Matthew Rava
Auto Repair Expert
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Co-authored Articles (30)
How to
Open the Hood on a Mini Cooper
Don’t worry if you can’t get your Mini Cooper's hood open. The latch under the hood, also known as the safety latch, is what makes opening the Mini Cooper’s hood a little difficult. Once you know to push the safety...
How to Diagnose & Fix a Check Engine Light after an Oil Change
Find out why an oil change would trigger engine issues In theory, an oil change shouldn’t trigger a check engine light. But if the job wasn’t done right, something was knocked loose in the process, or the light needs...
How to Diagnose a Check Engine Light That Flashes Then Stops
Learn what it means if a check engine light illuminates and goes outA flashing check engine light indicates that there may be a serious problem with your vehicle that requires immediate attention. If this indicator appea...
What Does it Mean When the Brake Service Light Stays On?
Get to the bottom of that pesky brake light with our effective tips An issue with your vehicle’s brakes may cause your car’s brake warning lights to illuminate. This is a major issue since malfunctioning brakes ma...
Why Is My Car Making Humming Noises?
A complete breakdown of why your car might be making a hum while driving Humming noises coming from your vehicle generally point toward the wheels, axles, and tires—especially if the noises become louder when you’r...
A Guide to the Dashboard Warning Lights on Your Vehicle
Descriptions, meanings, and repair information for the symbols on your dash If a symbol you don’t recognize pops up on your dashboard, you're in the right place. We’ll break down all of the common car dashboard ligh...
How to Tell What Kind of Engine Your Car Has
Use these tips to find out what engine you have in minutesNeed to know what kind of engine your car has? Fortunately, it's easy to find out using your car's VIN. Keep reading to learn how to locate your VIN and use it to...
Why Your Check Engine Light Comes On and Off
Common causes (and solutions) for a blinking or erratic check engine light A flashing or irregular check engine light is your vehicle’s way of trying to get your attention. But what is it trying to say, exactly? If you...
10 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Vehicle’s Oxygen Sensor
All the symptoms (and dangers) of driving with a faulty O2 sensor Your Check Engine light is on, your car is guzzling gas like crazy, and is that smoke coming out of your exhaust? The culprit might just be one of your O...
11 Symptoms of a Bad Rotor
Easy ways to inspect your rotors for damage Has your steering wheel been vibrating recently? Or, have your brakes made an annoying screech every time you hit the pedal? If so, it’s definitely a sign to inspect your br...
How to Reset a Traction Control Light (TCS)
Got an annoying dashboard light that won’t go away? If your traction control system (TCS) or antilock braking system (ABS) warning lights have popped on permanently, resetting them can keep your dashboard from staying ...
How to
Measure Rims
There are 5 key measurements that you need to accurately take when assessing rims. The diameter, width, bolt pattern, offset, and backspacing are all important figures that will help you figure out whether a rim will fit...
How to
Change an Oil Filter
A vehicle’s oil filter keeps dirt and particles out of the oil so that it stays cleaner and lubricates your engine better. Be sure to change your oil filter every time you change your oil to keep your engine running sm...
How to
Open a Hood with a Broken Latch
A broken latch is a hassle and makes it impossible to get underneath your hood and fill your oil, jump-start your battery, and refill wiper fluid. If your hood isn't opening because of a broken release wire, you can ofte...
How to
Dispose of Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is flammable and should never be poured out on the ground or dumped down a drain or toilet.. 5 May 2022. Trash-pickup companies will also refuse to take it. However, most city and county governments have set ...
How to
Bleed Car Brakes
Sometimes, when the brake fluid level drops too low in the master cylinder reservoir, air bubbles can get caught in the lines, reducing the overall strength of the brake fluid column. This creates a “spongy” feeling ...
Everything You Need to Know to Make Double Flare Brake Lines
Flare your own brake lines with this guideEvery vehicle needs double flare brake lines to maintain a proper seal between the hose and fittings. If you want to make your own, it’s relatively inexpensive—a little under...
How to
Paint Brake Calipers
Customizing your brake calipers with a new paint job will make your wheels pop. Just like on high end sports cars, you can add a colorful paint job to your brake calipers to set your car apart. No one wants to see rusty ...
How to
Replace a Master Cylinder
The brake master cylinder is a key component of a vehicle's brake system. If this component fails, then your vehicle's braking ability will be weakened or destroyed. To avoid this safety hazard, it is best to replace the...
How to
Flare Brake Lines
Learn how to create quality flares from homeFlaring brake lines ensures a leak-proof connection without extra materials or sealants. If the brake lines aren't properly flared, you can lose fluid that will cause your brak...
