Baldwinsville Auto Repair

    For car owners, power steering is an absolute must. It makes driving easier and safer. And also provides extra control when maneuvering tight corners or reversing into a space. But what exactly is power steering and how does it work? Let’s look at the basics of power steering, its benefits, and why it's essential for any car owner.     What Is Power Steering? Power steering is a system that uses hydraulic pressure to aid in the turning of a vehicle’s wheels. This pressure is generated by a pump that is powered by the engine. Which then forces fluid through hoses to the steering gear assembly. This assembly turns the wheels in response to driver input from the steering wheel. In essence, power steering makes turning your car much easier than it would be otherwise. Without power steering, drivers would have to put considerable effort into turni ... 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

    Whether you’re a car enthusiast or an average driver, it’s essential to understand the importance of brake fluid in your vehicle. Brake fluid is a crucial part of your car’s braking system. It helps ensure that your brakes are working when they need to. Learn more about what brake fluid is and how it works.   What Is Brake Fluid? Brake fluid is a hydraulic liquid found in the hydraulic brake system of cars and other vehicles. It is designed to send force from the brake pedal through the brake lines to the brakes themselves. The pressure created by pressing on the pedal forces the brake fluid through small passages in the brakes. This causes them to clamp down on the discs or drums and stop the car. Without brake fluid, your brakes would not be able to perform as they should.   How Does Brake Fluid Work? Brake fluid works by forcing pressure through lines that run from one end of your vehicle to another. When ... read more

    Regular fluid exchanges are one of the most important types of maintenance items for your vehicle. Clean, specialized liquids are needed to help lubricate and cool parts of your vehicle while driving. Contaminated fluids can cause performance issues and part failures. The different types of fluids in your vehicle will have different maintenance schedules. Learn more about these fluids and when they should be changed. MOTOR OILOil changes are the most common type of fluid exchange on a vehicle. Engine oil lubricates, cleans, and cools engine parts. It can also hold abrasive particles and chemical contaminants in suspension. Regular oil changes are neces ... read more

    Washer fluid is especially helpful in Baldwinsville, NY during the winter months. Road salt, dirt and slush spray on to your windshield from vehicles in front of you while driving. Or when pollen coats your windows in the spring. Many of us have been in a pinch after the washer fluid has run out and thought, “Can I use water instead of washer fluid?” The answer depends on your local driving area. Learn more about the pros and cons of water vs. windshield washer fluid. Clear visibility is important for safe driving. While water does clean your windshield, it isn’t as effective as washer fluid. The fluid contains solvents that loosen and clean dirt and debris on your windshield. Water will likely smear the dirt and grime. Water freezes and could cause damage to your tank and fluid lines. Washer fluid has anti-freezing properties that can be used during freezing temperatures. Bacteria and microbes can grow in the washer fluid reservoir if you use water ... read more

  Lou’s Car Care is a full-service, independent auto repair shop in Baldwinsville, NY. We repair all makes and models of vehicles including European product lines.  Just like humans, automobiles need checkups from time to time. Our certified auto technicians can complete routine oil changes, new tires, brake and rotor replacements, and alignments. We can also handle more in-depth concerns such as engine diagnostics, heat or a/c malfunctions, and electrical issues. Germany is well known for producing quality vehicles that last a lifetime. Audi, BMW, Mercede ... read more

One of the most common maintenance services performed on a vehicle is an oil change. Typically, you’d get an oil change every 3,000 - 5,000 miles. But do you know if your car takes Full Synthetic or Synthetic Blend Oil? Here’s what you need to know about the two types of motor oils. Motor oil pumps through a running engine via small passages called galleries. It lubricates, cleans, and cools engine parts. It also holds abrasive particles and chemical contaminants in suspension. Regular oil changes are necessary to keep your engine running smoothly. Synthetic Blend Oil Synthetic Blend motor oil is a mixture of synthetic and conventional base oils. Synthetic blends offer better performance and protection than you would get with a conventional oil alone. This type of oil also offers extra protection against changing temperatures. And is not as susceptible to evaporation as conventional oils. Ful ... read more

    One of the most common transmission issues you can have is a slipping transmission. Slipping occurs when the transmission tries to change gear but falls back into the gear it was previously in. Or drops into neutral. Slipping doesn’t necessarily mean that your transmission is about to fail. But it is a sign that it is in serious need of service or repair.  Schedule an appointment as soon as you can with a mechanic who can look into your issue. Symptoms of A Slipping Transmission The source of a transmission slip can be caused by various reasons. Diagnosing the issue can be a challenge, but here are some common signs to look for: Automatic Transmission Transmission tries to upshift, then falls back into a lower gear Transmission refuses to upshift Hard/rough gear changes Unusual noises when shifting Engine RPMs increase when stepping on the gas, but the vehicle speed doesn’t Check Engine Light is on Manual ... read more

    Vehicle maintenance at regular intervals helps keep your car in proper working order. And can prevent expensive repairs down the road. Even the most well-maintained cars will experience unexpected service problems. But it is better to be proactive rather than reactive. Keeping detailed service records can also help boost your car’s value when you decide to sell it or trade it in. Failing to follow preventative maintenance guidelines could even void your car’s warranty. Use this guide to learn about common maintenance recommendations.   3,000 – 5,000 miles – Oil Change   An Oil Change is the most standard maintenance service for every car owner. An oil change every 3,000 - 5,000 miles is essential for keeping the key parts of your engine working properly. We recommend having your tires rotated every 5,000 miles to ensu ... read more

The Cooling System in your vehicle protects your engine from overheating. The radiator helps to transfer heat away from the engine. And allows the coolant to continue circulating throughout the rest of the system. The coolant helps to lubricate parts and absorb heat. As the coolant circulates through the system, it also picks up dirt and grime. A radiator flush will help rid your car of those contaminants. Our mechanics remove the old coolant and anti-freeze from the system, first. Then, cleaning solutions added to the system remove dirt and impurities. Finally, we add a new and fresh coolant mixture back into the system. If your engine's temperature gauge is higher than normal you may be due for a radiator flush. A broken radiator can leave you stranded. Preventative maintenance will protect your vehicle from having major issues on the road. Lou's ... read more