Clifton Park Auto Repair

Once we get tires for our cars, many of us put them off to the side until something goes wrong. That is never how you should treat your vehicle's tires. It's important for you to check your tires regularly to make sure they are properly inflated so that they can last you a long time. Another thing you should periodically check is tire tread. Driving on bald or almost bald tires is extremely dangerous. If you're forced to brake abruptly, your car may not stop in time and cause an accident.   There are many different factors to consider when it comes to retiring your tires.  Cracks, bulges, or any other damage in the sidewalls Vibrations when driving Uneven tread wear (often consequences of under-or-over inflation, misaligned wheels, or suspension issues)  Less than 2/32 inch left on the tread or bare tires An effective way to measure tread is by using a quarter or penny. All you have to do is place the coin with the head upside down between the treads. I ... read more

Now that it's December, you can expect to see cold and harsh weather on the way to Clifton Park, NY. The last thing you need is to deal with this time of year is a dead battery or a flat tire. While it's hard to predict the future, it's best to prepare for those occasions. Next thing you know, your phone battery is dead, making it more challenging to call for assistance. This instance is why drivers need to keep an emergency kit stowed in their trunks for the unexpected. Below are several recommendations on the best items to include in your vehicle's emergency kit: First Aid Kit A first aid kit typically includes minor injury necessities (Band-Aids, gauze, gloves, tweezers, medication, etc.). These items can come in handy in many different types of situations. You'll also have supplies available if you or one of your passengers sustained a minor injury.  Escape Tool An escape tool usually has a metal piece that can break your car window and a cutter to cut ... read more

Your car is a costly investment, and you should do your best to take care of it. Proper care doesn't just mean regular services, but it also means being extra cautious when you drive. We all have our fair share of driving habits that we may be afraid to admit. While they may come naturally to you, what happens when there's a terrible outcome. Certain practices can not only hurt you, but they can seriously damage your vehicle. Here are three horrible driving habits that you need to break! Running Into Potholes Potholes can be sneaky in disguise, especially when they're covered in rainwater or snow. You might not realize it, but they are a major problem. They're constantly found everywhere, no matter where you live. When hitting a pothole straight-on, it can actually annihilate your suspension parts, steering system parts and cause your wheel alignment to shift. To prevent all these things from happening, you need to stay extra attentive to the road to spot them early o ... read more

Cleaning your car is one of many things a responsible car owner should do. This includes getting the interior, the body, and the glass surfaces (windows, windshield, etc.). Sometimes, you're going to need more than soap, water, and elbow grease to get rid of the streaks and smudges off your glass surfaces. But can you use a generic class cleaner (Windex)? To make this brief, yes, you can use Windex on the glass surfaces of your car. However, if you have tinting on your windows, you should refrain from using glass cleaner just in case it messes it up. Today, we will go over all the things you need and the steps to properly clean your car's windshield and windows. Here's what you need: Microfiber cloths (you'll need more than 1) Store-bought glass cleaner Rubbing alcohol Steps Wipe the windshield (and windows) down with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any dust and dirt. Use a separate, clean one to apply a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol to remove the tougher sp ... read more

Often, a tire blowout can be mistaken for and used synonymously for a flat tire; however, the two are entirely different. A flat tire is generally a slower pressure loss, whereas a blowout involves a loud and instant pressure loss. When a blowout occurs, you will hear an explosive, popping sound due to the pressure erupting from the tire. Another notable difference is that flat tires can sometimes be recoverable. In contrast, a tire blowout is NOT salvageable and undoubtedly requires new wheels.   From what we've described, a tire blowout may seem scary (because it is). You may wonder, "what should I do in case this happens to me?". Gil's Garage has you back. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to handle a tire blowout like a champ. Continue to drive straight. When your tire pops, your vehicle will tend to tremble and lean in one direction. You will need to tightly grip the steering wheel and attempt to steer the car in a straight path. Even though you may ... read more