Ballston Spa Auto Repair

Based on the NY DMV Guidelines, here are the New York State Vehicle Safety/Emissions Inspection standards for a vehicle to pass. For Cars and Light Trucks The New York State vehicle safety inspection program helps make sure every vehicle registered in this state meets the minimum standards for safe operation on public streets and highways. In addition, most vehicles are subject to an emissions inspection to help reduce air pollution. A properly maintained vehicle is safer, performs better, uses fuel more efficiently and saves the owner money. You can help by doing your own equipment safety checks between annual inspections, and by following a program of regular vehicle maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer. This publication highlights the safety and emissions inspection requirements for cars and light trucks. Other motor vehicles, including motorcycles and trailers, must meet different requirements for annual inspection. NEW YORK STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS: Mot ... read more

While you're traveling with your family this summer, impress them with some of these historical facts about the automobile! Volkswagen Beetle Adolf Hitler ordered Ferdinand Porsche to manufacture a Volkswagen, which literally means 'People's Car' in German. This car went on to become the Volkswagen Beetle. What's also interesting to know is that a surviving sketch from the 1930s - that was allegedly penciled by Hitler himself - looks similar to the production version of the first Beetle. The drawing was said to have been given to Daimler-Benz before being given to Porsche in Nuremberg. The "People's Car" for India In 1971, the cabinet of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi proposed the production of a 'People's Car' for India - the contract of which was given to Sanjay Gandhi. Before contacting Suzuki, Sanjay Gandhi held talks with Volkswagen AG for a possible joint venture, encompassing transfer of technology and joint production of the India ... read more

Are you looking for ways to help the planet? Check out these tips.  We as commuters understand what responsible driving means as it relates to safety: Don’t speed, do obey traffic laws, stay alert and cautious in poor conditions… we know this. BUT do you consider yourself a responsible driver in terms of earth-friendliness? We realize that the act of driving inherently poses environmental risks – in today’s fast-paced world we have to travel, so let’s discuss the ways to get around while keeping the health of our planet in mind. Biodiversity, alternative energy, microplastics and recyclables – all are carefully considered and included in Nokian’s longstanding sustainability efforts. Studies have shown that proper equipment and conscientious driving can significantly reduce each vehicle’s carbon footprint. As drivers, we must make informed decisions to affect positive change. So, what can ... read more

Summer is here, which means your vehicle is going to be HOT. Check out these misconceptions about pets in the car.  Misconception #1: "I leave the windows cracked" The Reality: Multiple studies have shown that leaving the windows cracked has only a minimal, and overall insignificant protective benefit. One study showed that the average temperature rise of 3.4°F per 5 minutes in an enclosed car was only decreased to 3.1°F per 5 minutes by ‘cracking’ the windows. This equated to a difference of only 3.6°F over the 60-minute study period (40.8°F total heat rise with windows fully closed, compared to 37.2°F rise with windows ‘cracked’). Another study showed only a 2°F difference at the end of the 90-minute study period between a fully enclosed vehicle and one with the windows ‘cracked’. As you can see, while cracking the windows does have some effect on slowing down the temperature rise inside a ... read more

Summer is here, and that means travel and vacation season is upon us! But long drives, especially in extreme heat, can be rough on your vehicle. Before you hit the road for your favorite summer destinations, redeem the special below and allow us to make sure your vehicle is summer ready

If you haven’t already taken advantage of your vacation time this summer, we recommend doing it soon! Summer is down to its last month, and with that being said, it’s time to travel. Take a look at these road trip tips by Travel Channel, plan accordingly, drive safely, and have fun.     Car Safety - Prepping for Your Trip Cellular Security To stay in touch with work and home, as well as handle unexpected events on the road, a cell phone is essential. Before leaving on your trip, ask your service provider about roaming fees and countrywide coverage. Overall Checkup Whether you do it yourself or go to a garage, pre-trip auto maintenance is key to comfortable cruising. Check the wiper blades, all fluid levels (oil, water, etc.), belt and hose connections, tire pressure, turn signals, horn and headlights. If your car is still not instilling confidence, consider an all-out professional inspection. Trunk 101 Exactly how prepared you want to be as far as your in ... read more

It's time for your next oil change... With all the road trips you've taken over this summer and routine driving to and from work, your car is ready for its oil change. Right now, All Tech Automotive is giving $15 off your next oil change. Call us today to set up your appointment.   

The 2017 Great Hit Rebate - Hankook Tires Starting August 1st, get $100 off when you purchase a set of four select Hankook tires! Offer expires September 30th, 2017.  Contact us today for more information or give us a call 51

Hot weather means that there are more "special" steps that you need to take to keep your car running properly.  If you thought that winter was the only season to give you special conditions for your car, guess again!  So we found this great article for you to help you determine what steps and precautions you should take to keep your car on the road this summer!   Summer can be tough on cars, especially during high temperatures when heat can destroy batteries and stress the cooling system and tires. As a precaution, these vehicle components should be checked periodically during summer to help avoid breakdowns and car problems, according to the Car Care Council. Excessive heat and overcharging shorten the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destro ... read more

We all know that summer means plenty of family road trips but what about those road trips that you take as an adult with a few friends?  Maybe you all load into the car and head out to find a new place to go hiking or that amusement park you have been dying to check out.  But that long drive...what to do while in the car?  Well, we have a great article that we had to share that is filled with 14 super fun games to play while you are on your way to your destination. Before tablets and podcasts, we used games to keep us entertained. For your next road trip, try some of these games to keep you going along the way. 1. If you have some sleepy passengers in the car, you should definitely play "While You Were Sleeping." The Game: Create the most believable story when someone falls asleep The Rules:  • First, a passenger must fall asleep • After five minutes of slumber, the awake passengers begin creating a story • Each person takes tur ... read more