{
  "dataset": "Car symptom → likely cause → repair mapping",
  "license": "CC BY 4.0 — attribute to 911FixAuto (https://911fixauto.com)",
  "count": 14,
  "results": [
    {
      "slug": "grinding-noise-when-braking",
      "title": "Grinding noise when braking",
      "commonQuery": "why does my car grind when I brake",
      "urgency": "Stop driving",
      "summary": "Metal-on-metal grinding almost always means the friction material is gone and the pad backing plate is cutting into the disc.",
      "likelyCauses": [
        {
          "cause": "Worn-out brake pads",
          "note": "Most common cause by a wide margin.",
          "repairService": "brake-pad-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/brake-pad-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Scored or warped discs",
          "note": "Once a disc is grooved, new pads alone will not fix the noise.",
          "repairService": "brake-rotor-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/brake-rotor-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Stone trapped in the dust shield",
          "note": "Free fix — check before buying anything.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        },
        {
          "cause": "Seized caliper slide pin",
          "note": "One pad wears out much faster than the other side.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        }
      ],
      "diagnosticChecks": [
        "Look through the wheel: less than 3 mm of pad material means replace now",
        "Run a fingernail across the disc face — a deep lip means disc replacement",
        "Compare inner and outer pad thickness to spot a seized caliper"
      ],
      "partsHub": "https://911fixauto.com/parts/brakes",
      "source": "https://911fixauto.com/symptoms/grinding-noise-when-braking"
    },
    {
      "slug": "steering-wheel-shakes-when-braking",
      "title": "Steering wheel shakes when braking",
      "commonQuery": "steering wheel vibrates when braking at high speed",
      "urgency": "Fix this week",
      "summary": "A shudder felt through the wheel under braking is thickness variation in the front discs, not 'warping' in the heat-bend sense.",
      "likelyCauses": [
        {
          "cause": "Disc thickness variation",
          "note": "Usually from pad deposits after hard braking.",
          "repairService": "brake-rotor-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/brake-rotor-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Dirty or rusty hub face",
          "note": "Causes run-out that reappears within weeks on new discs.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        },
        {
          "cause": "Loose or worn wheel bearing",
          "note": "Shake will also show at steady speed.",
          "repairService": "wheel-bearing-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/wheel-bearing-replacement"
        }
      ],
      "diagnosticChecks": [
        "Does the shake only appear under braking?",
        "Check wheel-nut torque",
        "Check for play at 12 and 6 o'clock"
      ],
      "partsHub": "https://911fixauto.com/parts/brakes",
      "source": "https://911fixauto.com/symptoms/steering-wheel-shakes-when-braking"
    },
    {
      "slug": "car-pulls-to-one-side",
      "title": "Car pulls to one side",
      "commonQuery": "why does my car pull to the right while driving",
      "urgency": "Fix this week",
      "summary": "A steady pull on a flat road is alignment, tyre pressure or a dragging brake. Which one depends on whether it happens only under braking.",
      "likelyCauses": [
        {
          "cause": "Alignment out of spec",
          "note": "Cheapest thing to rule out first.",
          "repairService": "wheel-alignment",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/wheel-alignment"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Uneven tyre pressure or a damaged tyre",
          "note": "Check cold pressures before anything else.",
          "repairService": "tire-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/tire-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Sticking brake caliper",
          "note": "That wheel will be noticeably hotter after a drive.",
          "repairService": "brake-pad-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/brake-pad-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Worn control-arm bushings",
          "note": "Pull usually comes with a clunk over bumps.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        }
      ],
      "diagnosticChecks": [
        "Set all tyres to placard pressure and retest",
        "Feel each wheel for heat after a drive",
        "Swap front tyres side to side — if the pull swaps, it is the tyre"
      ],
      "partsHub": "https://911fixauto.com/parts/suspension",
      "source": "https://911fixauto.com/symptoms/car-pulls-to-one-side"
    },
    {
      "slug": "check-engine-light-on",
      "title": "Check engine light is on",
      "commonQuery": "what does the check engine light mean",
      "urgency": "Fix this week",
      "summary": "The light only tells you a monitor failed. Read the code first — a $25 scanner turns a guess into a diagnosis.",
      "likelyCauses": [
        {
          "cause": "Misfire",
          "note": "P0300-series codes. Flashing light means stop driving.",
          "repairService": "spark-plug-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/spark-plug-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Catalyst efficiency below threshold",
          "note": "P0420/P0430 — fix the cause before the cat.",
          "repairService": "catalytic-converter-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/catalytic-converter-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Loose or failed fuel cap / EVAP leak",
          "note": "Very common and often free to fix.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        },
        {
          "cause": "Oxygen or MAF sensor fault",
          "note": "Check for vacuum leaks before replacing sensors.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        }
      ],
      "diagnosticChecks": [
        "Scan the code and write it down",
        "Flashing light = stop driving",
        "Look up the code before buying parts"
      ],
      "partsHub": "https://911fixauto.com/parts/engine-drivetrain",
      "source": "https://911fixauto.com/symptoms/check-engine-light-on"
    },
    {
      "slug": "car-wont-start-clicking",
      "title": "Car won't start and just clicks",
      "commonQuery": "car clicks once but won't start",
      "urgency": "Stop driving",
      "summary": "A single loud click with no crank points at the starter circuit; rapid clicking points at low battery voltage.",
      "likelyCauses": [
        {
          "cause": "Flat or failing battery",
          "note": "Rapid machine-gun clicking is the classic sign.",
          "repairService": "battery-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/battery-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Failed starter solenoid",
          "note": "One solid click, lights stay bright.",
          "repairService": "starter-motor-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/starter-motor-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Corroded earth strap or terminals",
          "note": "Free fix — clean and retorque before buying parts.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        }
      ],
      "diagnosticChecks": [
        "Measure resting voltage: under 12.2V means charge or replace",
        "Wiggle-test the terminals",
        "Try a jump start to separate battery from starter"
      ],
      "partsHub": "https://911fixauto.com/parts/electrical",
      "source": "https://911fixauto.com/symptoms/car-wont-start-clicking"
    },
    {
      "slug": "battery-light-on-while-driving",
      "title": "Battery warning light on while driving",
      "commonQuery": "battery light on but car still running",
      "urgency": "Stop driving",
      "summary": "The battery light is a charging-system light. The car is running on stored battery power and will stall once it is empty.",
      "likelyCauses": [
        {
          "cause": "Failed alternator",
          "note": "Charging voltage under 13.5V at idle.",
          "repairService": "alternator-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/alternator-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Snapped or slipping accessory belt",
          "note": "Often comes with an overheat warning too.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        },
        {
          "cause": "Corroded main charging cable",
          "note": "Voltage drop test finds it in minutes.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        }
      ],
      "diagnosticChecks": [
        "Measure voltage at idle: healthy is 13.8–14.6V",
        "Check the serpentine belt visually",
        "Head for a workshop, not home — you have limited range"
      ],
      "partsHub": "https://911fixauto.com/parts/electrical",
      "source": "https://911fixauto.com/symptoms/battery-light-on-while-driving"
    },
    {
      "slug": "car-overheating",
      "title": "Engine is overheating",
      "commonQuery": "why is my car overheating",
      "urgency": "Stop driving",
      "summary": "Coolant temperature above normal means heat is not leaving the engine. Continued driving risks a warped head and a bill ten times bigger.",
      "likelyCauses": [
        {
          "cause": "Coolant leak",
          "note": "Look for crust or puddles at the radiator and hoses.",
          "repairService": "radiator-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/radiator-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Failed water pump",
          "note": "Weep hole drips and pulley whine.",
          "repairService": "water-pump-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/water-pump-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Stuck thermostat",
          "note": "Temperature climbs fast and the top hose stays cold.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        },
        {
          "cause": "Cooling fan not running",
          "note": "Overheats in traffic, fine on the motorway.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        }
      ],
      "diagnosticChecks": [
        "Never open a hot cap",
        "Check the level cold",
        "Confirm the fan cuts in with the A/C on"
      ],
      "partsHub": "https://911fixauto.com/parts/engine-drivetrain",
      "source": "https://911fixauto.com/symptoms/car-overheating"
    },
    {
      "slug": "humming-noise-while-driving",
      "title": "Humming or droning noise while driving",
      "commonQuery": "humming noise from wheel that gets louder with speed",
      "urgency": "Fix this week",
      "summary": "A drone that rises with road speed and changes when you steer is a wheel bearing. If it stays identical while steering, look at tyres.",
      "likelyCauses": [
        {
          "cause": "Worn wheel bearing",
          "note": "Louder when loading that side in a curve.",
          "repairService": "wheel-bearing-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/wheel-bearing-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Cupped or feathered tyres",
          "note": "Usually caused by worn dampers or bad alignment.",
          "repairService": "tire-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/tire-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Differential or gearbox wear",
          "note": "Noise changes with throttle, not steering.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        }
      ],
      "diagnosticChecks": [
        "Swerve gently left and right and note when it gets louder",
        "Jack up and spin each wheel by hand",
        "Check for uneven tread wear"
      ],
      "partsHub": "https://911fixauto.com/parts/suspension",
      "source": "https://911fixauto.com/symptoms/humming-noise-while-driving"
    },
    {
      "slug": "ac-not-blowing-cold",
      "title": "Air conditioning not blowing cold",
      "commonQuery": "car ac blowing warm air",
      "urgency": "Monitor",
      "summary": "Almost always refrigerant loss through a slow leak, but a blocked cabin filter or dead compressor clutch feels the same from the driver's seat.",
      "likelyCauses": [
        {
          "cause": "Low refrigerant from a leak",
          "note": "Recharging without a leak test just vents gas again.",
          "repairService": "ac-recharge",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/ac-recharge"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Compressor clutch not engaging",
          "note": "Listen for the click when you press A/C.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        },
        {
          "cause": "Blocked cabin filter or condenser",
          "note": "Weak airflow rather than warm air.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        }
      ],
      "diagnosticChecks": [
        "Is airflow strong but warm, or weak overall?",
        "Watch the compressor clutch with the engine running",
        "Check the condenser for leaves and debris"
      ],
      "partsHub": "https://911fixauto.com/parts/electrical",
      "source": "https://911fixauto.com/symptoms/ac-not-blowing-cold"
    },
    {
      "slug": "clutch-slipping",
      "title": "Clutch is slipping",
      "commonQuery": "how to tell if clutch is slipping",
      "urgency": "Fix this week",
      "summary": "Revs rise faster than road speed under load. A slipping clutch never recovers — it only gets worse and can damage the flywheel.",
      "likelyCauses": [
        {
          "cause": "Worn clutch disc",
          "note": "Most likely on anything past 60,000 miles.",
          "repairService": "clutch-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/clutch-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Oil contamination from a rear main seal",
          "note": "Fix the leak or the new clutch slips too.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        },
        {
          "cause": "Hydraulic system not releasing",
          "note": "High biting point and heavy pedal.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        }
      ],
      "diagnosticChecks": [
        "Fourth gear, 30 mph, floor the throttle — if revs flare, it slips",
        "Check for a burning smell after a hill",
        "Note the biting-point height"
      ],
      "partsHub": "https://911fixauto.com/parts/engine-drivetrain",
      "source": "https://911fixauto.com/symptoms/clutch-slipping"
    },
    {
      "slug": "car-bouncing-after-bumps",
      "title": "Car keeps bouncing after bumps",
      "commonQuery": "car bounces a lot after speed bump",
      "urgency": "Fix this week",
      "summary": "More than one rebound after a bump means the dampers are no longer controlling the springs.",
      "likelyCauses": [
        {
          "cause": "Worn shock absorbers or struts",
          "note": "Replace in axle pairs.",
          "repairService": "shock-absorber-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/shock-absorber-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Failed top mounts",
          "note": "Adds a knock over small bumps.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        },
        {
          "cause": "Broken spring",
          "note": "Car sits low on one corner.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        }
      ],
      "diagnosticChecks": [
        "Bounce test each corner",
        "Look for oil film on the damper body",
        "Measure ride height corner to corner"
      ],
      "partsHub": "https://911fixauto.com/parts/suspension",
      "source": "https://911fixauto.com/symptoms/car-bouncing-after-bumps"
    },
    {
      "slug": "rough-idle",
      "title": "Rough or shaky idle",
      "commonQuery": "engine shakes at idle but smooths out when driving",
      "urgency": "Fix this week",
      "summary": "A shake at idle that clears under load is usually a misfire, a vacuum leak or collapsed engine mounts.",
      "likelyCauses": [
        {
          "cause": "Misfiring cylinder",
          "note": "Scan for cylinder-specific codes.",
          "repairService": "spark-plug-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/spark-plug-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Vacuum leak",
          "note": "Idle hunts up and down instead of shaking evenly.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        },
        {
          "cause": "Collapsed engine mount",
          "note": "Engine shake felt in the cabin only at idle and in gear.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        }
      ],
      "diagnosticChecks": [
        "Scan for misfire counts per cylinder",
        "Listen for a hiss around the intake",
        "Watch the engine rock when someone blips the throttle"
      ],
      "partsHub": "https://911fixauto.com/parts/engine-drivetrain",
      "source": "https://911fixauto.com/symptoms/rough-idle"
    },
    {
      "slug": "burning-smell-from-engine",
      "title": "Burning smell from the engine bay",
      "commonQuery": "burning smell coming from car engine",
      "urgency": "Stop driving",
      "summary": "Identify the smell: oil on the manifold is sharp and acrid, coolant is sweet, and burnt clutch or brakes is pungent.",
      "likelyCauses": [
        {
          "cause": "Oil leaking onto the exhaust",
          "note": "Valve cover or turbo lines are the usual suspects.",
          "repairService": null,
          "costPage": null
        },
        {
          "cause": "Coolant leak",
          "note": "Sweet smell and white vapour.",
          "repairService": "radiator-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/radiator-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Dragging brake",
          "note": "Hot wheel and acrid smell after a drive.",
          "repairService": "brake-pad-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/brake-pad-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Slipping clutch",
          "note": "Strong smell after hills or heavy traffic.",
          "repairService": "clutch-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/clutch-replacement"
        }
      ],
      "diagnosticChecks": [
        "Stop and look for smoke",
        "Feel each wheel for excessive heat",
        "Check oil and coolant levels once cool"
      ],
      "partsHub": "https://911fixauto.com/parts/engine-drivetrain",
      "source": "https://911fixauto.com/symptoms/burning-smell-from-engine"
    },
    {
      "slug": "headlights-dim-or-flickering",
      "title": "Headlights dim or flickering",
      "commonQuery": "headlights dim at idle",
      "urgency": "Fix this week",
      "summary": "Dimming that follows engine speed points at charging or earth problems, not the bulbs.",
      "likelyCauses": [
        {
          "cause": "Weak alternator output",
          "note": "Dim at idle, bright when revved.",
          "repairService": "alternator-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/alternator-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Failing battery",
          "note": "Poor buffering makes lights pulse.",
          "repairService": "battery-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/battery-replacement"
        },
        {
          "cause": "Corroded earth point or aged bulbs",
          "note": "Halogens lose output badly after 3 years.",
          "repairService": "headlight-replacement",
          "costPage": "https://911fixauto.com/repair-cost/headlight-replacement"
        }
      ],
      "diagnosticChecks": [
        "Measure voltage at idle and at 2,000 rpm",
        "Clean and retorque the earth strap",
        "Compare left and right beam brightness"
      ],
      "partsHub": "https://911fixauto.com/parts/electrical",
      "source": "https://911fixauto.com/symptoms/headlights-dim-or-flickering"
    }
  ]
}