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What are some ways to quickly diagnose car problems?

I have a car that's on its last leg. Dashboard lights flicker with reckless abandon. So before I break down somewhere, I want to get on top of my game. Are there any ways or tips to quickly diagnose car problems?

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Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“While it is a light show no driver wants to see, dashboard lights are a great indicator of issues with your car, especially if they’re flickering or turning on regularly.
To find out what these mean, you can get a basic idea with the owner’s manual. If you want to go more in-depth, you can always get an on-board diagnostics (OBD) device, which tells you what dashboard lights and codes mean more specifically.
If that doesn’t work or if you find it just as confusing as the rest of us doit’s still over your head, auto retail stores often provide free diagnostics. They should give you a print out of the error codes along with solutions for repairs.
You also might want to add roadside assistance to your
car insurance
. It’s only a few bucks a month and it could help you out in a jam.
If you’re looking for roadside assistance at a great price, try
Jerry
. Jerry partners with Urgently to provide you with industry-leading roadside assistance, including benefits like towing, lockout service, and a mechanics hotline.”
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WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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