Baldwinsville Auto Repair

    If you own an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle, you’ve probably wondered, “Do I need the same tires on all four wheels?” The answer is "yes". AWD vehicles rely on all tires working together, and here’s why having matching tires is essential: 1. Equal Traction for Better AWD PerformanceAWD systems send power to all four wheels to improve traction and control. To work efficiently, all four tires must have the same tread depth, size, and type. Mismatched tires can cause the wheels to rotate at different speeds, which can confuse your AWD system. This can lead to uneven traction, making your vehicle work harder than it should.     2. Protects Your AWD Differential AWD vehicles use differentials to balance power between the f ... read more

When you’re looking for a vehicle or researching engine types, you might ask yourself, "What’s the difference between gasoline and diesel engines?" Both gasoline and diesel engines power vehicles, but they work in very different ways. Let’s break down the key differences to help you decide which is better for your needs, especially when it comes to fuel efficiency, maintenance, and performance.     1. Fuel Type The first major difference is the type of fuel they use. Gasoline engines run on gasoline, which is a lighter fuel that ignites at a lower temperature. Diesel engines use diesel fuel, which is denser, contains more energy per gallon, and ignites through compression rather than a spark. 2. Ignition Process The way each engine ignites the fuel is different. Gasoline engines use spark plugs to ignite the air-fuel mixture ... read more

    When selecting a vehicle, one important choice is between a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and a traditional automatic transmission. Both have their advantages, and understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision. Let’s explore the key aspects of each type to help you determine which is better suited to your needs.   UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS A CVT is a type of automatic transmission that uses a system of pulleys and a belt or chain to shift through an infinite number of gear ratios. This allows the engine to run at its most efficient RPM, ensuring smoother power delivery and potentially better fuel economy.     A traditional automatic transmission, on the other hand, uses a fixed set of gears (typically 6 to 10) that shift automatically based on the vehicle’s speed and engine load. This system offers distinct gear changes and a more familiar driving experience for most people.     ... read more

  Car insurance is designed to protect you financially in the event of an accident or other damage to your vehicle, but understanding when repairs are covered can be confusing. Not all repairs fall under the umbrella of your insurance policy. Knowing what is covered and what isn’t can help you avoid surprises when you need to file a claim. Understanding the Different Types of Car Insurance Before diving into what repairs are covered, it’s essential to understand the different types of car insurance policies and what each one typically covers: Liability Insurance: Covers damage you cause to other people or property. It doesn’t cover repairs to your own vehicle. Collision Insurance: Covers damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision, regardless of who is at fault Comprehensive Insurance: Covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage ... read more

    When it comes to vehicle safety and convenience, tires play a crucial role. Traditional tires have been the standard for years, but they come with a significant drawback. If they get punctured, you're left with a flat tire, often at the most inconvenient times. This is where run-flat tires come into play. But what exactly are run-flat tires, and how do they differ from conventional ones? Let's dive into the details.   What Are Run-Flat Tires? Run-flat tires are designed to keep your vehicle moving even after a puncture or loss of air pressure. Unlike regular tires, which would leave you stranded on the side of the road, run-flat tires allow you to continue driving for a limited distance at a reduced speed. This gives you the opportunity to reach a repair shop or a safe location without having to change the tire immediately.     How Do Run-Flat Tires Wor ... read more

    The clutch is a key part of a car's transmission system, especially in vehicles with manual transmissions. It helps control the power transfer between the engine and the wheels, allowing for smooth gear changes. Let’s dive into the details! THE BASICS OF A CLUTCH A clutch is a mechanical device that connects and disconnects the engine's power to the wheels. This function is essential for starting, stopping, and shifting gears in a manual transmission car. HOW DOES A CLUTCH WORK? Here's a simple breakdown of how a clutch works: Clutch Pedal: The pedal you press with your foot. Pressing it moves clutch components to engage or disengage the engine from the transmission. Clutch Disc: A friction plate between the engine’s flywheel and the pressure plate. When the clutch is engaged, the disc is pre ... read more

    Maintaining your vehicle's transmission is crucial for ensuring its longevity and smooth operation. Two common maintenance procedures are the transmission flush and the drain and fill. While both change the transmission fluid, they differ in their approach and effectiveness. Let's dive into the details of each method to understand their differences better. Transmission Flush A transmission flush uses a machine to completely remove the old transmission fluid from the system. This process replaces the fluid by adding new fluid through the transmission cooler lines. And removes the old fluid at the same time. Here are the key aspects of a transmission flush: Complete Fluid Replacement: A transmission flush ens ... read more

  Have you ever heard your car squeaking or creaking as you drive down the road? Or maybe you’ve noticed that your car is pulling to one side, or the steering wheel isn’t quite centered. If so, you might have an issue with your ball joints. But what are ball joints? Let's discuss what ball joints are on a car and why they’re important to your vehicle’s performance and safety. Ball joints are part of your car’s suspension system, which is responsible for absorbing shock and providing a smooth ride. They’re found on the front suspension of all vehicles. They connect the steering knuckle to the control arm. Ball joints are basically a pivot point that allows the wheels to turn and move up and down as you drive over bumps and uneven surfaces.   Ball joints are important because they allow your car to absorb shock and maintain proper wheel alignment. If the ball joints are worn or damaged, your car’s handling and ride qual ... read more

    Have you ever noticed a strong gasoline smell in or around your car and wondered why? This can be concerning for safety and the health of your vehicle. Let’s explore the common causes and solutions for why your car smells like gas.   1. Fuel Leak A fuel leak is one of the most obvious reasons your car smells like gas. Leaks can occur at various points in your vehicle’s fuel system, including: Fuel Tank: A crack or hole can cause gas to seep out. Fuel Lines: Corroded or damaged lines can leak gasoline. Fuel Injector: A malfunctioning injector can leak fuel. Solution: If you suspect a fuel leak, address it immediately. Leaks can be dangerous, increasing the risk of fire. Have a mechanic inspect and repair any leaks to ensure your vehicle is safe.   2. Faulty Gas Cap A loose, damage ... read more

Are you wondering how new tires are installed on your vehicle? Changing your tires is essential to ensure your safety, improve your driving experience, and prevent accidents. But if this is your first time changing your tires, you might be feeling overwhelmed with the process. In this blog, we'll explain the steps involved in how new tires are installed on your car. There are a few signs to look out for. If you notice your tires are wearing unevenly, or if you see any cracks or bulges in the sidewalls of your tires, it's time to get new ones. If you often drive in rainy or snowy conditions, it's a good idea to check your tires' tread depth regularly. Tires with worn-down treads won't be as effective at gripping the road, which can be dangerous. Once you've determined that it's time for new tires, it's time to ... read more