Mia Bevacqua
Mia Bevacqua is an automotive expert with ASE Master, L1, L2 and L3 Advanced Level Specialist certification. With 13-plus years of experience in the field, she applies her skills toward writing, consulting and automotive software engineering.
Posts by Mia Bevacqua
Air conditioning is based on thermodynamics — heat always moves to a cooler state when possible. It’s simple science that keeps you cool when driving on a scorching afternoon.
Air conditioning is based on thermodynamics — heat always moves to a cooler state when possible. It’s simple science that keeps you cool when driving on a scorching afternoon.
Signs of a failing air conditioning compressor A faulty air conditioning compressor can cause a number of problems. These are some of the most common.
Signs of a failing air conditioning compressor A faulty air conditioning compressor can cause a number of problems. These are some of the most common.
Much like a radiator, an air conditioning condenser is used to get rid of heat. But instead of working with the engine cooling system, the condenser helps cool the AC's refrigerant.
Much like a radiator, an air conditioning condenser is used to get rid of heat. But instead of working with the engine cooling system, the condenser helps cool the AC's refrigerant.
Your car’s air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine while still allowing airflow. Image courtesy of Ryan Gsell/Flickr When the engine is running, the filter creates a vacuum.
Your car’s air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine while still allowing airflow. Image courtesy of Ryan Gsell/Flickr When the engine is running, the filter creates a vacuum.
Alternator in the engine bay Symptoms of a Bad Alternator When an alternator fails completely, you’ll know it. In most cases, the charging light will illuminate on the dash, and you may experience one or more of the following symptoms: Engine stalls while driving due to loss of electrical power Dimming of the dashboard and headlights Problems starting the vehicle Repeated need to jump start the vehicle due to dead battery Abnormal noises such as whining There are few different reasons that cause an alternator to fail: 1.
Alternator in the engine bay Symptoms of a Bad Alternator When an alternator fails completely, you’ll know it. In most cases, the charging light will illuminate on the dash, and you may experience one or more of the following symptoms: Engine stalls while driving due to loss of electrical power Dimming of the dashboard and headlights Problems starting the vehicle Repeated need to jump start the vehicle due to dead battery Abnormal noises such as whining There are few different reasons that cause an alternator to fail: 1.
A faulty catalytic converter can cause a handful of problems, and it's critical to address them as soon as you can. Your car will not pass emissions testing if your converter is bad.
A faulty catalytic converter can cause a handful of problems, and it's critical to address them as soon as you can. Your car will not pass emissions testing if your converter is bad.
The exhaust manifold routes spent gases from the engine to the exhaust system. Engines with either a V-style or opposed cylinder (or “boxer”) layout have two exhaust manifolds: one on each side.
The exhaust manifold routes spent gases from the engine to the exhaust system. Engines with either a V-style or opposed cylinder (or “boxer”) layout have two exhaust manifolds: one on each side.
The basic components of a fuel pump Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Fuel Pump A faulty fuel pump can lead to a wide range of symptoms and engine performance problems. Common issues include: 1.
The basic components of a fuel pump Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Fuel Pump A faulty fuel pump can lead to a wide range of symptoms and engine performance problems. Common issues include: 1.
A faulty ignition coil can cause several problems for your engine: 1. Check engine light comes on: The car’s computer oversees coil pack operation.
A faulty ignition coil can cause several problems for your engine: 1. Check engine light comes on: The car’s computer oversees coil pack operation.
Spark plug wires, sometimes called ignition cables, aren’t as common as they used to be, but some cars made in the last couple decades still have them. If they go bad, your engine will likely suffer in terms of performance and fuel efficiency.
Spark plug wires, sometimes called ignition cables, aren’t as common as they used to be, but some cars made in the last couple decades still have them. If they go bad, your engine will likely suffer in terms of performance and fuel efficiency.
The oil pump delivers a fixed quantity of pressurized oil to the engine to keep it running smoothly. Without the right amount of oil pressure, critical engine parts can begin to make contact, causing extensive and expensive damage.
The oil pump delivers a fixed quantity of pressurized oil to the engine to keep it running smoothly. Without the right amount of oil pressure, critical engine parts can begin to make contact, causing extensive and expensive damage.
Upstream oxygen sensor Signs of a failing oxygen sensor A faulty oxygen sensor can cause several symptoms that can help you or your mechanic identify the problem: 1. Your check engine light comes on: The car’s computer continuously monitors the signals from the oxygen sensors.
Upstream oxygen sensor Signs of a failing oxygen sensor A faulty oxygen sensor can cause several symptoms that can help you or your mechanic identify the problem: 1. Your check engine light comes on: The car’s computer continuously monitors the signals from the oxygen sensors.
The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve is an emissions device that keeps pollutants created by your engine from being released into the atmosphere. It also helps keep the engine oil clean and prevents crankcase pressure from building up.
The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve is an emissions device that keeps pollutants created by your engine from being released into the atmosphere. It also helps keep the engine oil clean and prevents crankcase pressure from building up.
Power steering makes it easier for you to steer your car, especially at low speeds. To do this, the system uses a power steering pump to provide fluid to several other parts.
Power steering makes it easier for you to steer your car, especially at low speeds. To do this, the system uses a power steering pump to provide fluid to several other parts.
The radiator is part of the system that keeps your car from overheating. It helps transfer high temperatures from the running engine to the outside air.
The radiator is part of the system that keeps your car from overheating. It helps transfer high temperatures from the running engine to the outside air.