Car maintenance tips / tricks

Problems	Possible root causes	Diagnose / Troubleshoot
Engine Overheat	Clogged / blocked radiator	Check for internal rust build up inside radiator - need professionals
	Leaked radiator	Check for leakage point / check coolant volume
	Bad radiator butterfly screw	Check for leakage point
	Broken coolant reservoir tank	Check for leakage or holes / check coolant volume
	Bad / failing thermostat	Check for thermostat mechanism if it still working or fail
	Bad / failing waterpump	Need professional mechanic to inspect
	Leak on the water pump gasket	Check for leakage on the water pump / check coolant volume
	Bad leaked radiator hoses	Check for leakage and coolant volume capacity
	Clogged catalytic converter
Engine Unable to start / stopped prematurely	Bad / failing spark plug	Check spark plug ensure to generate spark Check ignition coil if it is working properly Check ignition coil wiring make sure all deliver current to fire the spark plugs
	Bad fuel injectors	Check clogged fuel injectors Check fuel injectors wiring - no loose or broken connections
	Bad fuel pump	Check fuel pump ensue it function normally - able to deliver fuel and pressure Check fuel pump wiring - no loose or broken connections Check fuel pump fuse Check fuel pump wiring Check fuel pump filter not clogged
	Ignition switch	check ignition switch ensure it function normally check wiring - no loose or broken connections check fuse
	Battery	Check battery voltage ensure enough charges Check wiring - no loose or broken connection especially ground wires
	Alternator	Ensure alternator working as expected Check wiring no loose or broken to charge the battery
	Starter	Check it is working as expected
	ECU	Check the wiring to ECU Check if ECU already gone bad
	Clogged catalytic converter
Suspension / undercarriage sound noise	Bad engine mount	Check ball joint
	bad CV joint (Driveshaft)	Check ball joint outer / inner | boots
	Power steering bush	Check bush
	Stabilizer link bar	Check ball joints
	Lower arm	Check ball joints
	Power steering inner tie rod	Check ball joint
	Power steering tie rod end	Check ball joint
	Stabilizer bar bush	Check bush
	Absorber	Check absorber / spring / mount | boots
Belting area noise	Alternator pulley	check pulley bearing noise
	Belt	check wear / tear, alignment and fitness into the pulley's thread | check belt tension not too loose or tight
	Tensioner pulley	check bearing noise and alignment
	Crankshaft pulley	check bearing noise and harmonic rubber balancer and alignment
	Water pump pulley	check bearing noise and alignment
	Aircond compressor pulley	check bearing noise and alignment
	Idler pulley	check bearing noise and alignment
Engine shaking / vibration	Spark plug	Check spark plug is working
	Ignition coil	Check ignition coils are working
	Engine mounts	Check engine mount no damage
	Fuel injectors	Check all fuel injectors are working
	All belting pulleys + belting	Check belting misalignment Check pulleys misalignment Check belting tensions too loose / too tight
	Throttle cable	Check throttle cable not depress by anything