car is doing. We’ll tell you if it’s safe to drive, what it probably is, and what it should cost — in plain words.

Speak or type. Say what you hear, feel or smell, and when it happens.

Your car (optional)
Warning lights on? (optional)
Warning lights on your dashboard

Takes about 15 seconds. This is guidance, not a replacement for a mechanic.

Know what’s wrong before you pay

  1. Say what’s happening

    Tap the microphone and talk, or type. Add your car and any warning lights if you know them.

  2. See if it’s safe

    A simple green, orange or red answer tells you if you can keep driving, then the likely causes and prices.

  3. Get it fixed fairly

    Check if a garage’s quote is fair, find the part, or find a garage near you. Show your mechanic our note.

Common car problems

Tap one to start.

Dashboard warning lights

Red = stop safely as soon as you can. Orange = get it checked soon.

  • Oil pressure

    The engine may not be getting enough oil. Stop when it’s safe and turn the engine off — driving on can ruin the engine.

  • Engine temperature

    The engine is too hot. Pull over and switch off. Don’t open the coolant cap while it’s hot.

  • Battery

    The battery isn’t charging. The car may stop when the battery runs flat.

  • Brakes

    Low brake fluid or a brake problem (or the handbrake is on). If the pedal feels soft, don’t drive.

  • Check engine

    The car’s computer found a fault — from a loose fuel cap to a sensor. If it’s flashing, slow down and get help now.

  • Tyre pressure

    A tyre is low on air, or the sensor needs resetting. Check the tyres when they’re cold.

  • ABS

    Anti-lock brakes are off, often a sensor. Normal brakes still work, but take care in the wet.

  • Airbag

    Airbags may not work in a crash. Get it checked soon.

Latest car guides

Plain-English help with warning lights, fault codes and everyday maintenance.

See all guides

Own a garage, tyre shop or parts store?

Drivers come here at the moment they need a repair. Show your business next to the problems you fix, in your town.

  • Appear on matching results near you
  • Your phone number, hours and booking link
  • Add your deals and offers
See listing prices

$25 a month · first month free

Questions

How accurate is it?

It’s a good starting point, not a final answer. It lists the most common causes for what you describe. A mechanic can test the car itself. The more you tell us — when it happens, your car, warning lights — the better the answer.

Where do the prices come from?

They’re AI estimates of normal parts-and-labour prices at an independent garage in your country. Real prices change with your car and the garage, so use them to see if a quote is roughly right.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Follow the green, orange or red answer at the top of your result. Red warning lights, smoke, a burning or fuel smell, overheating, or brakes or steering that feel wrong mean stop and get help. If you’re not sure, don’t drive.

How does the microphone work?

Tap “Tap to speak”, allow the microphone, and talk. Tap the red button when you’re done. A few seconds later your words appear in the box, and you can fix them before checking. The recording is only used to turn your speech into text and isn’t stored. If the microphone is blocked, tap the lock icon next to the web address and allow it — or use the microphone key on your phone’s keyboard.

Is it really free?

Yes — free, with no account. GrepKit is paid for by ads and by garages and stores that list their business. Listings are always marked “Sponsored”.

What happens to what I tell you?

It’s used only to make your result and isn’t stored by GrepKit. You don’t need to give your name or number plate. See the privacy page.