Scranton Auto Service

  Spring is pothole season! These sneaky road craters form due to freezing and thawing cycles that weaken the pavement, creating hazardous dips and cracks. Hitting a pothole at high speed can lead to tire blowouts, bent rims, misalignment, and suspension damage. If you’ve ever felt that sudden jolt after hitting one, you know how frustrating it can be. Here’s how to avoid costly repairs and keep your car safe this season. Why Are Potholes So Common in Spring? During the winter, water seeps into small cracks in the road. When temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, forcing the cracks to widen. As the weather warms up, the ice melts, leaving gaps under the pavement. Over time, passing vehicles cause these weak spots to collapse, creating potholes. Since spring brings rapid temperature shifts and frequent rain, potholes become an unavoidable nuisance. Factors That Worsen Pothole Formation: Heavy Traffic: The more cars that pass over weakened pavement, the worse the damage b...

 After months of snow, ice, and road salt, your car might feel grimy, sluggish, or just plain worn out. But don’t worry—spring is the perfect time to refresh your ride and restore that new car feel ! Follow these detailed steps to rejuvenate your vehicle, both inside and out. 🧼 Step 1: Give Your Car a Deep Clean Winter leaves behind a mess—salt, mud, and debris can make your car look (and smell) less than fresh. A thorough cleaning will make a world of difference. Exterior Cleaning ✔ Start with a High-Pressure Wash – Remove road salt and grime, especially from the undercarriage where salt buildup can cause rust.  ✔ Use a Two-Bucket Wash Method – One bucket for soapy water, one for rinsing. This prevents dirt from scratching the paint.  ✔ Don’t Forget the Wheels – Brake dust and road debris collect here. Use a wheel cleaner and brush to scrub away buildup.  ✔ Wax for Protection – A good coat of wax will add shine and help protect your paint from UV rays and polle...

Scranton winters are no joke— icy roads, freezing temperatures, and unexpected snowstorms can take a toll on your vehicle. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road in sub-zero weather! At Scranton Auto Service , we want to make sure your car is winter-ready, keeping you safe and your vehicle running smoothly all season long. Follow this step-by-step winter car prep checklist to prepare your vehicle for the cold months ahead . ❄️ 🔋 1. Test Your Battery Before It’s Too Late Cold weather reduces your battery’s efficiency, making it harder for your engine to start. A weak battery in the summer might completely fail in the winter , leaving you stranded in freezing temperatures. ✅ What to do: ✔ Have your battery tested —If it's over three years old , it might be time for a replacement. ✔ Look for corrosion on the terminals and clean them with a baking soda & water solution. ✔ Keep jumper cables in your car in case of emergencies. 💡 Pro Tip: If your ca...

  Winter roads can be unpredictable , turning a routine drive into a slippery challenge . Snow, ice, and low visibility all increase the risks of accidents . To help you navigate safely, here are essential winter driving tips to keep you in control when the roads get treacherous . 🛑 1. How to Brake Safely on Ice Braking on icy roads requires a delicate touch . Sudden braking can lead to skidding , so knowing the right technique is crucial. ✅ Use gentle pressure on the brake pedal to avoid locking your wheels. ✅ If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply steady pressure— don’t pump the brakes! ✅ If you start sliding, ease off the accelerator and gently steer in the direction you want to go . 💡 Pro Tip: Leave extra following distance —at least six to ten seconds behind the vehicle in front of you to allow for longer stopping distances . ⚙️ 2. When to Use Low Gear in Snow Low gear can help you maintain control and prevent wheel spin in slippery conditions. ✅ Use low gear...

If your vehicle is due for its 2025 Pennsylvania state inspection , it’s important to understand what the process entails. At Scranton Auto Service , we follow the official PA safety and emissions inspection checklist to ensure your vehicle meets all state requirements. Below is a detailed breakdown of what we inspect and what to expect when bringing your car in for its annual checkup. 🛑 Exterior Inspection: Ensuring Visibility & Safety A properly functioning exterior is crucial for safe driving. Here’s what we check: 🔹 Lighting System – We inspect all exterior lights, including: Headlights (both high and low beams) Brake lights Taillights Turn signals Hazard lights License plate lights 🔹 Windshield & Windows – No cracks, chips, or loose seals that could impair visibility. Windows must be free of obstructions, including illegal window tints. 🔹 Mirrors – All side and rearview mirrors must be intact and provide clear visibility. 🔹 Rear Reflectors & Wheel Shields –...