Baldwinsville Auto Repair

    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

    Driving in rainy conditions can be a challenge, especially when you're faced with hydroplaning. Hydroplaning happens when your car's tires are unable to grip the wet roadway. And causes it to slip and slide around. This can be a dangerous situation, especially at high speeds. So, what can you do to stop your car from hydroplaning? Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe while driving in the rain. Slow down: The first and most important thing you can do to prevent hydroplaning is to slow down. The faster you're driving, the more likely it is for your tires to lose traction. If you notice rain or standing water on the roadway, immediately reduce your speed. This will give your tires more time to grip the road and prevent hydroplaning. Check your tires: Your tires are the only part of your car that comes into contact with the road. That's why it's importan ... read more

  Have you ever experienced your car pulling to one side while driving? This can be a frustrating and even dangerous problem. Pulling can cause premature wear and tear on your tires. This can lead to reduced fuel economy and compromising your driving experience. To ensure a safe and comfortable drive, it is important to understand why your car is pulling to one side. Learn more about the reasons behind this problem and what you can do to to fix them.   Wheel Alignment Issues One of the most common reasons for your car pulling to one side is related to wheel alignment issues. Your car's wheel alignment can be thrown off by several factors such as hitting a curb, potholes, or worn out steering components. When this happens, the alignment of the wheels can become misaligned. This can lead to uneven wear on the tires and pulling to one side. A simple alignment service can help get you back on track in no time.     Uneven Tire Wear Your tires play a critical role ... read more

    Low-profile tires are becoming popular among drivers who want to improve the performance and look of their vehicles. But what exactly are low-profile tires, and why are they so beneficial? Let's take a closer look at what these tires have to offer.     What Are Low Profile Tires? Low-profile tires are sometimes referred to as "low-pro" or "high-performance" tires. They have a short sidewall height compared to other standard tire sizes. This means that the distance between the wheel rim and the tread is shorter than it is on regular tires. This gives the tire a lower profile—hence the name—and makes it appear larger in diameter than it actually is.   What Are The Benefits Of Low Profile Tires? The benefits of having low-profile tires can range from improved performance to better road handling. A ... 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

  Owning a car can be a great joy, but it is also important to understand the basics of vehicle maintenance. One component that is often overlooked is the tie rod. This plays an important role in your car’s steering system. Learn more about what a tie rod is and why it is so important for both safety and performance. What Is a Tie Rod? A tie rod is a metal bar that connects two parts of your vehicle’s steering system together. It helps to keep your wheels aligned. And ensures that the movement of one wheel is transferred to the other wheel. This keeps you driving straight or turning in the direction you want. The tie rod also helps to absorb some of the impacts from bumps in the road. Or sudden shifts in weight as passengers get into or out of the ... read more

    Take Advantage Of These Tire Rebates! New Year, New Tires… right?!  Save money when you buy four select tires from these manufacturers:       GOODYEAR SPECIAL OFFER - EXPIRES 6/30/23:   CONTINENTAL SPECIAL OFFER - EXPIRES 6/30/23:   BRIDGESTONE SPECIAL OFFER - EXPIRES 7/6/23:   COOPER TIRES SPECIAL OFFER - EXPIRES 7/31/23:   HANKOOK TIRE SPECIAL OFFER - EXPIRES 6/30/23:   Need new tires? We can help! Lou’s Car Care is the right choice for your all-season tire needs. Proudly serving the Baldwinsville, NY, and surrounding communities since 1976. Call us or schedule your next appointment online today!   Let ... read more

  When was the last time you checked your spare tire? Does your vehicle even have one? Many people go years without needing to use their spare tire, and some may never use theirs at all. It is important to check the air pressure in your spare along with your other four tires. Learn more about the best ways to care for your spare and keep you safe on the road.     How Long Do Spare Tires Last? Most spare tires last up to ten years. If your spare is stored outside of or underneath your vehicle, you’ll want to check it’s condition more often. Harsh weather and road salt can corrode security bolts making it a challenge to remove the spare. We recommend removing your spare tire at least once a year to ensure it’s accessibility. You’ll also want to inspect the tire for any dry rot or cracking. This can be done when checking the tire pressur ... 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

    Wheel locks are locking lug nuts on each wheel that contain theft-deterring sockets. They are just like standard lug nuts but require a wheel lock key to be removed. Each set of wheel locks has its own key.     Wheel lock keys are unique sockets that match the pattern on your wheel locks. Your tire, rim, and wheel cannot be easily removed without the wheel lock key. These locks are used to deter criminals from stealing your wheels only- not your car. What Happens If You Lose Your Wheel Lock Key? A dealer or manufacturer can replace the key if you have the code to your wheel lock key. Sometimes, you can order a replacement online if you have the brand, make, or model of your wheel locks. If all else fails, you will have to pay a professional to have your wheel locks removed.     Some wheel locks can be removed without a key. By using special sockets that dig into the metal grip on the outside of the wheel lock, they then can be twist ... read more