"The brake pedal feels squishy and the braking action isn't positive"

Likely cause: "The brakes need bleeding as they have air in the hydraulics that compresses more than the brake fluid. It's easy for a mechanic to do."

"My car won't start! Nothing happens when I turn the key!"

Likely Causes: "A flat battery or a defunct starter motor"
Diagnosis 1: "Are the dashboard lights faded out or not on at all? Is there a clicking sound from the engine when you turn the key but it won't start".

If the answer is yes to one or both of these questions, it is likely the battery is flat. It can be recharged on a home recharger if it is removed, and you can jump start the car with jump leads to get it going. If it happens again, it is likely the battery is dead or dying and will need replacing

Diagnosis 2: "Are the lights bright on the dashboard but the engine won't turn over?"

If so, it is likely the starter motor is broken. It will need replacing. It is relatively easy for a garage to do, as the starter motor just bolts on to the engine itself.

"The engine turns over but won't start!"

Likely causes: " This could really be a number of things. It sounds obvious, but check the fuel guage to make sure you have petrol in it, especially if you are parked on a steep hill (the petrol can pool away from the uptake pipe). If you have petrol, it turns over but doesn't start, you will need to call the AA or the garage."

"My lights aren't working"

Likely causes: "Usually just a blown bulb. Replacements for indicators and brake lights are available at many petrol stations. Usually you just remove a plastic cover behind the light, rotate the bulb holder and pull, then replace the bulb the same as on a lamp at home. Headlights are more difficult and you will need a garage. Some are sealed units, and require a new unit, not just a bulb."

"There's a clicking from my wheels when I go round corners?"

Likely cause: "Your CV ('Constant Velocity') joints are worn and need replacing. They are relatively affordable and a common part that all cars need replacing at some point."

"It pulls to the side when I am driving"

Likely causes: "Worn tires, uneven tire pressures or misaligned wheels
Action: "Check your tire pressures, and the tread pattern to make sure there is no uneven wear. If they are OK and it still pulls, book into a tire shop for a wheel alignment. Even bumping a curb can throw out the alignment and make the car pull to the side."

"My car is smoking"

Likely causes: "Old and dirty oil, excessive wear or a blown head gasket"
Action: "Take the car for an oil change, and get them to run an engine flush through first to loosen old oil deposits in the engine. Clean oil of good quality can make a lot of difference. If it still smokes, it may be worn piston rings (which can be replaced, but it is pricey) or a blown head gasket (which will often be accompanied by use of excessive water and a rise in running temperature, sometimes suddenly). Both will require mechanical attention, and a blown head gasket will need it immediately to avoid extensive damage. Never run a car when it is overheating!"

"When I go up a hill, the revs go up but the car doesn't accelerate"

Likely cause: "The clutch is worn out, and it will only get worse. It will need replacing."

"There's a screeching sound when I use the brakes"

Likely cause: "The brake pads may be worn down to the brake disks that stop the car. You will need to replace the pads urgently, as it will be dangerous to drive."

"My seatbelt won't pull out"

Likely cause: "Is the car parked on a slope? Inertia reel seatbelts need to be flat or they lock. Being on a slope mimics the action of the car stopping suddenly, and the seatbelts thinks it should be locked."

"I can't get the key out of the ignition"

Likely cause: "Put the automatic gear shift into "park". Most cars won't allow the key to come out unless you do."

"My car isn't where I left it"

Likely cause: "It has been stolen or towed. Call the towing company, then call the Cops!"