What's wrong with your car?
Explained like you're 5.
Enter your VIN to get your exact maintenance schedule, or describe a symptom to find the 2–3 most likely causes — with a driveway test and real fix costs, before you talk to any mechanic.
Describe the symptom in your own words — we'll match it to the most likely causes.
Decode your exact car
Enter your VIN (on your dashboard or door jamb) to get your specific maintenance schedule.
Know before you go
Get the 2–3 most likely causes ranked, with a simple driveway test you can do in 5 minutes.
Real fix costs
See the DIY part cost vs. what a shop will charge. Know if it's a $80 DIY or a $350 job.
Free OBD2 scan
AutoZone/O'Reilly/Advance scan your car for free. We decode the code in plain English.
Check engine light on? Get a free code scan
If your check engine light is on, most auto-parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance) will read the code for FREE — no purchase required, just walk in. Bring the code back here and look it up at eli5cars.com/obd2 for the plain-English explanation.
Note: a scan only helps when there's an active fault code. For purely mechanical symptoms (noises, vibrations, leaks), a scan may show nothing — the suspects listed above are your starting point.
Common symptoms
In-depth guides
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Car Maintenance Made Simple
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Check Engine Light On? Here's Exactly What to Do
Check engine light on? Don't panic. Learn what the light actually means, how to get a free code scan at AutoZone or O'Reilly, and which codes are urgent vs. can wait.
Tire Care Guide: How Long Tires Last and When to Replace Them
Everything about tire care in plain English. How long tires actually last, how to check tread depth with a penny, warning signs like cupping and dry rot, and when to repair vs. replace.