Matthew Rava
Auto Repair Expert
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 (32)
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
Siphon Gas
Believe it or not, knowing how to siphon gas isn't just for petty criminals! This skill can be handy in all sorts of situations, whether you run out of gas miles from civilization, need to winterize a vehicle, or simply ...
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
Change a Brake Caliper
Brake calipers control how tightly the brake pads secure around the wheel’s rotor so you come to a safe and controlled stop. Over time, calipers can rust or get locked in place which could make your brakes freeze up or...
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...
How to
Replace Tie Rod Ends
INSERT SUBTITLE HERE Replacing tie rod ends refers to repairing an integral part of a vehicle's steering mechanism. With a few basic tools and a little bit of know-how, this is a procedure that anyone, with a little bit ...
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
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
How to
Do a Compression Test
Compression tests are often done to monitor the condition of a car’s engine, along with the valves and other internal components. If your car isn’t running as well as it should, the test can indicate that one of the ...
An Expert-Approved Guide to Replacing Brake Rotors Like a Pro
Be your own mechanic with our easy-to-follow stepsBrake rotors are metal discs that are attached to the axles of a vehicle. When the driver pushes the brake pedal, the brake pads press on the rotor, creating friction, wh...
How to
Change a Timing Chain
The timing chain on your vehicle is the connection between the crankshaft and camshaft. The timing chain is a crucial piece of equipment that, when working properly, causes the valves to open and close at very specific i...
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
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 ...
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 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...
