A few big questions, one clear answer at the end. Add your car in My Vehicle for sharper answers.
Car won't startNothing, clicking, cranking but not catching — start here.Battery & chargingSlow cranking, dim lights, battery light, jump-starting.OverheatingTemp gauge climbing, red temp light, steam from the hood.Oil light & oil levelRed oil can vs. "change oil soon" — these are very different.Flat tire or blowoutLosing air, a blowout at speed, spare vs. sealant.Check engine lightSteady vs. flashing — flashing is a stop-driving light.Strange noiseGrinding, squealing, knocking, clunking, whining.Strange smellGasoline, sweet coolant, burning rubber, rotten eggs.Stalled while drivingThe engine quit while you were moving.Out of gas, wrong fuel, or locked outThe problems that aren't really the car's fault.Stuck in mud, snow or sandSpinning wheels and going nowhere.Brake problemsSoft pedal, warning light, pulling, grinding.Steering & handlingHeavy wheel, vibration, wandering, hard to control.Transmission problemsSlipping, won't shift, won't move, burning smell.I was in an accidentSafety, documentation, and getting the car moved.