Michael Dey
Automotive Enthusiast
wikiHow's Editorial Process wikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.
Co-authored Articles (14)
Easy Steps for Using a Socket Wrench (AKA Ratchet)
Tighten and loosen nuts & bolts with this versatile tool Are you tired of refitting a standard wrench on a nut or bolt every time you finish turning it? If you want something quicker and easier to use, a socket wrench (...
How to
Identify Run Flat Tires
Run-flat tires are tires that can be driven “flat” for a distance after they've been punctured at a reduced speed, allowing you some time to drive to a mechanic. The distance and speed that run-flat tires can handle ...
Why Is My Car Making Whining Noises?
Learn how to diagnose and fix common whirring sounds Loud whining noises when you accelerate and drive generally indicate that something with a pulley is damaged in your vehicle, since vehicle pulleys tend to whine and w...
How to Diagnose and Fix Low Engine Oil Pressure
Pinpoint the cause of your oil issue and fix it fast Oil flows through your engine to keep all of the moving parts lubricated. Without that lubrication, your engine’s components will rub against one another and generat...
How to
Test an Exhaust Pressure Sensor
An exhaust pressure sensor, also known as an EBP or DPF sensor, measures differences between your vehicle’s exhaust before and after it passes through a filter.. 17 January 2024. This helps determine if you need to cle...
How to
Clean a Transmission Solenoid Valve
A transmission solenoid valve controls the flow of transmission fluid through the transmission of a vehicle. If you are experiencing severe delays when you shift gears or other erratic shifting behavior like gears skippi...
How to Clean a Throttle Body
The throttle body of a car is responsible for controlling the engine’s air intake. A well-kept throttle body means a smoother-running car engine overall—therefore, cleaning this part from time to time is essential. ...
Oil and Engine Indicators on with Full Oil? Issues & Solutions
A simple guide on identifying oil pressure issues The “oil pressure low” and “stop engine” indicators popping on normally indicate that there’s a serious issue with the flow of oil through your engine. However,...
Wheel Offset and Backspacing Explained
How to use offset to find rims that fit your vehicle Wheel offset refers to how the wheels mount in your wheel wells, and as a result, how much space you have on either side of the wheel.. 17 January 2024. If you’re go...
How to
Install Lowering Springs
Installing lowering springs refers to the process of customizing your car's suspension, enabling it to ride closer to the ground. The process is not difficult, so anyone with garage access and a little know-how can accom...
How to
Handle a Stuck Accelerator Pedal
Stories of cars with sticking accelerators have been in the news often in recent years, due largely to an issue with Toyota vehicles that prompted a large scale recall in 2014. A stuck accelerator, however, is an electr...
Why Is My Steering Wheel Loose?
Diagnosing a loose steering wheel with this simple guide A loose steering wheel, also known as a steering wheel with too much “play,” is a dangerous sign. It indicates that something is wrong with your vehicle’s un...
How to
Identify Cars
Have you ever driven with one of those people who seems to be able to tell you the make, model, and even year of a car from clear down the street? Would you like to be able to do the same? It's not that tough, but it d...
How to
Use an Octane Booster
Octane boosters are often seen as magic elixirs to make your car run better. The truth is, though, increasing your octane won't make a huge difference for your car if it doesn't require a higher octane level.. 17 January...
