Baldwinsville Auto Repair

    If you are a car owner, you have probably heard of fuel injection service. But what exactly is it, and why is it important? A fuel injection service is a procedure for your car's fuel system. Let's delve deeper into what fuel injection service entails and why it's essential.  What Is Fuel Injection? Fuel injection is a computer-controlled system that delivers fuel to the engine in a car. The system uses sophisticated sensors to determine the amount of fuel needed. And the optimal air-to-fuel ratio for combustion. In the past, car engines used a carburetor to regulate the amount of fuel and air intake. Fuel injection systems have become more common in cars as they are more efficient. They also offer better engine performance.   What Is A Fuel Injection Service? A fuel in ... read more

  Ever wondered how we can smoothly steer a car around corners with just a turn of the steering wheel? Well, it's all thanks to a cool thing called a "rack and pinion." Let's dive in and learn about this nifty mechanism that makes driving so much easier. What is a Rack and Pinion? Imagine you're turning the steering wheel of a car. Inside, there's a clever setup called a rack and pinion. Picture a toothed bar (the rack) and a toothed rod (the pinion) meshing together. When you turn the wheel, it spins the pinion, and that makes the rack move side to side. That's what helps steer the car. How Does It Work? Think of it like this: you've got a pizza cutter (the pinion) rolling along a slice of pizza (the rack). As you turn the handle (like the steering wheel), the blade (the pinion) moves side to side across the pizza slice ( ... read more

    Driving a car can be an exciting experience one can have. However, many of us do not stop to ponder the various components that make up our cars. Today we will focus on one such component known as a driveshaft. Let’s discuss what a driveshaft is, what it does, and why it is important for your vehicle. What is a Driveshaft? A driveshaft is a mechanical component found in rear-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles. The driveshaft transmits rotational power from the engine to the differential. The differential is the mechanism that enables the vehicle's wheels to rotate at different speeds. The driveshaft is a cylindrical metal rod, consisting of a slip yoke, U-joints, and a center support bearing.        What does a Driveshaft do? The driveshaft transmits torque ... read more

Ever wondered how to tell if your car's engine needs a little TLC? The engine is like the heart of your car, and keeping it healthy is crucial for a smooth ride. Let's explore simple signs and tips to help you know if your engine needs attention.     Listen for Weird Noises: If your car starts making strange knocking or grinding noises, it might be a sign of a bad engine. Listen closely when you start the car and while driving. Unusual sounds can mean trouble! Watch the Smoke: If you see smoke coming from your car's exhaust, pay attention to the color. Black, white, or blue smoke can indicate different engine issues. For instance, blue smoke can mean the engine is burning oil. Check for Poor Performance: Is your car struggling to start or losing power? Difficulty starting, rough idling, or a loss of acceleration can be signs of engine trouble. Don't ignore these signs! In ... read more

  Vehicle maintenance is crucial to extend its lifespan. And prevent costly repairs down the road. That’s where preventative maintenance comes in. Preventative maintenance helps prevent potential issues from becoming bigger problems. Let's take a closer look at what exactly preventative maintenance is, why it’s important, and some practical tips you can follow.   What is preventative maintenance? Preventative maintenance involves routine services like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. These services aim to prevent issues from becoming serious problems. By keeping up with these regular checks, you can extend the life of your vehicle. And avoid costly repairs down the road.     Why is preve ... read more

Heat shields are essential components found under vehicles. They protect parts from the intense heat generated by the engine and exhaust system. They act as thermal barriers. And are made of materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or fiberglass. These are known for their excellent heat reflection and absorption capabilities.     You'll find heat shields strategically placed throughout your car, serving different purposes: Around the engine: They protect the engine block and intake manifold from the extreme heat produced during combustion. Around the exhaust system: Heat shields protect the exhaust pipes, muffler, and catalytic converter. This ensures they don't get damaged due to the high temperatures of exhaust gases. Under the car: They are also installed under the car. This will h ... 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

    Brake pads are a crucial component of your vehicle’s braking system. They help you stop your vehicle when you need to and ensure the safety of you and your passengers. Over time, brake pads wear out and need to be replaced to maintain the optimal performance of your vehicle. But how do you know when it’s time to change them? Learn how to measure brake pads and determine whether they need to be replaced. Measure the thickness of the brake pad: The thickness of the brake pad is the most essential aspect when considering replacement. Ideally, the thickness of the brake pad should be at least 1/8 inches or more. Use a micrometer to measure the brake pad’s thickness. The micrometer measures the thickness of the pad from the backing plate to the outer edge of the friction material. Use the brake pad wear indicator: Some brake pads come with a wear indicator. The wear indicator is a ... read more

  Tires play a critical role in keeping you safe on the road. It is important to maintain your tires and check their levels of wear and tear periodically. Tire tread depth is an essential feature of tire maintenance that every vehicle owner should know. It is the measurement of the space between the top of the tire tread and the bottom of the groove that runs around the circumference of the tire. Learn more about the importance of tire tread depth, and how it impacts your safety on the road. Better Traction and Grip: Tire tread depth plays a crucial role in maintaining traction and grip on the road. The tire tread grooves are designed to channel water, snow, or mud from the tire's contact patch with the road. This helps in maintaining traction, stability, and control while driving. Tires with adequate tread depth provide better grip on wet, slippery, uneven roads ... read more

If your car brakes are sticking, it can make driving a nerve-wracking experience. You press the brake pedal and nothing happens—or worse yet, it takes too long for the brakes to kick in! What’s going on? Let’s take a look at the possible causes of this issue so you can get back on the road with confidence.   What Causes Brake Stickiness? The most common cause of brake stickiness is moisture or debris that has become lodged in the components of your braking system. When moisture accumulates inside your brakes, it can corrode the components and cause your brakes to stick. Debris, such as dirt or rocks, can also accumulate in your braking system and cause your brakes to stick. In some cases, it may be necessary to open up the brake drums or calipers and clean them out to prevent them from sticking again. Another common cause of sticky br ... read more