Service Plus Automotive posts educating, engaging, and entertaining blog posts about auto repair, preventative maintenance, and our involvement and other activities within the Calcium, NY, Fort Drum, and Watertown community. We post monthly updates, so we encourage you to check back in. Happy reading!

Yearly Archives: 2024

Your Ultimate Guide To Transmissions

Your Ultimate Guide To Transmissions

Transmissions, the heart of your vehicle, are complex yet crucial components. At Service Plus Automotive in Calcium, NY, we recognize the importance of understanding these vital systems. Our ultimate guide is designed to empower you, whether you're a resident or part of the military community we proudly serve. It will equip you with the knowledge to recognize common issues and provide essential maintenance tips, enabling you to keep your vehicle in top condition. Transmission Basics A transmission is a gearbox that converts the engine’s power into motion. It adjusts the gear ratio to match your speed and driving conditions, ensuring efficient power distribution. This seamless conversion allows your car to accelerate, decelerate, and maintain optimal performance under various conditions. Understanding this process can empower you to make informed decisions about your vehicle's maintenance and performance. Understanding the Gearbox The gearbox is a marvel of engineering ... read more

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Congratulations, Graduates! Your Ultimate Maintenance Guide

 Congratulations, Graduates! Your Ultimate Maintenance Guide

Dear high school seniors-turned-college-bound adventurers,   As you bid farewell to your alma mater and embark on the thrilling journey beyond graduation, don't forget about your trusty four-wheeled companion. Your car has faithfully accompanied you through countless late-night study sessions, impromptu road trips, and everyday commutes. As you step into this new chapter of your life, it's crucial to ensure your vehicle remains reliable and road-ready. Here's your ultimate maintenance guide for summer road trips and college life. Pre-Trip Preparations Before setting off on those summer escapades, take some time to give your vehicle the attention it deserves. Start by checking tire pressure and tread depth to ensure optimal performance and safety on the road.    It's also essential to inspect all fluids, including oil, coolant, brake, and transmission fluid, and top them up as needed. Test your lights, including headlights, brake lights, and turn sign ... read more

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May Flowers: Ideas for Nurturing Your Car's Springtime Bloom

May Flowers: Ideas for Nurturing Your Car's Springtime Bloom

As the world awakens from winter slumber, nature bursts forth with vibrant colors and fresh fragrances. Just as you tend to your garden to ensure it flourishes, it's equally important to nurture your car's well-being as spring unfolds. Here are some tips to help your trusty vehicle bloom alongside the May flowers. 1. Spring Cleaning Bid farewell to winter grime by giving your car a thorough spring cleaning. Start with a gentle wash to remove salt, dirt, and debris accumulated during winter travels. Pay attention to nooks and crannies where dirt may have accumulated, including wheel wells and undercarriage. Don't forget the interior—vacuum carpets, wipe down surfaces, and clean windows for a fresh start. 2. Check Your Fluids Spring is the perfect time to check and top up your car's vital fluids. Ensure that oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid are at the proper levels. Consider scheduling a coolant flush if it's been several years since th ... read more

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What Does It Mean If My Brakes Are Squeaking? Signs To Look Out For

What Does It Mean If My Brakes Are Squeaking? Signs To Look Out For

Photo by Nina Mercado on Unsplash What Does It Mean If My Brakes Are Squeaking? Signs To Look Out For One common concern that many car owners face is the dreaded squeaky brakes. If you've ever experienced this unsettling sound, you're not alone. But what exactly does it mean when your brakes start squeaking?    In this blog, we'll delve into the possible reasons behind squeaky brakes and discuss the signs you should be on the lookout for. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of when to bring your vehicle in for professional inspection and repair. Let’s go! Understanding Brake Systems Before we dive into the reasons behind squeaky brakes, let's briefly touch on how brake systems work.    Your car's braking system is compr ... read more

Do I Need To Pull Over If I See A Dashboard Light? We Answer Your FAQs

Do I Need To Pull Over If I See A Dashboard Light? We Answer Your FAQs

Photo by Jonathan Petersson On Unsplash Do I Need To Pull Over If I See A Dashboard Light? We Answer Your FAQs Navigating the road is more than just steering and accelerating; it's about understanding your vehicle's language through dashboard lights. Have you ever wondered if you should pull over when that mysterious light flickers? Our comprehensive FAQ guide delves into the dashboard's cryptic signals, decoding the urgency behind each light.  Let's get to the details. Understanding Dashboard Lights Modern vehicles come equipped with many dashboard lights, each serving a specific purpose. Let's explore some of the commonly encountered dashboard lights and what they might indicate: Check Engine Light For every car owner, the warning glow of the check engi ... read more

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5 Things To Add To Your Maintenance Calendar in February

5 Things To Add To Your Maintenance Calendar in February

Photo by Eric Rothermel On Unsplash 5 Things To Add To Your Maintenance Calendar in February Taking your vehicle on the road is more than just driving; it's a commitment to ensure that every turn of the key is rewarded with reliability and optimum performance. That's why it's important to do some maintenance to prevent your car from breaking down in the strangest places or at the strangest times.   Whether you're a casual car driver or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding the details of car maintenance is key to creating a world where reliability, safety, and efficiency come together for your driving experience. Here are 5 tips for your maintenance checklist!  1. Tire Check and Rotation February marks the change from winter to spring, bringing fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable road conditions.    Start the month b ... read more

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