Baldwinsville Auto Repair

    An EVAP test is like a checkup for your car to make sure it's not letting out bad stuff into the air. Understanding what it is and how it works is important.  What's the EVAP System?  EVAP stands for Evaporative Emissions Control System. This keeps gas fumes from escaping your car's gas tank. During an EVAP test, a mechanic looks for any holes or leaks in this system.  How Does the EVAP Test Work?  The mechanic first makes sure your gas cap is on tight and then tests your car's fuel system. They even use a machine that blows smoke into your fuel system to find leaks.      Tips to Pass the EVAP Test  To make sure you pass the EVAP test:  1. Always seal your gas cap tightly.  2. Don't drive your car with an almost empty gas tank.  ... read more

    One of the most critical components of your car is the water pump. But what exactly is a water pump, and why is it so essential for your car?   A water pump circulates coolant throughout the engine and transfers heat from the engine to the radiator. It maintains a consistent temperature throughout the engine. A water pump consists of a rotor, a housing, and an impeller. The rotor is connected to the engine's crankshaft via a belt. It rotates the impeller inside the housing, which pumps coolant through the engine.      Due to a lot of mechanical wear and tear, water pumps tend to fail over time. The most common sign of a failing water pump is visible coolant leakage underneath your car. If you notice a leak, you sho ... read more

  It's essential to maintain your vehicle regularly. One of the critical components of this maintenance is fuel system cleaning. This is also known as fuel injector cleaning. A fuel system cleaner is designed to eliminate dirt, debris, and other contaminants in your car's fuel system. The process involves adding a specialized fluid to your fuel tank. This fluid is then mixed with gasoline and runs through your engine to clean it entirely. Learn more about fuel system cleaners and how they can benefit your vehicle. Benefits of Fuel System Cleaning A fuel system cleaner can help you in several ways. It helps improve the overall performance of your engine. Regular use of fuel system cleaners ensures your engine runs smoothly. This increases your car's fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. Fuel system cleaners can also end or reduce knocking and pinging noises caused by the vehicle's engi ... read more

    A common problem many drivers face is overheating. Serious engine and transmission damage can occur when a vehicle over heats. Learn more about what causes a car to overheat and how to avoid it.   Low Coolant Level: Coolant or antifreeze helps keep the engine cool by circulating throughout the engine block and radiator. If there is not enough coolant, the system cannot dissipate heat. This causes the engine to overheat. Check the coolant level often and add more if necessary. Broken Thermostat: The thermostat controls the temperature of the engine. It can cause the engine to overheat or run too cold if it fails. A thermostat can break for reasons, such as corrosion, wear, or a mechanical failure. Have a mechanic replace your thermostat if you think it may be broken. Radiator Problems: The radiator dissipates heat from the engine that the coolant has absorbed. If the radiator is clog ... read more

    When it comes to choosing a vehicle, you may have come across the terms AWD and 4WD. These two terms may sound similar, but they refer to two different types of drive systems in a vehicle. Understanding the difference between AWD and 4WD is important. Especially if you are looking to buy a vehicle that can handle challenging terrain or weather conditions. Learn more about their key differences to see which one is right for your driving needs.     AWD stands for all-wheel drive. This means that all four wheels receive power from the engine at the same time. This type of drivetrain is found in cars and SUVs. And it offers better traction control and handling in slippery conditions. AWD systems can distribute power between the front and rear axles depending on the driving conditions. This means that AWD vehicles can handle snowy or wet roads better than 2WD vehicles. AWD is also useful for drivers who encounter varying road conditions. And drive on city streets ... read more

    You’ve probably heard of serpentine belts before, but do you know what they actually do? Serpentine belts are an important part of your car's engine. And can drastically impact its performance. Let’s take a look at the purpose of a serpentine belt and why it’s so crucial for your car.   The Basics of Serpentine Belts A serpentine belt is a long, flexible belt that wraps around several components in the engine, such as: The crankshaft pulley Alternator pulley Power steering pump   The belt is driven by the crankshaft pulley, which connects to the engine’s main crankshaft. As the crankshaft spins, it turns the belt, which in turn drives all the other components in the engine.     What Are The Benefits of a Serpentine Belt? The serpentine belt drives many components at once instead of needing separate belts for each com ... read more

    Most people know that cars require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. One of the most important maintenance tasks is getting a tune-up. But what exactly is a tune-up, and how often should you get one? Let’s take a look.   What Is A Tune-Up? A tune-up is like an oil change for your car's engine. It’s an inspection and service of your vehicle's major systems. This includes: Spark Plugs FiltersFluids Fuel Injection System Timing Belt Ignition Wires Hoses   Auto technicians may also adjust settings such as idle speed, valve clearance, and ignition timing. The frequency with which you need to get a tune-up will vary depending on the make and model ... read more

    Making the decision to repair or replace your car can be tough. On the one hand, you don’t want to sink too much money into an old car – but on the other, you don’t want to spend more than you have to. Before making any decisions, weighing each option’s pros and cons is important. Let’s break it down for customers looking for guidance.   Assessing Your Car’s Condition The first thing to do before deciding whether to fix or get rid of your car is to assess its condition. If your car is newer and still under warranty, many repairs may be covered by the manufacturer. And that makes it easier to decide whether to keep it or not. If it’s an older model, other things need to be taken into account. Consider how much money you have already invested in repairs versus how much longer you think the car will last if fixed again. Inv ... read more

  If your vehicle is shaking or vibrating when idling, it could be due to a variety of reasons. In some cases, the issue may be minor, such as a loose part or an engine misfire. It is important to look into this issue as soon as possible as it could indicate a more serious problem. Let’s take a look at some of the potential causes and why they are problematic.   Common Causes of a Vehicle Shaking When Idling Worn Spark Plugs Worn spark plugs can lead to decreased fuel efficiency or increased exhaust emissions. Sometimes power loss. This is due to inadequate combustion in the engine cylinders.   Engine Misfire An engine misfire can also be caused by worn spark plugs where only some of the cylinders fire correctly. This leads to an uneven running engine that shakes at idle. A misfiring cylinder can also cause poor fuel economy and increased emissions. Loose Parts Another common cause of vibration while idling is due to loose parts. This includes ... read more

    Have you ever heard a high-pitched squeal coming from your vehicle when you turn your vehicle or AC on? Chances are that noise is coming from your vehicle belt and it’s a sound you don’t want to ignore. Your vehicle belts are an important part of your car and need proper care in order to function properly. Let’s take a look at why vehicle belts squeal and what can be done to stop them.     What Are Vehicle Belts? Vehicle belts are found in the engine compartment of most vehicles. They work as a direct connection between the engine crankshaft and other components. These include the alternator, water pump, air conditioning compressor, and more. All these parts rely on the vehicle belt for power transmission so they can operate properly.       Why Do Vehicle Belts Squeal? When a belt starts to wear out or become too loose due to heat, it can cause it to slip off its pulley while running. This c ... read more