Mia Bevacqua

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

Signs Your Differential Is Failing

The differential assembly is designed to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. When the vehicle is cornering, the differential also allows the inner and outer drive wheels to turn at different speeds to prevent scuffing.

The differential assembly is designed to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. When the vehicle is cornering, the differential also allows the inner and outer drive wheels to turn at different speeds to prevent scuffing.

Signs You've Got a Bad Shift Solenoid

A shift solenoid integrated into a transmission valve body. Signs of a failing shift solenoid These solenoids operate submerged in transmission fluid and fail primarily from repeated hot-and-cold cycling in this harsh environment.

A shift solenoid integrated into a transmission valve body. Signs of a failing shift solenoid These solenoids operate submerged in transmission fluid and fail primarily from repeated hot-and-cold cycling in this harsh environment.

Signs Your Throttle Body Is Going Bad, and What to Do

The throttle body controls how much are is entering the engine, making sure it’s just right. If your car is showing symptoms of a faulty throttle body, such as reduced power or rough idle, you'll want to get it checked out.

The throttle body controls how much are is entering the engine, making sure it’s just right. If your car is showing symptoms of a faulty throttle body, such as reduced power or rough idle, you'll want to get it checked out.

Signs of Transmission Problems, and Why You Should Act Now

Signs of a failing automatic transmission Illuminated warning lights: The transmission control module (TCM) — a type of computer — oversees automatic transmission operation. If it senses a problem with the transmission, it will turn on the check engine light.

Signs of a failing automatic transmission Illuminated warning lights: The transmission control module (TCM) — a type of computer — oversees automatic transmission operation. If it senses a problem with the transmission, it will turn on the check engine light.

Signs of a Failing Transmission Pump

Automatic transmissions rely on a pump to create internal fluid flow and pressure. The pump, built into the front of the transmission, is driven by the torque converter when the engine is running.

Automatic transmissions rely on a pump to create internal fluid flow and pressure. The pump, built into the front of the transmission, is driven by the torque converter when the engine is running.

How to Spot a Failing Distributor

Distributor / Image source On older vehicles, the distributor is the center of the ignition system. It triggers the firing of the ignition coil, helps control ignition timing and routes high voltage to the spark plugs.

Distributor / Image source On older vehicles, the distributor is the center of the ignition system. It triggers the firing of the ignition coil, helps control ignition timing and routes high voltage to the spark plugs.

Signs of a Failing Ignition Lock Cylinder

Your car’s ignition lock cylinder is kind of like the door to your home: You’ll need the right key to get it to work. Inside, the cylinder is similar to a household lock, as well.

Your car’s ignition lock cylinder is kind of like the door to your home: You’ll need the right key to get it to work. Inside, the cylinder is similar to a household lock, as well.

Squeaky Brakes? Grinding Noises? What it Means, and What to Do

Brake noise is like fingernails on a chalkboard. Every time your vehicle comes to a stop, the brakes squeak, grind or squeal — it’s so annoying.

Brake noise is like fingernails on a chalkboard. Every time your vehicle comes to a stop, the brakes squeak, grind or squeal — it’s so annoying.

How to Follow the BMW Maintenance Schedule

If you’ve listened to your mechanic or read auto repair advice on our site or others, you likely know you’re supposed to follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. But if you own a BMW, you have a different set of digital service schedules — these aren’t the same as the regular mileage- or time-based intervals you’re used to.

If you’ve listened to your mechanic or read auto repair advice on our site or others, you likely know you’re supposed to follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. But if you own a BMW, you have a different set of digital service schedules — these aren’t the same as the regular mileage- or time-based intervals you’re used to.

Signs You Have a Bad Oil Pressure Sensor

Symptoms of a failing oil pressure sensor A faulty oil pressure switch or sender can cause several problems. Because of the dangers associated with low oil pressure, it’s important to get these checked out right away if you experience them.

Symptoms of a failing oil pressure sensor A faulty oil pressure switch or sender can cause several problems. Because of the dangers associated with low oil pressure, it’s important to get these checked out right away if you experience them.

Signs Your Torque Converter Is Going Bad

Signs of a failing torque converter A faulty torque converter can lead to a wide range of performance problems. Here are some of the more common symptoms you might notice if yours is failing.

Signs of a failing torque converter A faulty torque converter can lead to a wide range of performance problems. Here are some of the more common symptoms you might notice if yours is failing.

Does Your Car Shake When Braking? Here’s What to Do

As you’re coming to a stop, you feel a vibration in the brake pedal. Maybe you feel it in the steering wheel, too.

As you’re coming to a stop, you feel a vibration in the brake pedal. Maybe you feel it in the steering wheel, too.

How to Tell if You Have a Bad Knock Sensor

Your car’s knock sensor is a small part that can save you from a big repair bill. If it goes bad, you’ll want to get it replaced quickly.

Your car’s knock sensor is a small part that can save you from a big repair bill. If it goes bad, you’ll want to get it replaced quickly.

Signs of a Bad Fuel Pressure Regulator

Fuel pressure regulator A faulty fuel pressure regulator can lead to a wide range of engine performance problems. Some of the symptoms include: An illuminated check engine light Poor fuel economy Black smoke from the exhaust Poor engine performance A vehicle that won’t start or stalls Continuous return fuel systems may suffer from leaks if the fuel pressure regulator fails.

Fuel pressure regulator A faulty fuel pressure regulator can lead to a wide range of engine performance problems. Some of the symptoms include: An illuminated check engine light Poor fuel economy Black smoke from the exhaust Poor engine performance A vehicle that won’t start or stalls Continuous return fuel systems may suffer from leaks if the fuel pressure regulator fails.

Signs Your Charcoal Canister Is Failing

The charcoal canister is the centerpiece of the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system, a technology designed to prevent vapors from your fuel tank from escaping into the atmosphere. The charcoal canister seldom fails and should last the life of the car.

The charcoal canister is the centerpiece of the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system, a technology designed to prevent vapors from your fuel tank from escaping into the atmosphere. The charcoal canister seldom fails and should last the life of the car.