Articles by Mia Bevacqua
Should You Go to School to Become a Mechanic?
When I graduated from high school, my parents insisted that my next step would be a four-year college. I had other plans, though: I wanted to go to trade school...Read more
How to Flush Coolant
Nearly every vehicle manufacturer recommends a coolant flush as part of their maintenance schedule—it’s an essential part of any car care routine. Why? Because coolant breaks down over time and...Read more
How to Replace an Ignition Coil
Are you a newbie looking for an easy repair project that you can do yourself? Many late-model cars have individual coil-on-plug (COP) ignition coils that are easy to replace—with the...Read more
How to Change Spark Plugs
Spark plug replacement is one of the most common maintenance procedures. The job seems easy in theory, which is why many vehicle owners want to attempt it themselves. And it’s...Read more
What’s the Difference Between Your Car’s Air Conditioner & Heater?
Most people understand that their home’s heating and air conditioning (A/C) are basically two distinct systems (usually) tied together by ductwork. There’s the A/C unit, which does the cooling, and...Read more
Cheapest Cars to Maintain: A Professional’s Opinion
If you type the phrase “cheapest cars to maintain” into Google, you’re bound to get a variety of answers from different websites. Many (if not all) of these sources build...Read more
Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement: How-To Guide
A faulty ignition lock cylinder can be a real bummer. Sometimes, when the lock cylinder starts going out, you can jiggle the key to get it to turn. But eventually,...Read more
Bad VVT Solenoid Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Every automaker seems to have a different name for its variable valve timing (VVT) solenoids. Depending on the vehicle manufacturer, these parts may be referred to as camshaft actuator solenoids,...Read more
Bad Throttle Position Sensor Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Your car has dozens of sensors onboard—one of which is the throttle position sensor (TP). As you might have guessed, the TP sensor measures the position of the throttle blade....Read more
Modern Classics: Why You Should Buy an 80s Car Despite What People Say
Cars from the 1980s don’t get much love. One article from the Chicago Tribune reads, “It seems unlikely that people will ever collect 1980s American cars, short of a National...Read more
The Science Behind Automotive Brand Loyalty: What Makes People Love Their Cars?
We’ve all seen someone with a Chevy or Ford tattoo covering their arm. But automotive brand loyalty isn’t limited to over-the-top car enthusiasts such as these—average consumers often develop an...Read more
Fix Your Car Right the First Time: Why You Should Always Consult a Repair Manual
There’s a common misconception that anyone can pick up a wrench, jump right in, and fix a car. While that may have been closer to the truth 40 years ago,...Read more
How to Replace a Windshield Wiper Motor
One potential cause for inoperative wipers is a faulty windshield wiper motor. But the good news is, usually, replacing a broken wiper motor is relatively easy. On most vehicles, all...Read more
How to Replace Sway Bar Links
If you hear a knocking or clunking sound when driving over bumps, it might be because your car's sway bar links (also known as stabilizer links) are worn-out or broken....Read more
Symptoms of a Bad Idle Air Control Valve
In the not-so-distant past, nearly all cars had an idle air control valve (IAC). It’s a pretty simple device that controls idle speed by managing the amount of air bypassing...Read more
Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas?
In the movies, even a minor gasoline leak can immediately turn into a massive explosion—which is why to some, smelling fuel inside the car can be extremely unnerving. Plus, the...Read more
Bad Door Lock Actuator Symptoms: 4 Signs to Watch Out For
In the past, most cars had door locks that you had to operate manually. Obviously, that’s no longer the case since nearly all modern vehicles have power door locks operated...Read more
White Smoke From the Exhaust: What Does it Mean?
Smoke from your car’s exhaust is never a good sign. A significant amount of white smoke is particularly worrisome because it almost always indicates an internal engine problem. And that...Read more
What is a Car Tune-Up?
Vintage cars have a bunch of mechanical parts, such as ignition points and carburetors, that have to be constantly “tuned up.” But on modern vehicles, nearly all such components have...Read more
5 Possible Reasons Why Your Car Shakes When Braking
A shaking or pulsating when applying the brake pedal almost always indicates excessive rotor runout or a variation in rotor thickness. Although not quite accurate, many professionals refer to these...Read more
How to Check Your Car Battery & Battery Cables
Nearly every driver is familiar with automotive batteries and the all-too-common occurrence of needing a jumpstart. Much like the batteries in a flashlight or any other household device, a car...Read more
5 Signs of a Bad Starter
When a car doesn't start, many people assume that the starter motor is to blame. After all, the component has the term "start" right in its name. But in reality,...Read more
There’s a Shortage of RVs: Is Now the Perfect Time for a Camper Van Conversion?
An increase in recreational vehicle (RV) sales is one unexpected result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the current state of affairs, dealers have seen a 170 percent jump in...Read more
Save Money During Tough Times: Fix Your Car, Instead of Buying a New One
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 26 million Americans have filed for unemployment. What’s more, according to the International Labour Organization, 1.6 billion workers – nearly half...Read more
Once You Develop a “Fix-it” Mindset, You Can Repair Nearly Anything
Last week, my washing machine stopped entering its drain cycle. Because the beat-up box is at least a decade old, family members immediately urged me to buy a new one....Read more
How Does a Car Battery Work: What You Need to Know
Even though your car’s battery might seem simple, it’s quite complex and important. Anyone who’s needed a jumpstart understands the critical role the battery plays in getting (and keeping) your...Read more
Bad Strut Symptoms
Worn-out struts can create issues, such as a symphony of noises and a harsh ride, that make your car extremely uncomfortable. Furthermore, struts that are well-past their prime can cause...Read more
How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid
Checking automatic transmission fluid (ATF) used to be a straightforward affair—but not anymore. These days, because so many cars no longer have a transmission dipstick, the process can be complicated....Read more
Why Won’t My Car Start?
It never fails—when your car refuses to start, it happens at the most inopportune time. It’s always when, say, you’re running late for a critical doctor’s appointment or a big...Read more
Why Is My Check Engine Light On?
You’re driving along, minding your own business, and the check engine light suddenly pops up on the dash. You get a lump in your throat and your heart begins to...Read more
Catalytic Converter Theft is on the Rise: How to Protect Your Vehicle
In Mountain View, CA, thieves have cut catalytic converters out of dozens of hybrid cars within the last couple of months. The story is similar in Lincoln, NE, where converter...Read more
Top 5 Female Race Car Drivers of All Time (and 5 Up-and-Comers to Watch)
Racing has always been a male-dominated sport. What most people don’t realize, however, is that there have been (and continue to be) some outstanding professional female drivers. And we’re not...Read more
Kia Confirms All-Electric Crossover with Porsche-Level Performance
By 2025, Kia plans to have 11 electric vehicles available globally. And one of those offerings, an all-electric crossover known only by its code name, CV, promises to provide performance...Read more
NASCAR Drivers Return to the Track After Months of Intense Virtual Racing
For the last couple of months, the COVID-19 pandemic forced nearly everything to close—including race tracks. But while in-person NASCAR events were on hold, many drivers were engaging in virtual...Read more
Top 7 Vehicles That are Perfect for Surviving Disasters & Emergencies
Like everyone else, I’ve been swept up in the calamity surrounding COVID-19. Before things got really crazy, though, I had the foresight to buy some used exercise equipment in preparation...Read more
How Can I Get My Car Fixed During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
During the COVID-19 lockdown, in nearly every city, only businesses deemed essential are allowed to remain open—and that leaves many people wondering how they can bring their cars in for...Read more
8 Things You Can Do for Mom While Staying Home This Mother’s Day
The chaos surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic can make it easy to forget that Mother’s Day is just around the corner. What’s more, due to the threat of the virus, it...Read more
How to Detail Your Car’s Exterior: Get a Showroom Shine with These Key Detailing Tips
National Car Care Month, which is celebrated every April, acts as a reminder to take care of all aspects of your vehicle—including the exterior. Although many owners think a quick...Read more
Essential Underhood Maintenance Tips from Our Chief Mechanic
In the past, cars required constant adjustments to mechanical bits, such as carburetors and ignition points. Thankfully, today’s vehicles are governed by computers and other electronics—and that means far less...Read more
Man Finds Buried Car in Yard During COVID-19 Lockdown & Other Tales of Unearthed Vintage Classics
If you’re looking to take up a new hobby during the COVID-19 lockdown, you might want to consider metal detecting. You never know—you could find a vintage vehicle buried beneath...Read more
Tire Inspection Guide: How to Check Tire Tread & Tire Pressure
With everything that’s going on in the world right now, tires are probably the last thing on your mind. After all, let’s face it—tires are pretty boring. And yet, they...Read more
Best Online Resources to Help You Learn How to Fix Cars
With the need to practice social distancing and self-quarantines, nearly everyone has some extra time on their hands these days. Now, to most people, the shelter-in-place orders may seem like...Read more
How to Clean & Disinfect Your Car’s Interior During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, you probably only cleaned your car’s interior a couple of times a year. But now, if you're like most people, you're hyper-vigilant about disinfecting every inch...Read more
Car Care Month & COVID-19: Prep Your Vehicle for Emergencies
April is National Car Care Month—and it’s less than two weeks away. Now, with the exception of our brave health workers and other frontliners who are working hard to fight...Read more
Car Maintenance Tips for Spring
The chill of winter is finally wearing off and spring is just around the corner. That means rebirth and rejuvenation for not only nature but your vehicle, as well. Although...Read more
A Guide to Using Your Tax Refund on Car Repair & Maintenance
All year you've been patiently waiting for your tax refund... and now it's finally here. Now, you can give your car some much-needed TLC. Whether your ride needs repair or...Read more
Top 5 Car-Related Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
Hard-working Americans like yourself look forward to spring for a few reasons: one of them being tax refunds. When it's time for the money to roll in, you start daydreaming...Read more
[Infographic] What to Consider Before You Start Doing Your Own Auto Repairs
YouTube makes fixing your own car look easy. Undo a couple of bolts here, unplug a few electrical connectors there, and the job is done. But in reality, auto repair...Read more
Excelling in a Male-Dominated Industry: Chief Mechanic Mia Bevacqua Shares Her Advice
As a woman, I’m often asked how I got into the automotive industry. After all, this is an industry dominated by men—from the people who build cars to the people...Read more
Brake Dust: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Wheels Clean
You know that black residue that builds up on your car’s wheels? Yup, that’s brake dust. It’s a naturally occurring phenomenon that’s hard to eliminate. But with a few helpful...Read more
Can You Make Your Mustang as Rad as the Bullitt GT?
Last week, history was made when the most famous—and now the most expensive—Ford Mustang sold at Mecum Auctions for $3.4 million. The car on the block? The iconic 1968 Ford...Read more
Wheel Bearing Noise: Do You Have a Bad Wheel Bearing?
You’re driving along on a warm, sunny day listening to your favorite song. Life is good. But when you turn down the radio, you hear an unusual noise that coincides...Read more
How to Clean Foggy or Oxidized Headlights
At one time, you were in love with your car—just the sight of it made you swoon. But now, thanks to those yellow, oxidized headlights, your car is, well, ugly....Read more
Squeaky Brakes: What Do They Mean & How to Fix Them
Nothing—except, perhaps, 90s boy band music—sounds worse than squeaky brakes. Every time you press the brake pedal, the unnerving sound fills your ears. Besides turning up the radio, and masking...Read more
Bad Catalytic Converter Symptoms: Signs to Watch Out For
When I was 20 years old, I owned a Pontiac Trans Am. Of course, it was bright red because, at that age, I wanted something flashy. The car also had...Read more
What is a Distributor?
Thankfully, today’s cars no longer have distributors. Modern engines use individual coil packs, which are far less complicated, instead. But there are still countless vehicles on the road with a...Read more
How to Replace Your Tail Light Assembly
There are several reasons why you may want to replace your entire tail light assembly (not just the bulb). Maybe you got into a fender bender and the lens is...Read more
How to Prepare for Hazardous Winter Driving
It’s that time of year again—Old Man Winter is here. And he’s angry. If you live in a part of the country that sees real winter conditions (60-degree temperatures and...Read more
How to Replace a Side Mirror
There are several reasons why you might want to replace one of your car’s side mirrors. Maybe some dimwit sideswiped you and knocked off your mirror. Or perhaps you’ve got...Read more
How to Replace a Halogen Headlight Assembly
There are several reasons you might want to replace your entire headlight assembly (not just the bulb). Maybe you got in a fender bender and the lens is broken. Or...Read more
How to Replace a Front Lower Control Arm
Control arm replacement can be difficult—especially if the vehicle’s suspension is rusted and corroded. Separating the ball joint from the steering knuckle can be tricky, too, if you’ve never done...Read more
How to Diagnose a Faulty Control Arm
Control arms are basically just big hunks of metal. Unless they suffer impact damage from, say, a collision, they rarely fail. Instead, what usually require replacement are the bushings and...Read more
Common Control Arm Symptoms
When it comes to car parts, control arms don’t get a lot of attention. Instead, it’s all about engines and transmissions. You know, the big, expensive stuff. But control arms...Read more
A Black Friday and Cyber Monday Buyer’s Guide for Car Enthusiasts
Black Friday and its good buddy, Cyber Monday, are just around the corner. And that means it's time to stock up on goodies for your car (or your loved one’s...Read more
How to Spruce Up Your Ride This Black Friday and Cyber Monday
On Black Friday, you could waste time wrestling with throngs of aggressive shoppers at the mall. Or you could order car parts and accessories on CarParts.com, while kicking back in...Read more
How to Replace a Brake Disc
Changing a set of brake discs is usually one of the easier automotive repairs. Many people attempt a brake job shortly after learning how to perform other basic tasks, such...Read more
How to Diagnose Faulty Front Brake Discs
Rotors don’t take fancy equipment to diagnose. Most professionals test-drive the vehicle to see how the brakes feel. Then they perform a visual inspection of the rotors and, if necessary,...Read more
Think You’re Ready to Build the Car of Your Dreams? First, Consider This.
Building a project car can be a lot of fun—if you think ahead and plan things out. Like any other undertaking, it helps to be organized and have a strategy...Read more
8 Tips for Finding a Great Mechanic or Repair Shop
Is your car’s check engine light on? Or maybe there’s a clunking noise coming from the undercarriage? Uh-oh—it sounds like you need to visit a mechanic, a.k.a. automotive technician. But...Read more
Are Automotive Technicians Ready for a Self-Driving, Electrified Future?
In the past, all someone needed was a set of wrenches and a little aptitude to become a mechanic. With zero formal education, backyard tinkerers were able to turn their...Read more
There’s a Nationwide Shortage of Mechanics. So Who’s Going to Fix Your Car?
Being a mechanic is tough work—especially nowadays. Modern mechanics, now called automotive technicians, must know more than ever before. Techs must be able to troubleshoot the complex electronics found in...Read more
How to Replace Front Brake Pads
Brake pad replacement is usually one of the easier automotive repairs. Many people attempt it shortly after learning how to perform other basic tasks, such as changing engine oil. But...Read more
How to Diagnose Worn Brake Pads
Diagnosing a set of worn brake pads is pretty easy. Generally, all you need are your eyes and a few simple tools. Note: The following is a general guide for...Read more
Common Symptoms of Bad Brake Pads
Brake pads are a crucial yet frequently neglected part of your car. All too often, you’ll hear a vehicle that makes a horrendous grinding noise while braking. That sound usually...Read more
Common Symptoms of a Bad Brake Disc
Here’s a novel concept: Disc brake systems contain brake discs, which are also referred to as rotors. Like brake pads, rotors are considered wear items that require periodic replacement. I...Read more
How to Replace a Brake Caliper
Brake caliper replacement is pretty simple – until you get to the bleeding part. Then you’ll need a friend (and possibly a whole lot of patience) to finish the job....Read more
How to Diagnose a Faulty Brake Caliper
Before spending your hard-earned money on a new caliper, you’ll want to make sure the old one is bad. The good news is that caliper diagnosis is straightforward and doesn’t...Read more
Bad Brake Caliper Symptoms: 7 Signs to Watch Out For
If you’re like me—and almost everyone else on the planet—you rarely think about your brake calipers. While brake pads must be replaced periodically, calipers should last the life of the...Read more
How to Replace a Wheel Hub
Wheel hub assembly replacement is easy—at least, that's what YouTube leads you to believe. But the job doesn't always go smoothly in the real world, and I can personally attest...Read more
How to Diagnose a Faulty Wheel Hub
A lot of other car problems can mimic a faulty wheel hub assembly. So, before you dive into any repairs, you'll want to diagnose the problem thoroughly. On some vehicles,...Read more
Common Wheel Hub Symptoms
Nothing's better than listening to your favorite song while cruising down the road. But if you have the tunes cranked full blast, as I often do, you may not hear...Read more
How to Replace a Fuel Pump
Fixing your car yourself can create a great sense of accomplishment. On the other hand, a repair job that goes awry can lead to frustration, swearing and bloody knuckles. The...Read more
How to Diagnose a Faulty Fuel Pump
So, you think you may have a faulty fuel pump? Troubleshooting the problem is usually pretty straightforward. But occasionally, a tricky diagnosis will have you pulling out your hair and...Read more
Bad Fuel Pump Symptoms
It's a frigid winter morning and you go to start your car—it cranks and cranks but doesn't fire. Sound familiar? Then you may have a bad fuel pump. But don't...Read more
The Essential College Readiness Automotive Checklist for Parents
It's back-to-school season and you're about to hand your college bound son or daughter the keys to the old family car. It's been a trusted car for many years, but...Read more
How to Test a Coil Pack or Ignition Coil
Pop the hood on an older vehicle and you’ll find a cumbersome distributor ignition system with spark plug wires snaking all over the place. Thankfully, these days, nearly all cars...Read more
Reduced Engine Power Mode: What Does it Really Mean?
Is your Chevy or other General Motors (GM) vehicle displaying “Engine Power Reduced” on the instrument cluster? Maybe the check engine light is on as well? Don’t panic and trade-in...Read more
