DELAWARE & PENNSYLVANIA AUTO REPAIR

We're getting a makeover! From September 1-11, 2023, our Pike Creek shop is undergoing a major facelift to bring it up to our standard. Starting September 1st, our service team will be relocated temporarily to our locations in Hockessin and North Wilmington. Despite the temporary closure, our team is here to ensure you receive the services you need during this next week. Questions? We've Got Answers. What does this mean for my vehicle's service? Don't fret if you need an appointment next week! Our locations in North Wilmington and Hockessin are close by and ready to provide the same quality service for your vehicle during our renovation. Where are your other locations?Wilmington 1015 W. 28th Street Wilmington, DE 19802 Office: (302) 268-9434 Open Mon – Fri 8am – 5pm ... read more

Looking to ensure your safety and environmental responsibility while cruising around Pennsylvania? The PA State Inspection is a necessary annual practice for vehicle owners in Pennsylvania. Understanding PA State Inspections Now, what exactly are these PA State Inspections all about? Think of them as your vehicle's checkup to ensure it's up to snuff with safety and environmental standards. This not only amps up road safety but also cuts down on those not-so-great emissions, giving Mother Nature a breather. By getting your four-wheeler checked out yearly, you're stepping up for safer streets and fresher air quality. The Nitty-Gritty Inspection Bits: When you roll up to the inspection station for the PA State Inspection, your ride's going through a thorough once-over. Brakes, lights, tires, suspension–you name it, they're looking at it. And those emissions? Yep, they're measuring those too, making sure your vehicle isn't puffing out more than its fair ... read more

What’s the key to a seamless summer experience? A reliable vehicle to get you and your family to and from vacation, of course! Take advantage of free auto repair services at Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center, just in time for summer. Our digital courtesy inspection checks your vehicle’s major systems for your peace-of-mind. You don’t have to open your wallet! The following services are covered in our digital courtesy inspection: 1. AC Inspection We recommend you get your car's air conditioning system checked by a professional mechanic or automotive technician at least once a year. An AC inspection is important, especially before the start of the summer season. Regular maintenance and inspections may prevent major AC problems, such as leaks or compressor failure. You should also pay attention to any unusual noises, odors, or changes in the performance of your AC system and have it inspected as soon as possible if you notice any issues. Schedule yo ... read more

Where Can You Get A Used Vehicle Inspection? Are you in the market for a used vehicle? You may want to consider getting a pre-purchase inspection. A used vehicle inspection, or pre-purchase inspection, is a thorough examination of a pre-owned vehicle by a professional mechanic or technician to assess its overall condition and identify any existing or potential issues or defects. The inspection is typically conducted before the purchase of the vehicle to help the buyer make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the purchase, negotiate the price, or walk away from the deal altogether. During the inspection, the mechanic will examine various components of the vehicle, including the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, tires, and bodywork, among others. They will also test drive the vehicle to assess its performance and handling on the road. Based on their findings, the mechanic will provide a detailed report on the condition of the vehic ... read more

Who's your mechanic? If you are unable to answer that question, you're in the right place. Establishing an auto repair shop home saves you more than money down the line—it saves stress and time!  Think of mechanics as primary care providers, but for your car. You contact your PCP when your body feels strange, so why wouldn't you have the same resource for your car? Here are 5 reasons why establishing an auto repair shop home benefits you and your vehicle: 1. You save money With gas prices as high as they are, you want to spend as little as possible on your vehicle, right?  When you have a mechanic you trust, you remove the risk of getting scammed or overcharged at a shop you're visiting for the first time. At Paul Campanella's Auto & Tire Center, you're guaranteed quality service that matches the price tag. You get what you pay for when it comes to auto repair, so w ... read more

Auto repair is expensive because owning a car is a significant investment. When you factor in fuel, insurance, maintenance, unexpected repairs, and the cost of the car itself, you’re left with a lot of dollar signs! A vehicle’s parts make up a large portion of your final maintenance or repair bill. The cost of parts and materials fluctuate, and, in today’s economy, costs have risen across the board. A specific set of tools and knowledge is also required to service a vehicle, similar to medical care. Every shop has a set labor fee per hour, a fee that changes based on depth, timeline, and type of service. Getting a basic check-up costs less than knee replacement surgery, just like an oil change is less expensive than a wheel alignment. What do you get at Campanella’s that you cannot get anywhere else? When it comes to auto repair, you get what you pay for. At Campanella’s we factor in parts and labor cost to provide you with a final quot ... 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

Why does the gas pump keep clicking off? There is a reason gas pumps have an annoying habit of shutting off. Gas pump nozzles are designed with a device on the end that turn off the fuel flow when the gasoline runs back into it. This is a safety mechanism which prevents the gas from coming out and spilling when filling up the tank. Typically, this indicates that the tank is full. However, you may experience an instance where your tank is not full, yet the gas pump is still clicking off. Though this constant clicking off, when filling a non-full tank, may seem alarming, it is not necessarily a major problem. There is a tiny hole near the bottom of the gas pump nozzle connected to a small tube. Normally air flows through the tube while you’re filling the tank. The clicking noise you are hearing is the fuel backing up in the fill tube. Basically, the gas is coming out of the gas pump at a pressure that is too fast for the car to take in. If the air vapors do not g ... read more

Most people shake and shudder like a bad clutch at the thought of needing transmission repair in Wilmington, DE. The good news is, not all transmission repair jobs are expensive undertakings. Let’s take a look at the most common types of transmission troubles and how to tell the difference between the big and the small. Low Fluid Levels and Leaks Transmission leaks will eventually cause your transmission to run low on fluid. This is, by far, the most common need for transmission service. Leaks can be caused by several things and a certified transmission mechanic should be consulted in order to determine the exact cause. How expensive the repair will be is usually dependent on where the leak ... read more