DELAWARE & PENNSYLVANIA AUTO REPAIR

With gas prices through the roof and another Earth Day come and gone, it’s time to talk about you. Specifically, what you can do to increase your car’s fuel economy. Fuel economy refers to the number of miles a car can drive per gallon of gas. 1. Avoid aggressive acceleration. Road rage costs you, so why sweat it? According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, drivers who obey speed limits and practice gentle braking and acceleration improve their car’s fuel economy up to 40% in traffic and up to 30% going highway speeds. Gradual acceleration is also kinder to your car, preventing faster break-down. 2. Lose the junk in your trunk! Extra weight reduces fuel efficiency in your car. Smaller ... read more

What causes my Disc Brakes to get Stuck? Having a Broken Disc Assembly means the vehicle won’t move or will create an excessive amount of Heat Damaging multiple components of your Vehicle. You may see Poor Acceleration or braking, the Vehicle Pulls to one side or an increase in fuel consumption. 1. Applies to the Brake Pads and Carrier but doesn’t apply to all Carrier Assemblies. The slots where the Brake Pads sit can become filled with Road Debris or Rust, in the end making the Brake Pads Stick. When Brakes are applied, they can force the Pads against the Rotor which is unable to release in the end. 2. The Caliper Piston may become caught in the Caliper Casting. This is caused by a buildup of Road Debris or Corrosion usually caused by a Failing Boot. Another reason can be caused by applying the Brak ... read more

With Gas Prices on the rise, it is important to use your Fuel most Efficiently. By taking the following suggestions into consideration, you will cut down not only Fuel but also Maintenance Costs. Undergo Servicing on time It is a good idea to consult an ASE Certified Mechanic, such as the team at Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center, before something terrible happens, not after. The Filter and Oil should be changed about every 4,500 Miles. To avoid additional Expe ... 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

Why is my car burning gas so quickly? When your car is burning an excessive amount of gas, it not only increases your spending on fuel, but is also a potential indication of expensive problems. Becoming familiar with causes that cause poor fuel economy is a great way to keep your car running as efficiently as possible, which will save you money in the long run. At Paul Campanella’s Auto and Tire Centers, the three most common reasons for fuel inefficiency include the following: Clogged Fuel Injector: The presence of carbon, old fuel, and residue cause clogging of the fuel injector. When this debris builds up it hinders the free flow of fuel. Worn Spark Plugs: Having dirty spark plugs can cause bad MPG. When fuel is sprayed into the combustion chamber, but the spark does not ignite the fuel, it doesn’t combust, the fuel gets wasted, and causes bad gas mileage. Poor Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, exc ... read more