Written by Talia Stinson
Published Oct 08, 2026 | 7 minute read
You’re already running late for an important appointment when your car sputters to a stop by the side of the road. Should you repair it yourself or call a professional? While the majority of serious car problems will require a professional mechanic, there are a few fixes that you might be able to handle yourself.
Below, we’ll discuss common car issues you could tackle yourself and those that are better left to the pros.
There are few things more frustrating than trying to start your car and getting absolutely nothing. If this happens, it may not be cause for despair. Maybe someone left an interior light on and your battery just needs a quick jump-start.
To tackle this in the future, consider keeping a battery starter pack in your car so you’re equipped to jump your own vehicle (or help another stranded driver out). But for now, here’s how to properly jumpstart your car: How to Jumpstart Your Car Battery.
The bottom line for dead batteries:
Flat tires are the worst, especially if you’re diligent about checking your tire condition and keeping them properly inflated.
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to prepare for an unexpected encounter with a nasty pothole or a stray nail. If you do get a flat tire, having the right equipment and knowing how to safely change it will make the experience go more smoothly. Most vehicles come equipped with the following tools to change a tire:
Make sure your vehicle has these items. It’s also smart to keep a flashlight, wheel wedges and gloves in the trunk to make changing your tire easier and more comfortable.
And keep in mind that the typical “donut” spare tire is intended to serve as a temporary fix rather than a replacement tire. You may still need the help of your mechanic to either repair the damage or replace the tire.
READ MORE: 5 Step Guide on How To Change a Flat Tire
The bottom line for flat tires:
Maintaining proper engine oil level is a simple way to help your car. Engine oil prevents friction and protects the intricate metal parts that keep your engine running smoothly.
If you have a newer car, your dashboard will probably alert you when you’re low on oil. But it’s also a good idea to regularly check your oil level with a dipstick. It’s convenient to do when you get gas. Use a napkin or a paper towel at the pump to wipe the dipstick clean before you check your oil level.
Aside from monitoring your oil level, it’s also crucial to get your oil changed as part of your routine car maintenance. Check your owner’s manual to find out how often your oil should be changed.
READ MORE: How Often Should You Change Your Car’s Oil?
The bottom line for low oil:
Cars can overheat when the temperature rises. There are a number of causes, including a leak in the car’s coolant system, cooling system hoses or radiator wells. Or the thermostat might be stuck, preventing coolant from reaching your engine.
A faulty water pump, broken fan belt or clogged radiator could also be the culprit. Have your radiator flushed annually to stay on top of these issues.
If your temperature warning light turns on, immediately but safely pull over to the side of the road. Turn off your engine, wait a few minutes and open the hood to help the engine cool down.
If you’re stuck in traffic, you can either turn off the air conditioning or turn up the heat to full blast to help pull the heat from the engine. NEVER remove the radiator cap if the car is or has recently been running. Doing so could put you at risk for a serious injury from scalding water and steam.
Get your vehicle to an auto repair shop as soon as possible. Overheating issues are serious and repairs usually require a mechanic.
If you can’t start your car, the problem could be a weak or dead battery, which you may be able to jump yourself. But if you notice your headlights or dash lights dim while you’re trying to start the engine, or your engine seems to be turning over slowly, you might have a problem with the alternator.
Your EMS (Engine Management System) is your car’s “computer.” If the EMS light on your dash flashes, your vehicle will need a professional mechanic.
The high-tension leads, which carry voltage to the spark plugs, can deteriorate with age or can dampen. A damp-repellant spray can stop them from slowing down the flow of voltage to the spark plugs to help prevent electrical failure. Repairing your vehicle’s electrical system is very complex and should only be handled by a mechanic.
If your brake pedal seems unusually soft or you have to stomp your foot on the brake at red lights, your brakes likely need attention. If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side, the brake hose may need to be replaced.
In addition to being attentive to how your brakes feel, keep your ears tuned for noises. If you hear something strange, consult your local mechanic. Sometimes brakes need repair even if you don’t hear or feel anything unusual. If your dashboard brake light comes on, call your mechanic.
READ MORE: How To Safely Deal with Squealing Brakes
A healthy transmission is essential to keeping your car running. If you notice loud noises or jerky movements when you put your car in gear, or if your engine revs but lags when you try to start it, you may have a faulty transmission. While transmission repairs are best left to your mechanic, you can maintain your transmission by regularly monitoring your transmission fluid.
READ MORE: What You Should Know About Your Car’s Transmission
Your car’s steering and suspension systems have several parts — including springs, torsion bars, steering links, control arms and ball joints and shock absorbers — that can get worn down or damaged over time. Both systems are critical to your safety. If either malfunction while you’re driving, you’ll need to get towed. Regular inspections can help you monitor the condition of your parts and systems for preventative replacement or repair.
Parts and labor costs vary depending on location and the type of vehicle you drive. The table below shows sample average costs for select auto repairs in the U.S. from the Synchrony 2026 Cost of Car Ownership Survey:
While there are certain repairs you can do yourself, unless you’re an experienced auto mechanic, you should leave major vehicle repairs to the professionals.
If you need to purchase parts for your DIY repair or your car requires professional service, you can pay over time with the Synchrony Car Care credit card. It’s accepted at over one million auto merchant and service locations nationwide and can help take the worry out of car repairs.
LEARN MORE: Find a Location that accepts the Synchrony Car Care credit card.
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Talia Stinson is a Content Specialist with Synchrony, and has a background in research, content strategy and management. She specializes in writing on financial, technology and wellness topics.