Car diagnostic test, made easy
Warning lights on your dashboard or strange noises from your car? Fixter is here to help
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Collection & Delivery available
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Our expert insights into car diagnostic
What is a car diagnostic?
There are hundreds of potential error codes, which only specialist diagnostic equipment can read. So when a warning light flashes on the dashboard, a diagnostics check is needed to assess how bad the problem is, and what may have caused it.
What happens when my dashboard illuminates a warning light?
The warning light is just the beginning—it doesn’t give the whole picture. There are hundreds of parts in your engine, so the exact nature of the fault may not be immediately apparent.
Most common car problems we diagnose
Grinding gears
Why are my gears grinding?
Grinding gears can happen for a variety of reasons, including driver error, a worn out clutch or insufficient or poor quality transmission fluid. It’s important to address this symptom when it occurs, as it could be a sign of a more serious issue that may impact the drivability of your car.
Whether you need a clutch replacement, a transmission fluid flush and replacement or a car service, we’re here to help. Fixter offers collection and delivery, world-class customer service and access to our in-house experts to support you from start to finish.
Car won't start
My car won't start
It can be frustrating and stressful if you get in your car and it won’t start, particularly if you’re out and about. There are various reasons why your car might be struggling to start, and it can be hard to determine which issue you're dealing with.
Our advice will help you identify what’s causing your car to fail on you and if there’s anything you can do to get your vehicle going again.
Car heater not working
Why doesn’t my car heater work?
Your car heating consists of a heater core, a fan, the coolant system, a thermostat, a selection of tubing and pipes, as well as its dashboard controls. If your heater isn’t operating as it should, then one or more of these components isn’t doing its job properly.
Any of the pipes or heater core could be clogged or blocked; there could be a problem with the power supply or electrical components, or you might even have a leak in the cooling system. To diagnose exactly what the problem is, you may need a mechanic to take a look under the bonnet.
Poor fuel economy
Why does my car suffer from poor fuel economy?
Figuring out why your car is burning more fuel than usual can boil down to a number of reasons. It could be a mechanical issue or down to your driving style and bad driving habits. Getting the best fuel economy boils down to two key factors: that your car is performing at its best, and you are too.
To achieve optimum fuel economy from your vehicle, you’ll have to pinpoint the problem. You may need a little more air in your tyres, new filters, a basic repair, or you might benefit from driving at lower engine revolutions and making wiser gear changes.
Loss of power
Why does my car lose power?
As the main driver, you know better than anyone how your car runs, so when it loses power, you’ll be the first to spot it. So why does your car lose power? Well, typically, it’s down to four main areas: fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust circulation, or engine issues. The final possible culprit is a faulty cooling system.
To get your car back to full power and its regular performance, first, you’ll have to pinpoint the problem. Fixter is ready to help. We’ve got a large network of top-rated mechanics ready and waiting to get your car back to its optimum performance.
Frequent stalling
Why does my car keep stalling?
We think of stalling as a classic (and often embarrassing!) rookie error. But frequent stalling can actually be a sign of mechanical issues or faults with your car, such as fuel problems, a faulty alternator or EGR valve or ignition problems.
Book a car diagnostic to help identify the cause of your frequent stalling. With our seamless, end-to-end service your car will be collected and delivered, contact-free by our dedicated drivers and you’ll be kept up-to-date from start to finish.
Burning rubber smell
Why does my car smell of burning rubber?
There are plenty of rubber and plastic/rubber-encased components in your car. If any of them come into contact with hot pipes, or your exhaust or engine, they’ll release the smell you’d usually associate with the burning rubber of your tyres.
To pinpoint a burning rubber smell, Fixter has trained mechanics ready to diagnose every possible issue and get you back to trouble-free driving as soon as possible.
Spongy brake pedal
Why does my brake pedal feel spongy?
Figuring out why your car is burning more fuel than usual can boil down to a number of reasons. It could be a mechanical issue or down to your driving style and bad driving habits. Getting the best fuel economy boils down to two key factors: that your car is performing at its best, and you are too.
To achieve optimum fuel economy from your vehicle, you’ll have to pinpoint the problem. You may need a little more air in your tyres, new filters, a basic repair, or you might benefit from driving at lower engine revolutions and making wiser gear changes.
Car radio not working
Why is my car radio not working?
A car radio can stop working for many reasons: from a lack of power, a blown fuse, faulty wiring, screens, tuners, speakers or displays, or you may just be locked out of your stereo’s security feature.
To get your car radio switched back on and the groove back into your journeys, first, you’ll have to pinpoint the problem. Fixter is here to help. We’ve got an excellent network of qualified mechanics ready and waiting to get the sound back in your speakers.
Clicking and popping wheel noises
Why are my wheels making clicking and popping sounds?
If you hear a clicking or popping sound coming from your wheels, chances are, it isn’t actually your wheels making those noises but your suspension or drive system. The most common cause of these sounds is damaged and dying CV joints.
To pinpoint the problem from each of the possible causes, Fixter can send an expert mechanic to diagnose your issues and get you back to trouble-free driving in no time.
Car pulling to one side
Why does my car keep pulling to one side?
If your car is pulling to one side whilst driving or when you brake, you’ll most likely need replacement brake discs or pads, or your car's wheels may need realigning.
Diagnose the issue here or if you’re still unsure, book a vehicle diagnostic check with our highly-experienced mechanics to get to the root of the problem.
Sticking ignition key
Why can’t I turn my ignition key?
A car key can get stuck in the ignition if either the key or ignition cylinder is damaged or warn, if your steering wheel lock is on, your battery is flat, or you haven’t properly selected ‘Park’ in your automatic transmission.
To get your key out, we’ve got a few handy tips for you. If it’s snapped off, or you need a professional pair of hands on the job, Fixter is here to help. We’ve got an excellent network of qualified mechanics ready and waiting to set your key free and get you back on the road.
Dim headlights
Why are my headlights so dim?
They could be dirty, old, or not getting the power they need. The solutions could be new bulbs, a thorough clean, repair or replacing faulty batteries and alternators, or cleaning up your wiring.
To get your headlamps back up to maximum brightness, Fixter is ready to help. We’ve got the finest network of fully qualified mechanics ready and waiting to put any problem straight. Even better—it’s easy and effortless with our completely contactless end-to-end service.
Fluid and oil leaks
Why is my car leaking fluid?
There are various different fluids that can leak from your car, which often leave a stain on the ground, or leave you forever topping-up a specific fluid. Find out how to identify possible leaks, and whether or not the leak could make driving your car dangerous.
Our experienced mechanics can also help you get to the root of the problem with a car diagnostic. Simply book online and we'll handle the rest!
Car aircon not working
Why doesn’t my car air conditioning work?
The most common cause of a failing car aircon is that you’ve run out of refrigerant—topping it up is a pretty straightforward process. However, more serious problems stem from broken condensers and compressors or even faults in your car’s electrical supply or components. Our Fixter mechanics have all the answers and can get your AC working as usual in no time.
Car engine overheating
Why is my car engine overheating?
An overheating engine typically results from a failing cooling system or a problem keeping the heat in the engine within its correct limits.To prevent your car engine from overheating, first, you’ll have to pinpoint the problem. It’s more than likely something to do with the cooling system, but it could be any one of a handful of issues.
Car shakes when braking
Why does my car shake when I brake?
If your car is shaking when you brake, you'll most likely need replacement brake discs or pads or your car's wheels may need realigning. Book a vehicle diagnostic check with our highly-experienced mechanics to get to the root of the problem.
Loud car exhaust
Why is my car exhaust so loud?
If your exhaust is blowing a gale—sounding like a Spitfire or an old crop-sprayer—it’s usually down to a hole that’s developed due to corrosion or decay over time, or where two pieces of the system have separated at their joint. As well as loud, thundering noises, other tell-tale sounds of an ailing exhaust are hissing (cracks or leaks), chugging (blockages), and rattling (the exhaust is loose or misaligned).
Car misfiring
Why does my engine misfire?
If your engine is misfiring and/or failing to start, there could be several causes. Our experienced mechanics can help solve your car problems with a car diagnostic. With our seamless, end-to-end service your car will be collected and delivered, contact-free by our dedicated drivers and you'll be kept up-to-date from start to finish.
Unstable idling
What causes unstable idling?
A healthy engine idle rate is generally around 1000rpm. When your car idle rate fluctuates from lower than 600rpm to 1000rpm or over, jolts or shakes, or feels like it could stall at any moment, it’s likely there’s an issue with your ignition or fuel or air intake. To get your car back to its smooth and stable idling rate, you’re going to need to pinpoint the problem. Fixter can help with that. We’ve got the finest network of fully qualified mechanics ready and waiting to put any problem straight. Get in touch today to enjoy our completely contactless end-to-end service.
Rough, bumpy ride
Why does my car feel rough and bumpy?
A rough and bumpy ride is typically down to problems with the suspension. If it’s not the suspension, then it’s likely to be either an issue with your wheels or tyres, your transmission or the engine. To get your car back to its smooth and stable engine idling, first, you’ll have to pinpoint the problem. Fixter can help with that. We’ve got the finest network of fully qualified mechanics ready and waiting to put any problem straight. Get in touch today to enjoy our completely contactless end-to-end service.
Slipping clutch
Why is my clutch slipping?
If your car’s clutch has seen better days, is damaged or faulty, you may start to notice it ‘slipping’ when you change gears. This is a sign that the friction material on your clutch is wearing out and needs replacing. With Fixter’s seamless, end-to-end service your car will be collected, taken to your local garage and delivered back to your home by our fully-insured drivers. You’ll be kept up-to-date from start to finish.
Clunking and knocking noises
What are those clunking and knocking noises coming from my car?
Loud clunking and knocking noises are often heavy metal components suddenly coming into contact. A clunking or knocking noise indicates something has broken—or is about to—so it’s time to find out what it is, why it’s happened, and where it’s coming from. To get your car back to its smooth and sound-free performance, first, you’ll have to pinpoint the problem. Fixter is ready to help. We’ve got the finest network of fully qualified mechanics ready and waiting to put any problem straight. It’s effortless and easy with our completely contactless end-to-end service.
Ticking noise coming from the engine
Why is there a ticking noise coming from my engine?
When the timing belt wears out, it can cause a ticking or clicking sound to emanate from the engine. This sound can also indicate low oil pressure or a problem with your EGR valve. Our experienced mechanics can help you get to the root of the problem with a car diagnostic. With our seamless, end-to-end service your car will be collected and delivered by our fully-insured drivers and you’ll be kept up-to-date from start to finish.
Grinding noise when braking
Why is my car making a grinding noise when I brake?
The grinding or scraping noise you can hear is likely to be caused by the brake caliper scraping on the brake disc. Book a vehicle diagnostic check in one of our trusted garages near you and our highly-trained mechanics will get to the root of the problem.
Engine Warning Light Diagnostic
Engine warning lights on your dashboard? We’re here to help
What is the Engine Warning Light? The engine warning light also known as the ‘Check Engine Light’ or ‘Engine Management Light’ — more formally known as the malfunction indicator lamp — is a signal from the car's engine computer that something is wrong.
How Fixter works
Simply book online and we'll handle the rest
Upfront, fair pricing, with free collection & return and no hidden costs. Our in-house experts will then choose the ideal garage to work on your car.
A fully-insured Fixter driver will pick up your car, whenever and wherever works for you. (If you’d prefer to drive your car to the garage yourself, that’s not a problem!).
Our in-house experts will keep you updated, and your card is only charged once all work has been satisfactorily completed and approved by our team. Your driver will then drop the car back when it’s convenient for you.
What Fixter customers say about us
Want to learn more about car diagnostic?
What is a car diagnostic?
Modern cars have an onboard computer or Engine Control Unit (ECU). This continually assesses performance, with sensors throughout the car letting the ECU know of issues such as raised engine temperature, low fluid levels or problems with emission levels or the windscreen wipers. The ECU triggers an error once a problem has been found, and the relevant dashboard warning light will flash, but there are hundreds of potential error codes, which only specialist diagnostic equipment can read. So when a warning light flashes on the dashboard, a diagnostics check is needed to assess how bad the problem is, and what may have caused it.
We use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment
Live data shows multiple readings from across the engine to assess whether everything is working as it should. The equipment can also check and rectify braking systems where there’s an electronic handbrake, and adjust headlights where possible. You don’t need to go to a dealership to get diagnostic testing done. Most garages and workshops will carry out diagnostic testing for nearly all models and types of vehicle.
What happens at a Fixter car diagnostic inspection?
We charge a fixed fee for diagnostic testing that can be done while you wait. This is usually done within an hour, but if further work is required, it will clearly take more time. Our highly-trained and qualified mechanics will give you a no-charge, no-obligation repair quote if testing highlights issues with the engine or anything else, and talk you in detail through what is needed to put things right.
So next time a dashboard warning light flashes on, don’t pay dealership prices for diagnostic testing. Let us manage it all for you, picking up your car for its testing, and ensuring a fair price and a reliable service.
What happens when my dashboard illuminates a warning light?
The warning light is just the beginning—it doesn’t give the whole picture. There are hundreds of parts in your engine, so the exact nature of the fault may not be immediately apparent.
Examining fault codes to identify the problem
A diagnostic check accurately identifies the fault, avoiding more serious problems that could lead to costly repairs, potential safety hazards or worse damage. With these tests, your car is plugged into sophisticated diagnostic equipment which reads the error codes your car’s ECU has generated to explain the issue in full. Diagnostic checking looks for errors across various vehicle systems, including tyres, engine management, lights, emissions and more.
Common questions about booking at Fixter
Common questions about booking at Fixter
All of our drivers are fully insured and your vehicle is always protected.
We put our drivers through rigorous vetting and training before they are able to drive your vehicle. All of our drivers must have at least 3 years of driving experience, hold a clean driver's licence, be over the age of 21, capable of driving both manual and automatic vehicles and pass a criminal background check.
Your vehicle will be assigned to a driver who is responsible for collecting it from your home, delivering it to the garage and returning your vehicle once all work is completed.
Sometimes we might coordinate with a garage for them to send their own driver to collect your vehicle. In this instance, you are protected as you would be if it was a Fixter driver.
One of our in-house mechanics will factor in the make and model of your car, as well as the work that needs doing. They will then allocate your booking to the most appropriate Fixter garage in your area, and we’ll email you to confirm.
Here’s why only 1 in 20 garages pass our selection criteria:
We only choose garages registered as a Limited Company, with a minimum of 3 years of trading.
We assess each garage's various established affiliations (e.g. Bosch / Unipart / Garage).
We perform an online audit: Fixter only selects garages with at least a 4 star customer rating.
We make sure to visit each garage in person. Our in-house mechanics evaluate the quality of equipment, staff qualifications, capacity, and technical capabilities of selected servicing centres. Fixter only works with garages which strictly use manufacturer-equivalent parts.
After all requirements are fulfilled, we negotiate preferential terms with each selected (including parts, labour, oil, and MOT test rates), so we can pass it along to our customers.
All parts used in repairs and services carried out by Fixter are either manufacturer parts or equivalent. This guarantees that only the best quality parts are used in your vehicle. We offer a 12-month warranty, meaning that should anything should go wrong with the parts or labour we’ll take care of it, free of charge.
We take your card details when you book online, but nothing is charged to your card until all the work has been approved by our in-house experts, and satisfactorily completed.
No extra work will be carried out without your consent. If additional work is required, one of our in-house experts will call you to walk through any diagnostic reports, recommendations or additional quotes from the mechanic working on your car. We check every quote to make sure the work is required and has been fairly priced.
Note: If you need to update your payment details to pay for your booking, the team will send you a secure link to add the new card details.
If your car fails its MOT at one of our garages, but you believe that your car should have passed, you'll have the option to take your car to another garage to do a new MOT test. If your vehicle passes the MOT at another garage, we’ll refund you for the original MOT test that you carried out with us. Collection and delivery fees are non-refundable.
All Fixter bookings are covered by a 12-month warranty on parts and labour.
If there’s a problem (with either parts or labour) up to 12 months after your booking date, we’ll sort it out for you, completely free of charge.
Just email support@fixter.co.uk or call our team on 0330 808 9527 and we’ll take care of it.
Note: this doesn't apply to an air con regas as leaks can occur at any time.
We understand that things change.
If you need to cancel or change your booking, please let us know asap. Our agents spend time finding you a top-rated garage, which is then booked to take care of your vehicle. In many cases, parts are ordered in advance. As a result, we operate a 72-hour cancellation policy. If you have a confirmed booking with us and need to cancel within 72 hours of the appointment, a cancellation fee of £20 may be applied.
We want to avoid that so our agents will work with you to try and find a new appointment instead. To discuss changing or cancelling a booking, please email or phone on 0330 808 9527.
Our team works Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
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