DELAWARE & PENNSYLVANIA AUTO REPAIR

European Auto Repair: 5 Key Differences Between Dealerships and Independent Shops While a dealership may seem like the best alternative for European auto repair, it’s not the only alternative. A car dealership, while it offers specialized care for your vehicle, is often unable to provide a fast or personalized experience. Building a relationship isn’t usually at the forefront of a high-volume business. Independent shops may not specialize in a specific vehicle, but there are key advantages to using them as your auto care provider. 1. Warranty Dealerships usually offer manufacturer-backed warranties that protect your newly-purchased vehicle from defects for a certain period of time. However, most service warranties from a manufacturer are honored at independent shops. Call a service advisor at Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center for any questions about your vehicle’s warranty. Did you know? Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center o ... read more

With school starting in a few short weeks, it’s easy to put auto repair on the back burner. However, it's crucial not to overlook one essential aspect of back-to-school readiness - your car's condition. A reliable vehicle provides a safe and comfortable commute and prevents potential breakdowns and expensive repairs. Here’s an auto care checklist you may want to add to your school shopping list this fall: 1. Tire Inspection Your car's tires are a critical safety component since they make contact with the road. To look at your tire health, start by inspecting the tread depth; if it's worn out, consider replacing the tires. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency and handling, so check the tire pressure regularly, including the spare tire.  Inspect your tires regularly for signs of damage, like bulges or cuts, that can lead to blowouts and accidents. 2. Routine Maintenance Check Before the school year kicks off, take your car for a thorough ins ... read more

Have you ever experienced your car pulling to one side or felt a subtle vibration in the steering wheel? These could be signs that your car needs alignment. Proper wheel alignment is essential for optimal handling, tire wear, and overall vehicle performance. In this post, we share five common signs that indicate your vehicle’s wheels are misaligned. By learning to recognize these red flags, you can address alignment issues before they turn into a more expensive repair. Car Pulling to One Side: One of the most noticeable signs of misalignment is when your car pulls to the left or right while driving straight. This pulling sensation occurs because the wheels are not aligned, causing uneven tire wear. If you release your grip on the steering wheel and notice your car drifting to one side, it's time to have your alignment checked. Uneven Tire Wear: Take a moment to inspect the tread on your tires. Uneven wear patterns, such as excessive wear on the inner or outer edges, are lik ... 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

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

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

What is National Car Care Month? National Car Care Month is a month-long campaign held in April aimed at raising awareness of the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and promoting safe driving practices. During National Car Care Month, car owners are encouraged to take their vehicles to a trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection and servicing. This includes checking and replacing worn-out tires, brakes, and other essential components, as well as performing routine oil changes and fluid checks. The campaign also emphasizes the importance of proper car care and maintenance in reducing emissions, improving fuel efficiency, and extending the vehicle's lifespan. Additionally, it provides valuable information and resources to help car owners stay safe on the road such as tips on defensive driving and safe driving habits. This National Car Care Month, it's easier than ever to understand your vehicle's health at Paul Campanella's Auto & Tire Center. Each of o ... read more

4 Easy Ways You Can Take Charge of Your Vehicle’s Health Now is the best time to get caught up on auto repair. Think about it—summer is approaching fast! You want to spend your summer on vacation, not in the repair shop! It’s time to prioritize where you want to spend your time and money. If you haven’t already booked summer plans, you’re probably starting to. Are you taking your car on vacation? If the answer is yes, making sure your vehicle is ready for the road is step one to a seamless vacation experience. Here are four ways you can take charge of your vehicle’s health—not just during this season, but year-round! 1. Be Proactive with Preventative Maintenance   Stay on top of your oil changes, tire rotations, fluid services, and other regular maintenance your vehicle needs to perform at its best. Our service team will work with you to create a maintenance schedule based on the needs of your specific vehicle. We a ... read more

Since 1986, we have provided northern Delaware and the surrounding region with high quality, full-service automotive repair and maintenance services. During these 36 years, we opened five stores in Delaware and Pennsylvania, with plans for future expansion. We have three stores in Delaware—Hockessin, Wilmington, and Pike Creek—and two stores in Pennsylvania—Kennett Square and Swarthmore. Our Swarthmore store is slated to open soon by the end of 2022! Our full-service repair services extend to Brake, Electrical, Battery, Steering and Suspension, Transmission, Preventative Maintenance, Radiator, Fuel System, Tires, Coolant System, and EVAP and Emissions Services. We service most makes and models, including Domestic, Asian, European, Standard, Hybrid, and Electric vehicles. Currently, we do not pro ... read more