Throughout her career, Mia Bevacqua has applied her skills toward automotive failure analysis inspections, consulting, diagnostic software development, and of course, writing.
Mia has a passion for math, science, and technology that motivates her to stay on top of the latest industry trends, such as electric vehicles and autonomous systems. At the same time, she has a weakness for fixer-upper oddballs, such as her 1987 Chevy Cavalier Z-24 and 1998 Chevy Astro Van AWD.
Credentials:
Summary If the air injection check valve develops issues, then the check engine light can illuminate. This issue will cause…
Summary To replace a window regulator, raise the window to the closed position and secure the window to the door.…
Summary Bleeding the brakes is a process that will require you to get the air out of the brake system…
Summary Some gifts you can give your gearhead loved ones include new brakes, a car wash, and a new cabin…
Summary If you hear a clicking noise when you can’t start your car, it means the starter solenoid or relay…
Summary Since 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has required all vehicles sold in the United States to…
Summary The P1135 code is a manufacturer-specific code defined by Toyota. It stands for “A/F Sensor Heater Circuit (Bank 1,…
Summary Lack of heat, coolant accumulation on the floorboard, and an overheated engine are the most common symptoms of a…
Summary You're more likely to notice a transmission fluid leak when your vehicle is parked. Fluid droplets below the transmission…
Summary The cool cars that turn 25 this 2023 are the Chevy Tahoe, Toyota Tacoma, Acura TL, and Ferrari F50.The…
Summary Recommended hand tools include a breaker bar, various pliers, traditional and dead-blow hammers, impact wrenches, oil filter wrenches, pry…
Summary Most experts recommend a tire rotation every 6,000 miles. So, if you follow the traditional oil change interval of…
Summary If a “Reduced Engine Power” warning message pops up on your dash, it means that the powertrain control module…
Summary Knowing the colors (and sometimes, the textures and odors) of the various fluids your car uses can help you…
Summary The most common causes of leaking engine oil are a leaking oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, crankshaft seal,…
Summary Engine knocking could indicate different issues, including low engine oil levels and engine bearing failure.The first thing you should…
Summary An intake manifold runner control (IMRC) valve is part of the system that opens and closes the flaps inside…
Summary The evaporative emission control (EVAP) system traps fuel vapors in a vapor canister, preventing them from being released into…
Summary Your vehicle’s emission control (EVAP) system stops smog-forming fuel vapors to prevent them from entering the atmosphere.A vapor canister…
Summary You’ll usually notice a brake booster failure immediately and must replace the faulty part as soon as possible. A…
Summary The air suspension compressor often fails because a leak causes it to overwork until it burns out.An air suspension…
Summary The valve cover gasket can develop an oil leak, which compels you to replace the part.Common symptoms of a…
Summary The harmonic balancer is a component that absorbs vibrations applied to the engine’s crankshaft. Bad harmonic balancer symptoms include…
Summary Some bad habits that could be ruining your car include failing to check the fluids, ignoring warning lights, and…
Summary Your vehicle owner’s manual is the driver’s best resource for crucial technical and maintenance information.This manual also outlines the…
Summary The sixth-generation Honda Civic, the eighth-generation Toyota Corolla, and the fourth-generation Toyota Camry are among the most reliable and…
Summary Making the necessary adjustments to your vehicle whenever the season changes is one way to keep it around for…
Summary Radiator hoses are made of rubber, which means they’ll wear out over time. Leaking, cracked, spongy, or brittle hoses…
Summary Drive belts last a long time–usually upwards of 100,000 miles. But eventually, they crack, fray, and require replacement.The tools…
Summary To boost your car’s resale value, you should consider cleaning its interior and exterior. You should also check if…
Your high school and college years are full of many “firsts”—your first date, your first part-time job, and (if you’re…
Summary The fuel filter is a barrier against contaminants that could damage the fuel injectors. It needs to get replaced…
Summary Going to a training school and ultimately becoming a mechanic can open up job opportunities because technicians are in…
Summary Flushing coolant is important because coolant breaks down over time, becoming acidic and therefore corrosive. To flush coolant, it’s…
Summary You’ll need a ratchet set, a repair manual, a torque wrench, and safety glasses to replace an ignition coil.To…
Summary On four-cylinder engines, the spark plugs are often located underneath the ignition coils that sit right on top of…
Summary The air conditioner is responsible for cooling the cabin while the heater acts like a built-in furnace to increase…
If you type the phrase “cheapest cars to maintain” into Google, you’re bound to get a variety of answers from…
Summary You’ll need a pick, screwdrivers, the repair manual, and safety glasses to replace the ignition lock cylinder. Each vehicle…
Summary VVT solenoids use oil pressure to activate the valve timing mechanism. In most situations, that mechanism is a camshaft…
Summary The throttle position (TP) sensor measures the position of the throttle blade. A bad TP sensor will show symptoms…
Summary 80s cars have fallen out of favor in the public eye, but that doesn’t change the fact that they…
Summary The manufacturer with the highest brand loyalty rating is Subaru, with 61.5%. Toyota and Honda were runners-up, with ratings…
Summary Consult repair manuals and databases to save time and money and avoid getting injured during DIY repair jobs.The recommended…
Summary The windshield wiper motor is a multispeed electric motor that connects to the wiper linkage and subsequently the wiper…
Summary If you plan to replace the sway bar links, you'll need tools like a breaker bar, jack and jack…
Summary The idle air control valve regulates idle speed in older vehicles by controlling the air bypassing the throttle plate.…
Summary The number one cause of a fuel smell from your vehicle is a loose or faulty gas cap.Other common…
Summary You’ll know if your door lock actuator is bad when your vehicle’s power door lock isn’t working. It can…
Summary Plumes of white smoke coming from your car’s exhaust on a regular basis almost always mean that your vehicle…
Vintage cars have a bunch of mechanical parts, such as ignition points and carburetors, that have to be constantly “tuned…
Summary The most common cause of a car shaking when braking are brake rotors that have varying thicknesses. If your…
Summary Your car battery powers your vehicle’s starter motor and onboard electronics.Routine inspections usually include checking for corrosion, ensuring the…
Summary The starter is a small motor equipped with a drive assembly that cranks the engine to get the car…
Summary RV sales increased exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a global shortage.One of the biggest reasons why RVs…
Summary The most common reason why people buy new cars, even when they can’t afford them, is because they’re bored…
Summary It’s satisfying when you fix a faulty part instead of replacing it.Having a fix-it mindset isn’t just all about…
Summary A 12-volt automotive battery works by using a chemical reaction between its plates and an acid solution to cause…
Summary Struts dampen the oscillations from the vehicle’s suspension springs and act as a structural part of the suspension. A…
Summary Checking your car’s automatic transmission fluid can be a complicated process, so it’s best to consult your owner’s manual…
It never fails—when your car refuses to start, it happens at the most inopportune time. It’s always when, say, you’re…
Summary An illuminated check engine light comes on whenever there’s a problem that could increase vehicle tailpipe emissions.Sensor issues, circuit…
Summary Thieves steal catalytic converters because they contain precious metals like rhodium, palladium, and platinum.An extra-large catalytic converter from a…
Summary The top five female race car drivers of all time are Danica Patrick, Shirley Muldowney, Janet Guthrie, Sara Christian,…
By 2025, Kia plans to have 11 electric vehicles available globally. And one of those offerings, an all-electric crossover known…
For the last couple of months, the COVID-19 pandemic forced nearly everything to close—including race tracks. But while in-person NASCAR…
Summary When facing an emergency, it’s best to look at vehicles with large cargo areas, provide reliable evacuation transport, and…
During the COVID-19 lockdown, in nearly every city, only businesses deemed essential are allowed to remain open—and that leaves many…
The chaos surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic can make it easy to forget that Mother’s Day is just around the corner.…
Summary To detail your car the right way, you should use the right supplies and follow the correct procedures when…
Summary Consulting the owner’s manual and checking underhood fluids often are some underhood maintenance tips to help keep your car…
Summary John Brayshaw of Heckmondwike, U.K. uncovered a classic Ford Popular hidden under his backyard. Experts say the car is…
Summary Inspect your vehicle's tires at least once a month.Look for the tire size, load rating, and speed on the…
Summary When cleaning and disinfecting your car’s interior, double-check the product description of the cleaning product you’re using. Also, review…
Summary Automotive maintenance is always important, and keeping up your car is more important than ever due to the global…
Summary Spring complicates car maintenance due to the change in temperature. Be sure to fix any damage from winter driving…
Summary After you receive your tax refund, consider pampering your ride.Body repairs are helpful for maintaining your car’s appearance. Mechanical…
Hard-working Americans like yourself look forward to spring for a few reasons: one of them being tax refunds. When it's…
Summary Knowing how to conduct your own auto repairs means you’ll have a deeper understanding of cars and save a…
Summary Mia Bevaqua is a female ASE-certified master automobile technician with over 14 years of experience in the male-dominated automotive…
Summary Brake dust is a combination of friction material and iron that builds up on your wheels after some time.…
Summary The most expensive Ford Mustang sold for $3.4 million at the Mecum Auctions.Three areas you can improve to make…
Summary A bad wheel bearing can produce a growling, rumbling, grinding, or squealing noise that increases with speed. Other signs…
Summary Car headlights yellow and oxidize over time. In many cases, it’s better to swap out old headlights for brand…
Summary Some common causes for squeaky brakes include contaminated friction material, worn-out hardware, or moisture accumulation on the brake rotors.If…
Summary Some common symptoms of a bad catalytic converter include an illuminated check engine light, poor engine performance, and a…
Summary A distributor provides a spark to each spark plug, which will eventually ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the engine.Modern…
Summary Tail light assembly replacements typically cost between $200 and $500, and possibly more if your vehicle is on the…
Summary You can get a standard side mirror for as low as $10, but high-tech power mirrors can cost over…
Summary If you decide to have a professional replace your headlight assembly, expect to pay anywhere from $200 to well…
Summary A front lower control arm replacement can cost you anywhere from $50 to $100. Replacing a front lower control…
Summary You’ll need to raise and support the vehicle safely to do control arm inspections. Don’t forget to put on…
Summary Control arms are designed to allow the car’s wheel and tire assembly to move up and down while traveling…
Black Friday and its good buddy Cyber Monday are just around the corner. And that means it’s time to stock…
On Black Friday, you could waste time wrestling with throngs of aggressive shoppers at the mall. Or you could order…
Summary Brake discs are important parts of the brake system because they help decelerate and stop the wheels.Replacing a brake…
Summary Pulsation or vibration while braking typically indicates warped brake rotors.Deep scoring, discoloration, and cracks along the brake discs are…
Summary Before building your dream car, set your long-term goal, determine how long the project will take, and how much…
Summary Look for an ASE-certified master automotive technician who is certified to work on all parts of your vehicle.Research your…
Summary Modern cars are now becoming more complex, so mechanics also need IT skills to work on them.Nearly every automaker…