Diagnose a Car Problem Online

Is it possible to diagnose a car problem online? The answer is absolutely yes, but beware of possible scams that are out to just take your money without offering much more than general auto repair solutions.

Make Your Question Specific!

There are a few different places to get online auto repair help. Some are honest websites that are available to help, while others just want to make a quick buck.

Many auto dealerships are jumping onboard the online auto repair wagon. If you have a favorite dealership, visit their website and see if they have an online auto diagnosis. You will have to give your name, phone number, and email address along with type of vehicle and problem. While you can post an automotive repair question and get a response, most likely you’ll also receive a call from the service department asking if they can schedule your vehicle for service.

• Internet Car Doctor – This site is easy to use and cost $5.95 to post one auto repair question. They do have a "Search for a Car Problem" tab, but if you click on this, you’ll still be required to pay the $5.95. One good thing about the Internet Car Doctor is their 24-hour service, and that they promise your questions will be answered by an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) technician.
• 10w40 – This site lists many repair complaints and questions like car engine won't start. Scroll to find the one that meets your needs and click on it to receive free topics on how the component works and what could be wrong if you think you’re having problems. This site is totally free to search and includes everything from air-conditioning to steering problems.
• Just Answer – On this website you can enter any topic along with the type of car you have. If you’re new to the site, you’ll be asked to create a user name and password. This is not a free question website. If you ask an auto repair question, you must also include a price you’ll be willing to pay to receive that answer. Once you pay via Paypal, you will be emailed your answer. Remember, be specific about auto repair problems if using a paying website.
• Autoboardz – Autoboardz is a community of both auto professionals and enthusiasts. You can browse the posts by make and model and see if anyone has had a similar auto problem to yours and then read posts for free. You are not required to join this website.

Keep these tips in mind if you want to diagnose your car problems online:

1. Take heed with the answers you get. Some auto repair problems can only be diagnosed if personally inspected.
2. If the technician answering your question isn’t a factory trained mechanic for your make and model vehicle, you may get a very general answer.
3. If you do go the auto dealership route to have a service question answered and they call you, ask if you can get a discount on the repairs if you do bring your vehicle in.
4. Before you pay any website to answer a question for you, check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure there are no complaints.
5. Just because you received an answer to your auto repair question doesn’t mean it’s the correct answer. An in-person visit to an auto repair center is your best bet.
6. For do-it-yourself mechanics, seeking advice online can be extremely helpful when parts need to be replaced. More complicated repairs, however, should be performed by an auto repair center.
7. If you like the answer you get and want to proceed with the repairs on your own, make sure you aren’t voiding any manufacturer warranty by performing your own work. To be sure, call a dealer and ask.

It is possible to diagnose a car problem online, but if you do, keep in mind that you may end up with a general answer that is not specific to your particular make and model unless you pay for that answer..

• History of Ford Vehicles
• Design a Virtual Car
• How to Drive Step by Step
• Driving Test Theory Questions
• Custom My Car

• Black Book Car Values
• Girl Car Accessories
• Teach Me How to Drive a Manual Car
• How Much Does My Car Weigh
• Family Car Stickers

• Car Engine Won't Start
• Interview: Collision Repair Cost
• Diagnosing Car Engine Problems
• Girl Car Accessories
• Remote Car Starter Review