Rochester Auto Repair

10W-30, 5W-30, 0W-20, and the list goes on! What’s with all the numbers and what do they mean? What makes one oil different from another?   It’s all about viscosity. Simply put, viscosity is how well a liquid sticks to and coats an object. For example, water has a low viscosity - it doesn’t easily keep a coat on a surface. Now consider honey. Honey has a high viscosity. It will create a thick coat on your spoon or measuring cup and it doesn’t easily, quickly, or cleanly pour off a surface.   The first number listed for an oil grade is the viscosity rating at cold temperatures. The higher the number, the thicker it is at winter temperature. The first number is grouped with the “W” to indicate winter.    The second number indicates the oil viscosity at the vehicle’s normal operating temperature, which can be around 200℉. Due to the additives in modern oil, it actually becomes more viscous at higher temperatures and is ab ... read more

Too much gas damages your car! Overfilling at the pump comes with some consequences. Your vehicle’s system utilizes gasoline vapors. Overfilling your tank can cause liquid gasoline to enter places only the gasoline vapors should go. The liquid can get sucked into the intake valve and end up in the vehicle’s charcoal canister or carbon filter (depending on the vehicle type). If this happens, the vehicle will start to run poorly and gas could start leaking into, and damage other parts of your vehicle’s system. If your charcoal canister or carbon filter needs to be replaced, it’s not an inexpensive repair, but ignoring the necessary repair could result in even further damage

Your vehicle, like your smartphone, will stop performing as well over time. Unlike your phone, you may not want to replace your vehicle every 2-3 years. If your vehicle isn’t in peak performance, it may be time to get a tune up. A tune up will increase the engine efficiency, but the most noticeable benefit may be a better fuel economy.  Although tune up services performed will vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on year, make, and model, South Street Auto Care will address the following areas:   Spark plugs wires/coil boots PCV (if available) Fuel injection cleaning Air Filter Fuel injection cleaning   When applicable, updating your vehicle software may be advised to make adjustments for optimal performance.    Generally, your vehicle should have a tune up every 100,000 miles, but it’s best to check with your owner’s manual for specific manufacturer recommendations. If you’re wondering if it’s time for a tune up, or ... read more

Measuring Tire Tread Depth With A Penny? It’s Time To Stop. April 6, 2023   Ever been told to use a penny to measure your tire tread? The belief is, when the tread on your tires is worn to the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires. This may have been popular advice during your grandfather’s time, but testing shows this practice is out of date.    Experts suggest replacing your tires when the tread is worn to 4/32 of an inch, or about where the tread would come up to the top of Washington’s head on a quarter. The distance between Lincoln’s head and the edge of a penny is only 2/32 of an inch, well past the advised wear depth. As tires wear, they lose their efficiency in gripping the pavement in the rain, snow or when stopping

Ready For Your Spring Break Road Trip?   March 22, 2023 Spring break is a popular time for families to vacation. As you plan and prepare for your vacation, don’t forget your vehicle. Before you head out, stop by for an oil change with a multipoint inspection that includes – Filter inspection Brake Inspection Fluid Check Tire Pressure In the unfortunate event a tire blows out on your trip, don’t forget to ask to have the air pressure in the spare tire checked! Check available appointment times on our website

It’s Pothole Season! Need an Alignment?   The freeze and thaw cycle of a Michigan winter causes damage to roads which can develop into potholes. A  variety of vehicle issues can arise from hitting one of these potholes, including putting your car out of alignment. When your car is “out of alignment” it means that one or more of your wheels is no longer facing perfectly straight while you travel down the road. Jake, Operations Manager at South Street Auto Care, states three tell-tale signs you need an alignment are, “if your vehicle is pulling to the left or right, there is uneven wear on your tires, or if your steering wheel is off center.” If your vehicle is experiencing any one of these issues, make an appointment to get your alignment checked. It’s better to get the alignment than to pay 10 times as much for a new set of tires. Addressing your vehicle’s need for an alignment is better for your wallet and the lon ... read more