Oil Warning Light on

An oil warning light can be one of the most dangerous car problems you'll ever have to deal with. The oil icon (or the warning light) should be activated immediately, and your engine turned off. A low-pressure warning light could indicate that your engine is experiencing problems such as an oil pressure sensor problem, a faulty oil pump, or significant wear. However, it could also be a sign that your oil level is low. Good news: You can easily check your oil level from the side of the road. Here's how:

• Grab a tissue or rag and pop the hood. Then, take out the dipstick. (Check your owner's manual for the exact location).

• The dipstick should be cleaned with a rag.

• Check your oil level by pulling the dipstick out once more. There will be marks, notches, or holes on your dipstick indicating your "FULL" level and your "ADD." If oil is below the ADD level, it means that you are out of oil.

• Ask a friend for at least four quarts. (Find the oil specs for your car on your oil filler cap or in your owner's manual).

• Just enough oil is needed to make the oil reach the full mark of the dipstick. Next, drive your car to a shop and have it checked for oil consumption or any leaks.

• However, if the oil warning light on your car is lit and the dipstick tests show that your oil level exceeds the ADD limit, you should call a tow truck. To get a professional diagnosis, have your vehicle tow-trucked to a shop.

Car Won't Get Started

If you can hear the engine turning but not clicking when you turn the key in the ignition, you may have a weak or dead battery. Here are two quick ways to fix your engine if it won't turn.

Warm the Battery

Car batteries produce power by chemical reactions. However, this reaction slows down in cold conditions. The ability to warm the battery can improve its output. The easiest way to warm up a battery is to turn the key several times and then rest for five minutes between each attempt.

Install a dim headlight

Many DIYers believe a dimmed headlight is due to a bad connection at the power end of the circuit. Although it is possible to have dimmed headlights, most likely, the problem is due to corrosion at the ground connection. You will need to inspect the electrical connector and clean the ground.

• Take out the plug that plugs into your headlight. You should inspect the connector for signs such as corrosion or melting plastic caused by excessive heat.

• Clean any corrosion using an electric contact cleaner and a small wire brush.

• If the connector is damaged, buy a new pigtail headlight connector at an auto parts store or dealer parts section and connect it to the wiring harness.

• Next, clean the connection between the headlight and the ground. You can locate the connection by following the ground wire from the frame to the end of the fender.

• Removing the bolt or screw is enough to remove the rust. Apply a little dielectric grease, then reconnect.

• Turn on the headlights. If the headlights are on, they should be bright. If they're not, they will require a professional diagnosis.