The check engine light is on
The check engine light does not say what is wrong: it says the car’s computer has stored a code. Reading that code is cheap and stops the guessing — it is almost always the first money worth spending here.
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- 1Describe the repair
- 2We look for garages
- 3Compare the offers
Common symptoms
- The light is steady, or it is flashing.
- The car drives normally, or you notice a loss of power.
- It came on after filling up with fuel.
- It has been coming on and going off by itself for weeks.
You do not need to know which one applies: describe what you notice and the garage will do the diagnosis.
What changes the price
We do not publish an average price: we do not yet have enough real data to give an honest one. Here is what makes up the bill instead.
- A flashing light means stop
- Steady, the light means a fault to get checked. Flashing, it usually indicates something that can damage the catalytic converter: it is better not to keep driving.
- The fuel cap
- A cap that is not sealing lets the evaporative system leak and turns the light on. It is the cheapest possible cause and worth ruling out first.
- An oxygen or air-flow sensor
- Among the most common codes. The sensor itself may be at fault, or it may be correctly reporting a different problem upstream.
- Ignition or fuelling
- Plugs, coils, injectors: these cause misfires that the computer records. It is often what sits behind a loss of power.
When an inspection is needed
Several different problems can cause this symptom. A garage will most likely need to inspect the vehicle to identify the cause — this page helps you describe what you notice, it does not replace a diagnosis.
How it works
- 1
Tell us what your vehicle needs
One request, a few minutes.
- 2
We look for garages able to perform the work
We contact garages in your area.
- 3
Compare the offers you receive
Price and availability, side by side.
- 4
Choose the option you prefer
You are free to walk away.
Common questions
Can I keep driving?
That depends entirely on the cause, which is exactly what this page cannot determine. A noise accompanied by reduced braking, a flashing warning light or unstable handling is a reason to have the vehicle checked without waiting.
Should I pick a specific repair in the form?
No, and it is better not to. Describe the symptom and leave the category broad: garages then see what you actually observe rather than a part you have guessed at. Asking for the wrong part is the most common way to pay for nothing.
Is the diagnosis charged for?
Usually yes: it is technician time. Some garages deduct it from the repair if they carry it out. It is one of the things worth comparing between offers.
Describe what you notice — the noise, when it happens, anything else you have spotted. We pass your description to garages in your area and you compare what they come back with.
What we don't promise
We don't guarantee a number of offers, a response time, or a saving. We pass your request to garages and show you what they say. If nothing comes back, we'll tell you.
Ready to compare options for your repair?
Describe the repair your vehicle needs. It only takes a few minutes.
Free · No obligation