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Auto Repair Tips & Advice
Practical maintenance advice, seasonal car care, and honest answers from Sholar Automotive's ASE certified technicians in Auburn, NY.
Straight answers from the mechanics who actually work on your car. Our ASE certified technicians write about the repairs and maintenance we see most often in Auburn, will your car pass NY inspection, what a warning sign really means, what a repair actually involves, and how the seasons in New York affect your vehicle.
The Suspension Parts That Actually Wear Out, and What Each One Does
Ball joints, bushings, sway bar links, and tie rods all wear differently and cause different symptoms. Here's what each one actually does and how it tends to fail.
Brake Pad and Rotor Thickness: The Actual Numbers That Matter
New brake pads start around 10-12mm thick and are usually replaced around 3-4mm. Here's how that measurement actually works, and why your rotors have a minimum thickness too.
What Those Numbers on Your Oil Bottle Actually Mean
The 'W' on an oil bottle stands for winter, not weight, and it's not just trivia. Here's what those two numbers actually control inside your engine.
Why It's Worth Running Diagnostics Even Without a Warning Light On
A check engine light only comes on once something is already outside its normal range. A diagnostic scan during routine service can catch things trending in the wrong direction before that happens.
Replacing a Car Battery the Right Way, Not Just the Fast Way
A battery swap sounds simple, but the wrong CCA rating, corroded terminals, or improper disposal all matter more than people expect. Here's what a proper battery replacement actually involves.
Radiator Repair or Replacement? Here's How That Decision Actually Gets Made
A small pinhole leak and internal corrosion are not the same problem, and they don't get the same fix. Here's how the repair-or-replace decision actually gets made.
How to Actually Test Whether Your Alternator Is Failing
A healthy alternator should hold steady between 13.5 and 14.5 volts while the engine runs. Here's how that test actually works, and the specific signs that point to the alternator rather than a weak battery.