DELAWARE & PENNSYLVANIA AUTO REPAIR

With auto parts pricing skyrocketing, along with everything else, ordering cheap parts for your vehicle may seem like a financially-sound alternative. In a tumultuous economy, “price-shopping” is tempting, especially if you’ve experienced poor customer service in the past. However, the initial savings from purchasing cheap parts can quickly turn into a financial burden in the long run. Before you spend valuable time browsing the Internet for auto parts, let's take a look at hidden costs associated with cheap parts. You may find that investing in quality parts is a wise decision for both your wallet and your vehicle's longevity. 1. Reduced Quality and Reliability You get what you pay for. Reducing costs also means sacrificing a product’s quality and reliability. Bargain auto parts sold on e-commerce sites like Amazon are often produced using substandard materials and manufacturing processes, leading to decreased durability and a higher likelihood of ... read more

  Your vehicle's transmission is a vital component that plays a crucial role in delivering power from the engine to the wheels. It's also one of the most expensive parts to replace! To avoid the hefty cost and inconvenience associated with transmission replacement, it's important to prioritize regular maintenance and adopt preventive measures. In this article, we share some effective strategies to help you prevent transmission failure and extend your vehicle’s lifespan.   1. Regular Fluid Checks and Changes Maintaining the proper fluid levels and quality is paramount for a healthy transmission. Check your vehicle's owner's manual for recommended fluid change intervals and ensure you adhere to them. Fresh, clean transmission fluid provides lubrication, cools the system, and prevents excessive wear. Regular fluid checks allow you to detect any leaks or contamination early, enabling timely repairs and preventing further damage. Using the right type o ... read more

  Getting your vehicle inspected routinely by a certified mechanic will save you a tremendous amount of time and money in the future. Inspecting a vehicle is important for several reasons: 1. Safety & Reliability Regular inspections help ensure that a vehicle is in good working condition, reducing the risk of accidents and mechanical failures. Components such as brakes, tires, lights, and suspension systems are checked to identify any potential issues that could compromise safety. Inspecting a vehicle allows for the early detection of problems that could lead to breakdowns or malfunctions. Identifying and addressing issues in advance can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and the associated inconvenience and cost of repairs. 2. Preventative Maintenance Regular inspections are part of a proactive approach to vehicle maintenance. By identifying and addressing minor problems early on, more significant and costly repairs can often be avoided. Routine maintenance, such as oil ch ... read more

Like any other vehicle, an electric vehicle (EV) will require regular maintenance and occasional repairs. However, the specific repairs required for an EV differ from those required for a traditional gasoline-powered car because of differences in their powertrain systems. However, they are both complex machines that require regular upkeep to operate safely and efficiently. Here are some common repairs an EV may need: 1. Motor Maintenance and Repair Electric car motors generally require less maintenance compared to internal combustion engines. However, they still need some maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. The electric motor is the heart of an EV's powertrain, and may require repairs or replacement over time due to wear and tear. Depending on vehicle type and use, electric car motor maintenance may include: Cooling System: Electric motors generate heat during operation, so the cooling system, typically consisting of coolant and a radiator, needs to be maint ... read more

When Should You Replace a Tire Instead of Repairing It? There are several reasons why you might need tire repair: 1. Puncture or damage: A puncture or damage to your tire can cause it to deflate or lose pressure, which can make it difficult or unsafe to drive your vehicle. Repairing the puncture or damage can help restore the tire's functionality. Did you know? Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center provides free tire plugs! Schedule your visit with us here. 2. Wear and tear: Over time, tires can wear down or become damaged due to normal use or exposure to harsh road conditions. Repairing any damage or wear can help extend the life of your tires. 3. Safety concerns: If your tires are damaged or have worn-down treads, they can become unsafe to use. Repairing any issues with your tires will help ensure they are safe for use on the road ... 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

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

Why are my brakes smoking? The smell of burning can be scary when you're driving, and you start to notice it. Only to then find out that smoke is coming into your car. Many times, your brakes are to blame. If your brakes start to smoke, it is best to stop driving until the problem is fixed. Some of the most common causes and some things to look for if your brakes start to smoke are explained below. Stuck Brake Pads As time goes on, your brakes will get dirty with brake dust and corrosion. This is because they are exposed to the weather. Buildup of dust can make your brake pads stick to your disc. People who have this happen cannot move the brakes or the wheel can't move freely. The friction causes a lot of heat that does not need to be there, which often causes a b ... read more

Why is there noise coming from the air vent when turning on the fan? 1. Leaves stuck in the blower motor. When the fan is turned on, the leaves will spin around the blower motor making a rustling sound. 2. Bad vent blend door or actuator. The actuator responsibility is to control the vent blend door for a specific function. For example, it is used to move the vent blend door for temperature changes, defrost mode, recirculation, fresh air and so on. When the vent blend door or actuator fails, it can make a flapping or slapping noise. 3. Failed blower motor. When a blower motor is failing, it can make a whistling noise, whining noise, grinding noise, and other odd noises. Usually, the noise will gradually increase as the fan speed increases. At this point the electric motor is failing and will need replacement. 4. Rattling noise. Sometimes, objects can fall into the air duct through the vent entrance and make a rattling noise when the vehicle is in motion or when the ... read more