DELAWARE & PENNSYLVANIA AUTO REPAIR

Tips to Saving Money When Buying New Tires Getting new tires for your vehicle is no easy task. People shopping for tires are often stuck sifting through the overwhelmingly diverse range of tire types, sizes, and brands on the market today. And since your choice in tires can affect everything from car maintenance requirements to gas mileage – not to mention how long you go without changing them again – it is worth making the right decision. Before you buy, read through this guide to all the information necessary to get a tire that’s right for your vehicle, at the right price.   Seasonal Tires: Do You Need to Switch Tires For Winter? Before 1977, when Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company released the very first “all season” tire, people in temperate climates had to change their tires along with the change of the seasons. Some people, especially those who have been driving for many years or drive an older car, still believe they may need t ... read more

How much rust is too much rust? For most standard vehicles, brake rotors are made of cast-iron or steel, both of which rust when exposed to moisture. It’s inevitable that brakes will gather a little rust from being exposed to the elements. Light rusting is nothing to sweat over if its formation is supervised. If you’re worried about rust forming on your brakes, it’s easy to clean or request that your auto technician wipe it off when inspecting your vehicle. If your brakes are not performing at top speed, bring your vehicle into your local auto repair shop so they can assess the issue. Problems arise when rust builds up around the area where the brake pads touch the rotor. Rust reduces friction between the rotor disc and pads, causing the vehicle to wobble and shake when braking. If left alone, rust builds up on the outside of the brake pads’ path. This rust ring may cause your vehicle to shake and take longer to brake. Besides rust, small holes or "pits&qu ... read more

Brake failure is attributed to numerous factors, almost all of which trickle down to improper brake maintenance. Like any system in your vehicle, your brakes will fail if you do not follow a recommended maintenance schedule. The frequency at which you replace your brakes will vary according to vehicle usage. Always remember to ask your local auto repair shop for their personalized recommendation when it comes to vehicle maintenance. 1. Brake fluid A big factor that plays into your vehicle’s brake health is the brake fluid. This hydraulic fluid generates pressure needed to stop your vehicle effectively. If there’s a leak in the reservoir or if the brake fluid becomes contaminated, your brake system will start to degrade and eventually fail. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you are changing your vehicle’s fluid systems routinely. While the general recommendation for a brake fluid flush is every 2 to 5 years or 30,000 miles, each vehicle is ... read more

Cars need oil changes periodically to function. Oil is a lubricator for the moving parts of your vehicle’s engine. Think about all the internal components creating friction inside a car engine. That’s a lot of heat! Oil carries heat away from the combustion chamber and protects the engine from carbon and grime build-up. Overtime, the oil itself degrades and piles onto the mechanical parts if it is not changed periodically. As grime accumulates in the oil, the oil becomes less liquid and more solid, slowing down the cooling process. Neglecting old oil will strain and overheat your engine. Just like metal-to-metal brakes are ineffective, solidified oil will not prevent the metal components in your car from grinding together and damaging the car.   How often should I change my oil? Every manufacturer has their own recommended maintenance schedule, which can be viewed in the vehicle handbook. It’s best to ask your local auto repair shop for their ... read more