Calcium Auto Repair

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

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash How to Prepare Your Vehicle for the New School Year As summer draws to a close and the new school year approaches, ensuring your vehicle is in top-notch condition is essential. Proper maintenance enhances your safety and helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. In this month's blog post, the expert auto mechanics at Service Plus Automotive will discuss essential steps to prepare your vehicle for the new school year, including oil changes, brake inspections, air filter replacements, and wiper checks. We will also highlight the signs and symptoms that indicate these components need attention. Oil Changes   Consistent oil changes are vital, as they keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. Even the perfect driver needs an oil change, as over time, engine oil becomes susceptible to dirt, sludge, and metal particles ... read more

Photo by Mike Enerio on Unsplash Celebrate The Fourth of July in Calcium The Fourth of July is a time for celebration, and Calcium, New York, offers a range of exciting events and activities to make your holiday memorable. You can explore the area's rich history by visiting museums and landmarks and engaging in outdoor adventures. Here are some ideas to help you plan your Independence Day festivities in Calcium and the nearby Black River. Fireworks Display As the sun sets on Independence Day, prepare to be dazzled by a spectacular fireworks show. Gather your friends and family at Watertown's Thompson Park or the Jefferson County Fairgrounds to witness the mesmerizing bursts of color and light. Visit Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site Immerse yourself in history by visiting the ... read more

​​ Photo by Nina Mercado on Unsplash How To Give Your Car The Preventative Maintenance It Needs  Owning a car is an excellent investment, but it requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Preventative maintenance is an essential part of car ownership, as it helps you avoid costly repairs and improve the lifespan of your car. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of preventative maintenance and discuss how to identify what maintenance your car needs, as well as strategies for keeping your car in good condition.  Identifying What Maintenance Your Car Needs  The first step in giving your car the preventative maintenance it needs is to identify necessary maintenance. Every car is different, so it’s crucial to refer to your car’s owner’s manual to determine what maintenance is required and when it should be don ... read more

Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash Keeping Christmas Alive All Year ‘Round The holiday season is a time for gift-giving and celebrating with family, but it also feels like an opportunity to refocus our lives on what matters. Sometimes that can be hard when we get caught up in all the busyness of December and January. Luckily, we have ideas on how you can make the Christmas spirit last all year long!  Remain Generous One of the most significant pieces of the holiday season is giving. We spend hours upon hours looking for the perfect gift for someone and wrap things up in beautiful little boxes even after. Giving is a way to express gratitude, show love, spread good cheer, and make the world a better place. Giving is also something that can be done year-round. Remain generous! Have A Gratitude Practice A great way to ensure that Christmas doesn't disappear is b ... read more

Photo by CDC on Unsplash School’s starting soon, and you’re probably already knee-deep in school supply lists. But have you thought about your back-to-school supply list? Yes, it includes sandwich bags and new lunch boxes and possibly an extra strong brew of coffee to get through those first few drop-offs–but what about your car’s list? Below, we discuss a few things you should consider gifting your vehicle to prep for the back-to-school season.  New Windshield Wipers Rain is coming soon, and winter snow after that… may be the best time to get some new windshield wipers! When choosing new windshield wipers, replace them with ones that fit your vehicle. If you do not know what type of wiper blades will fit on your car or truck, many auto parts stores will be able to assist you in selecting the correct blades for your vehicle.   While checking the co ... read more

This July, we are excited to celebrate 30 years in business. From 1992 - to 2022, our family-owned auto repair business has proudly served our community, and we are honored to continue top-notched service for many more years! When Don and Sharon Peck & a partner, started our business in July 1992, they leased a two-bay old gas station and added a 3rd bay. They quickly realized that the building and lot were not big enough for their business and started the planning process for the existing location today. Ground broke for our current facility in the spring of 2001, and we opened for business on July 1, 2001. It was then when Don’s daughter, Jennifer, joined the company after graduating from college with a BS in Business Management and working as an HR Manager at a large New Car Dealer about 50 miles away.   At that time, Service Plus Auto offered used car sales and auto repair. After the recession and cash for clunkers in 2006-2007, the used car business became ch ... read more

Photo by Philipp Katzenberger on Unsplash Staying Cool (check that AC) Summer is finally here, and most of us are gearing up for fun summer activities. When we think of summer activities, we think of road trips, beach trips, and fun vacations. However, one thing we tend to forget about is the status of our cars' air conditioning.   We all love the safety of going in our cars during the summer to cool off from the heat. Luckily, our AC systems are pretty easy to maintain and receive service. We have compiled a list of signs that your car's AC system should be serviced to help you have the best summer! The Signs Your Car AC Needs Service Unusual Noises  If your car's AC is making any unusual noise that it wasn't making before, that is a warning sign that it needs service. The most common AC noises are humming, banging, or rattling. These noises ... read more

Photo by Tim Missholder on Unsplash How Fluid Exchanges can save your car’s life! When we think of protecting our assets, one asset that often slips our mind is our cars. Our cars are meant to last years and years as long as we properly maintain them with preventative measures.   The best way to keep your car running in good shape is to have your car's fluids in check at all times. If you are the type of person that needs some tips on the best ways to do some preventative measures to extend the life of your car, we are here to help!  Which Fluids Are Important? Engine Oil: The first oil we think is important for you to know about is your engine oil. In general, this oil should be replaced every 3,000 miles. There are some exceptions such as synthetics and blends that extend the mile range for this rule. Know which you are getting so you don't end up spend ... read more

Photo by Matthew Dockery on Unsplash National Vehicle Maintenance Month and Your Car Spring is here, and with the warmer weather comes new opportunities to explore more in your vehicle. It can sometimes be easy to forget that it needs preparation for the warm months ahead when it comes to your car. April is known as National Vehicle Maintenance Month, and we want to help you figure out what that means for you and your vehicle.    Your car is a valuable asset that should be maintained to the best of your abilities. If your car is well maintained, it will reward you with less expensive maintenance visits and longer life. We want to recommend the best ways to maintain your car this National Vehicle Maintenance Month! Our Best Tips ... read more