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.
Whether gas-powered or electrified, if your car has paddle shifters, you should consult your owner’s manual to determine how they work.
By Rick Cotta
March 30, 2025
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.
By Rick Cotta
March 16, 2025
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.
By Rick Cotta
February 23, 2025
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.
By Rick Cotta
February 9, 2025
If you’re asking for heat but only cold air is coming out, the problem likely lies in one of two areas.
By Rick Cotta
January 26, 2025
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.
By Rick Cotta
January 13, 2025
How long spark plugs last varies with different cars and different types of spark plugs.
By Rick Cotta
January 12, 2025
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.
By Rick Cotta
December 31, 2024
Top Tier gasoline contains more effective detergents than federally required, which helps clean fuel injectors and reduce harmful carbon deposits inside the engine.
By Rick Cotta
December 22, 2024
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.
By Rick Cotta
December 8, 2024