Oil Warning Light On

A warning light indicating oil is on your car's most serious problem you will ever face. You should stop your engine immediately if the oil warning light (or oil icon) comes on. Low-pressure warning lights can indicate a problem with your engine, such as a bad oil pressure sensor or bum oil pump. It could also indicate that your oil is low. You can check your oil level on the side of your car. Here's how:

• Grab a tissue or a rag, and remove the hood and the dipstick (check your manual to find out where it is).

• Use the rag to clean the dipstick and then insert it back into the tube.

• To check the oil level, pull out the dipstick again. The dipstick will show marks, notches and holes indicating the "FULL" and "ADD" levels. If oil levels are below the ADD mark, you have run out.

• Ask a friend to bring you at most four quarts (find the oil specifications for your vehicle on the oil filler cap or in the owner's manual).

• You should add just enough oil to get the oil level to the maximum mark on the dipstick. Then, take your car to a shop to be checked for any oil consumption issues or leaks.

• If your oil warning light comes on and your dipstick test shows that your oil level is higher than the ADD mark, it is time to call a tow truck. For a professional diagnosis, call a tow truck.

Car won't start

If the engine won't start when you turn the ignition key, or you hear the engine click, but nothing happens, it's likely that your battery is dead or weak. There are two simple ways to get your engine running again, even though you won't likely have the tools.

Warm up the Battery

Car batteries are powered by a chemical reaction. This reaction slows down when it is cold. You can increase the battery's output by warming it. Simply turn the key to start the battery several times with a 5-minute break between each attempt.

Install a Dim Headlight

Many DIYers believe that a dimming headlight is due to a bad connection on the power side. It's possible that the dimming headlight is caused by a poor ground connection. This problem can be fixed by checking the electrical connector for corrosion and cleaning the ground connection.

The electrical connector that connects to the headlight must be removed. Check for signs of corrosion and melted plastic due to excessive heat.

You can clean corrosion with an electrical contact cleaner and a wire brush.

If the connector has melted, you can purchase a new pigtail connector at any auto parts shop or dealer parts department and attach it to the wiring harness.

Next, clean and dry the ground connection to your headlights. Follow the ground wire until it reaches the termination on the frame.

Take out the bolt or screw, clean it off, and then apply dielectric grease to re-connect the connection.

Turn on your headlights. If they are bright, it's done. If they are not, you will need to have a professional diagnose it for you instead.