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Rick Cotta

Contributor Rick Cotta has been in the automotive industry for more than 35 years, 30 of which were spent as an editor at Consumer Guide Automotive. He is also a former mechanic and earned ASE technician certification.

why does car squeal when turning steering wheel jpg
If your car is making a squealing or squeaking sound when you turn the steering wheel, there could be any of several culprits at play.
Premium Regular Gas Void Warranty jpg
Using regular gas in an engine that requires premium could void your warranty if it causes severe engine knock or pinging.
egr how does it work jpg
EGR stands for exhaust gas recirculation, and the EGR valve is part of a system that recirculates exhaust gas back into the engine’s intake manifold for a return trip to the cylinders it just left.
dodge charger hellcat redeye 2021  12 engine jpg
A misfire means that a cylinder in your engine isn’t producing the power it should because the air-fuel mixture in it didn’t properly ignite and burn.
what problems do warn suspension bushings cause jpg
When suspension bushings are worn, they don’t adequately fill the gap between parts, which can lead to loose-feeling steering, uneven tire wear and even broken components.
when should you replace pcv valve jpg
A general recommendation is to replace the positive crankcase ventilation, or PCV, valve every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
whats cabin air filter when to replace jpg
A cabin air filter cleans the air coming into your car’s interior through the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
car burning oil how much consumption is normal jpg
The amount of oil consumption that is considered “normal” varies by manufacturer, what kind of driving you do and the number of miles the car has traveled.
why is the battery light on png
An illuminated battery light means there’s something wrong with the car’s charging system, which primarily consists of the battery and alternator, along with some associated components.
find stop slow tire leak jpg
Because many tire-leak repairs require taking the tire off the wheel, taking the car to a tire shop is often your best option. However, there are some simple things you can check and correct at home.