Baldwinsville Auto Repair

  Vehicle maintenance is crucial to extend its lifespan. And prevent costly repairs down the road. That’s where preventative maintenance comes in. Preventative maintenance helps prevent potential issues from becoming bigger problems. Let's take a closer look at what exactly preventative maintenance is, why it’s important, and some practical tips you can follow.   What is preventative maintenance? Preventative maintenance involves routine services like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. These services aim to prevent issues from becoming serious problems. By keeping up with these regular checks, you can extend the life of your vehicle. And avoid costly repairs down the road.     Why is preve ... read more

    Is your car ready for a New York State (NYS) inspection? It's important to do this for a few good reasons. These inspections help keep our roads safe and lower the harmful stuff that cars put into the air. Let's talk about why you should get an NYS inspection and what goes on when your car gets checked.   It's the law Every car registered in New York has to go through a checkup every year. This makes sure that all cars driving around meet the least amount of safety and clean air rules made by the DMV.     More safety Getting your car inspected in NYS can help make sure you and the people with you are safe. This check looks at really important parts of your car like the brakes, lights, and tires. If something's not working right, they can tell you an ... read more

    Brake pads are a crucial component of your vehicle’s braking system. They help you stop your vehicle when you need to and ensure the safety of you and your passengers. Over time, brake pads wear out and need to be replaced to maintain the optimal performance of your vehicle. But how do you know when it’s time to change them? Learn how to measure brake pads and determine whether they need to be replaced. Measure the thickness of the brake pad: The thickness of the brake pad is the most essential aspect when considering replacement. Ideally, the thickness of the brake pad should be at least 1/8 inches or more. Use a micrometer to measure the brake pad’s thickness. The micrometer measures the thickness of the pad from the backing plate to the outer edge of the friction material. Use the brake pad wear indicator: Some brake pads come with a wear indicator. The wear indicator is a ... read more

    Driving in rainy conditions can be a challenge, especially when you're faced with hydroplaning. Hydroplaning happens when your car's tires are unable to grip the wet roadway. And causes it to slip and slide around. This can be a dangerous situation, especially at high speeds. So, what can you do to stop your car from hydroplaning? Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe while driving in the rain. Slow down: The first and most important thing you can do to prevent hydroplaning is to slow down. The faster you're driving, the more likely it is for your tires to lose traction. If you notice rain or standing water on the roadway, immediately reduce your speed. This will give your tires more time to grip the road and prevent hydroplaning. Check your tires: Your tires are the only part of your car that comes into contact with the road. That's why it's importan ... read more

  Have you ever experienced your car pulling to one side while driving? This can be a frustrating and even dangerous problem. Pulling can cause premature wear and tear on your tires. This can lead to reduced fuel economy and compromising your driving experience. To ensure a safe and comfortable drive, it is important to understand why your car is pulling to one side. Learn more about the reasons behind this problem and what you can do to to fix them.   Wheel Alignment Issues One of the most common reasons for your car pulling to one side is related to wheel alignment issues. Your car's wheel alignment can be thrown off by several factors such as hitting a curb, potholes, or worn out steering components. When this happens, the alignment of the wheels can become misaligned. This can lead to uneven wear on the tires and pulling to one side. A simple alignment service can help get you back on track in no time.     Uneven Tire Wear Your tires play a critical role ... read more

If your car brakes are sticking, it can make driving a nerve-wracking experience. You press the brake pedal and nothing happens—or worse yet, it takes too long for the brakes to kick in! What’s going on? Let’s take a look at the possible causes of this issue so you can get back on the road with confidence.   What Causes Brake Stickiness? The most common cause of brake stickiness is moisture or debris that has become lodged in the components of your braking system. When moisture accumulates inside your brakes, it can corrode the components and cause your brakes to stick. Debris, such as dirt or rocks, can also accumulate in your braking system and cause your brakes to stick. In some cases, it may be necessary to open up the brake drums or calipers and clean them out to prevent them from sticking again. Another common cause of sticky br ... read more

    Making the decision to repair or replace your car can be tough. On the one hand, you don’t want to sink too much money into an old car – but on the other, you don’t want to spend more than you have to. Before making any decisions, weighing each option’s pros and cons is important. Let’s break it down for customers looking for guidance.   Assessing Your Car’s Condition The first thing to do before deciding whether to fix or get rid of your car is to assess its condition. If your car is newer and still under warranty, many repairs may be covered by the manufacturer. And that makes it easier to decide whether to keep it or not. If it’s an older model, other things need to be taken into account. Consider how much money you have already invested in repairs versus how much longer you think the car will last if fixed again. Inv ... read more

  Lou’s Car Care is a full-service, independent auto repair shop in Baldwinsville, NY. We repair all makes and models of vehicles including European product lines.  Just like humans, automobiles need checkups from time to time. Our certified auto technicians can complete routine oil changes, new tires, brake and rotor replacements, and alignments. We can also handle more in-depth concerns such as engine diagnostics, heat or a/c malfunctions, and electrical issues. Germany is well known for producing quality vehicles that last a lifetime. Audi, BMW, Mercede ... read more

    Vehicle maintenance at regular intervals helps keep your car in proper working order. And can prevent expensive repairs down the road. Even the most well-maintained cars will experience unexpected service problems. But it is better to be proactive rather than reactive. Keeping detailed service records can also help boost your car’s value when you decide to sell it or trade it in. Failing to follow preventative maintenance guidelines could even void your car’s warranty. Use this guide to learn about common maintenance recommendations.   3,000 – 5,000 miles – Oil Change   An Oil Change is the most standard maintenance service for every car owner. An oil change every 3,000 - 5,000 miles is essential for keeping the key parts of your engine working properly. We recommend having your tires rotated every 5,000 miles to ensu ... read more

  Top Tips To Make Your Used Car Last Sudden and unexpected challenges plagued the new and used car markets over the last few years. Vehicle prices have increased while inventory has diminished. Many car owners are asking themselves, “Should I buy a new car now or wait?”. If buying another car now is not in the cards for you, check out these top tips to make your vehicle last a little longer.   FOLLOW YOUR FACTORY MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Sticking to a 30k/60k/90k mile maintenance schedule is key for making your car last for years to come. Routine maintenance is a must as parts and components will wear down and require replacement over time. Lou’s Car Care provides a multi-point, Digital Vehicle Inspection at every visit to keep you informed of all your vehicle’s needs. Our Service Team will work with you to develop a maintenance plan with your budget in mind.   PROPER FLUID MAINTENANCE Your vehic ... read more