Posted on 9/27/2022
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
Posted on 8/17/2022
Out of all the buttons, levers, and switches in your vehicle, the parking brake is the feature that you most likely commonly overlook. The parking brake is also known as the emergency brake, e-brake, or handbrake. And is more important than you think. Find out how often you should be engaging your e-brake and why. How Does The Parking Brake Work? The parking brake is part of your vehicle’s overall braking system. It is a vital part of keeping your car from moving after you’ve parked it. The emergency brake was originally designed to be the secondary braking mechanism that would stop your vehicle if your main braking system failed. The parking brake will press against your rear brakes with less force than the primary braking system. Many people use the parking brake to keep their car in place when parked, especially on hills or steep inclines. When you shift your car into “Park”, you engage a device called the parking pawl. The pawl is a ... read more
Posted on 5/2/2022
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
Posted on 3/30/2022
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
Posted on 10/11/2021
WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY BRAKES? We all want to take care of ourselves and our families when we hit the road. The functionality of your brakes is critical when it comes to vehicle safety, so it is important to know about the potential issues that you might face with your braking system. Some damage is the result of normal wear and tear over time, but it can also result from poor driving habits. Here are a few things to watch out for while driving your car to be sure that your brakes are performing optimally and keeping everyone in the vehicle safe. SCREECHING OR GRATING SOUNDS WHILE BRAKING Over the course of your vehicle’s lifetime, the brake pads will become worn down. The easiest way to identify this problem is a loud and often high-pitched screeching that occurs whenever you apply the brakes. The sound is a result of the metal-on-metal friction that the pads protect against when slowing down. It’s time to bring your car in t ... read more
Posted on 2/24/2021
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T DRIVE YOUR CAR FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME? The last few years have had the world adjusting to a “new normal”. Many people are now working from home or not driving as much as they once were. We are often asked, “Will not driving my car have a negative impact on the engine, engine oil, battery, brakes and tires?” “What can I do to keep my car running smoothly during this transitional time?” Here are some tips to keep your car in top shape, even if you don’t drive it often. DO I HAVE TO DRIVE MY CAR EVERYDAY? It is not necessary to drive your car every day. Driving a few times a week can help keep things moving along and prevent running into issues in the near future. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CAR SITS FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME? Vehicles that aren’t driven regularly will drain the battery. There are multiple systems that still draw power as a vehicle sits. Your car’s battery ... read more
Posted on 2/23/2021
10-minute instant oil changes are convenient when someone is pressed for time, but it doesn’t allow for a thorough check of a vehicle to be done. These “quick lube services” are exactly that- QUICK. Quantity over quality. They typically have more than one person changing your engine oil and filter, topping off fluids, and checking air pressures in your tires. If you’re lucky enough, an experienced lube technician can alert you to a potential problem with your vehicle. These quick oil change centers are not equipped to complete more complex repairs. And would recommend you go to a full-service auto center to have your vehicle repaired. So why waste your time with an instant oil change when you can have the same service, plus a Multipoint, Digital Vehicle Inspection on your entire vehicle? All this for less than the price at an Express Instant Oil Change Center. At Lou’s, our 3,000-Mile Semi-Synthetic Oil Change Ser ... read more