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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.

lexus rc f track edition 2020 21 detail  interior  paddle shifter  steering wheel jpg
Whether gas-powered or electrified, if your car has paddle shifters, you should consult your owner’s manual to determine how they work.
202502 what does the engine light mean scaled jpg
The check-engine light is a signal that the onboard diagnostics system (or OBD II) has detected a malfunction in the vehicle's emissions, ignition or fuel systems.
202502 should I rotate tires scaled jpg
Although a typical interval is 5,000 to 10,000 miles, you may want to have tires rotated before it’s called for if you notice uneven tread wear that results in vibration or noise.
202502 do you need to change your power steering fluid scaled jpg
One indication that the power-steering fluid level should at least be checked is if the steering wheel becomes harder to turn or you hear a whining noise coming from the power-steering pump.
202501 why does my heater blow cold air 2 scaled jpg
If you’re asking for heat but only cold air is coming out, the problem likely lies in one of two areas.
chrysler pacifica limited awd s appearance 2021 25 center stack  climate control  front row  gearshift  interior jpg
The “L” was a staple position in early cars with automatic transmissions (which date from the 1940s), and it had some very practical purposes back when brakes weren’t as good.
202501 how long do spark plugs last scaled jpg
How long spark plugs last varies with different cars and different types of spark plugs.
202310 how to check air pressure scaled jpg
Proper tire pressure is much more crucial to your car than you may think, and it results in a safer and more economical experience on the road.
202412 what is top tier gas scaled jpg
Top Tier gasoline contains more effective detergents than federally required, which helps clean fuel injectors and reduce harmful carbon deposits inside the engine.
202412 why is my car idling high scaled jpg
While it’s normal for a car to be idling high when it’s first started, if the idle doesn’t drop to normal after a minute or two, something’s probably wrong.