One of the most common complaints of drivers is the engine making an annoying knocking sound. In most cases, an engine knock is caused by too great a clearance between the components located in the valve train. Unfortunately, a persistent engine knock is one common problem best addressed by a qualified mechanic

That squeaky sound produced by the brakes can cause you to crank up the radio volume to full blast just to drown it out, but don't confuse drowning out squeaky brakes with curing them. The squeal of the brakes is caused by vibration of the pads and the rotors, the pads and the calipers, or the calipers and the mounts--or between the shoes and the drums or the shoes and backing plates. Clearly, squeaking brakes need a mechanic to fix unless you are really good at car maintenance.

When the check engine light comes on and won't go off, it is a sign that your vehicle's computer has detected some problem with the emission system. Determining the exact cause of the emission failure can only be done with a diagnostic scan. However, just because the light stays on it doesn't necessarily mean there is a big expense in your future, because the light can be triggered by any one of a number of minor problems.