Chaya M. Milchtein

Contributing Writer, Via
Photo of AAA Via Magazine Contributor Chaya M. Milchtein

Chaya Milchtein is an automotive educator, journalist, and speaker as well as the founder of Mechanic Shop Femme, a car education site. She is the author of Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership. She’s made it her life’s mission to educate women and LGBT people about their cars.

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Her work has also appeared on Real Simple, Salon, and USA Today.

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Articles by Chaya M. Milchtein

A family sits in the hatchback of their blue electric SUV

What to Consider When Buying a Used EV

These are the most important things to look for when shopping.
A couple sit in a new car in a dealership.

4 Tips for Buying a Car in 2024

Don’t be caught off guard while searching for your next car.
A technician removes a tire inside a AAA Auto Repair Center.

Does Your Car Need an Alignment or Tire Balance?

Here’s how to decide.
A couple shop for a car in a car dealership.

5 Tips to Negotiate the Best Car Price

Get a favorable deal on a new or used car despite the current shortage.
Push to start button on a new car.

Do You Really Need to Warm Up Your Car?

As the weather changes, it may be time to rethink this habit.
A salesperson hands a woman the keys to her new SUV.

Is a Certified Pre-Owned Car Worth the Money?

Here’s what the designation means and if it’s the right fit for you.
A man checks the oil on his red sedan.

What Does the Oil Pressure Light Mean?

And what should you do if it comes on?
A woman holds open the hood on her Subaru to check her alternator.

5 Signs Your Alternator May Need to Be Replaced

And what to do if you spot them.
A professional restores a headlight with a buffer.

How to Improve the Brightness and Clarity of Your Headlights

Do headlight restoration kits work?
A family and their dog are buckled up inside an SUV.

Make Your Car Feel New Again

Revitalize your ride with these tips.
A mechanic inspects a new tire before installing it on an SUV.

When to Replace Tires and How to Buy New Ones

Learn how to choose the best tires and save money on your purchase.
A driver jacks up their SUV to install a spare tire.

What You Need to Know About Your Car's Spare Tire

Get answers to common spare tire questions, from how far you can drive to how to maintain it.
A couple sit in a new car inside the dealership.

Do You Know What Your Car Warranty Covers?

Before you take your car to the shop, find out if the fix is covered under the factory warranty.
A couple hold the keys to their new sedan.

How to Buy a Safer Car

What do car safety ratings mean and what else should you be looking for?
A group of friends unload mountain bikes form the back of a pickup truck.

Don’t Fall for These 10 Car Myths

Are EVs really more expensive to own?