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Contributor

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.

Articles by Rick Cotta

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.
Using regular gas in an engine that requires premium could void your warranty if it causes severe engine knock or pinging.
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.
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.
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.
A general recommendation is to replace the positive crankcase ventilation, or PCV, valve every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
A cabin air filter cleans the air coming into your car’s interior through the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
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.
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.
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.