DELAWARE & PENNSYLVANIA AUTO REPAIR

Why do I need an alignment? Alignment is necessary to ensure that your vehicle’s suspension (the system connecting the wheels to the powertrain and the rest of the car) is angled properly. Harsh roads, bumps, and curbs can push your car out of alignment over time. The wearing of tire rubber and sagging of suspension components, like the springs, over time also contributes to changing wheel angles that affect alignment. How does an alignment work? During an alignment, vehicles are secured onto a lift that clamps on to each of the four wheels. These clamps connect to a computer that assists the technician’s adjustments to each of the wheels. Doing an alignment also gives the technician an opportunity to make sure that all components of the car’s suspension is functioning normally. If any part of the suspension or steering is broken or needs replacement, this needs to be done before alignment can take place for safety reasons. An alig ... read more

Is your car ready for summer? If you're not sure, make an appointment at your local car doctor before your next trip. Especially after the winter months, it's important to check the all systems in your vehicle are running normally. The last place you want to be on a road trip is on the side of the road. Use this guide to ensure critical components in your car are ready to beat the heat. 1. Ready your rubber. Rubber is a huge component of every standard vehicle on the road today. It’s not only used for tires—the belts and hoses under the hood and windshield wiper blades are made of rubber, too! Intense summer heat can wreak further havoc on cracked rubber. If you or your technician eye any concerning damage, its best (and cheaper!) to replace a cracked serpentine belt now rather than on the side of the road. Tires are held together by glue, and glue and sun do not mix. Whenever you see ripped treads and loose rubber on the highway, that’s th ... read more

Finding a mechanic you trust your vehicle with may seem like a daunting task, but it’s easier than you think. Most people have at least one poor experience with an auto repair shop, and that experience can shape how they view interactions with other shops they go to. After you find a shop that does the kind of work you’re looking for, you may wonder how much you can trust them with your vehicle and money. So, what does credibility look like in an auto repair shop? 1. Look for an ASE Blue Seal of Approval. The fastest way to check a service center’s credibility is an ASE badge. This is the most widely acknowledged and accepted certification for professional technicians. Shops that employ technicians who are trained in some or all eight test categories receive this seal from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. ASE is a non-profit established in 1972 to advance vehicle service quality and ensure that automotive professionals a ... read more

If you’re wondering how to avoid hydroplaning, vehicle use and maintenance need to be considered. Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle experiences a loss of traction in a wet environment, and slides or skids across the road. There are several choices you can make to eliminate the risk of your car hydroplaning in bad weather. 1. Choose defensive driving over aggressive acceleration. Slow down when driving in wet conditions. Maintain a speed at least 10 miles below the speed limit and lower your need to brake. Wet roads equal less traction so braking will do little in your favor, especially if you’re shooting down the highway at 65 mph. Going a safe speed will also eliminate your need to make sudden movements, which will increase the likelihood of your car hydroplaning. To reduce further risk of hydroplaning, try driving in the tracks of cars in front of you. The water or ice will have begun to sepa ... read more