All Tech Automotive: Ballston Spa NY. Local European Specialists

Although it is not the end result for soft tires, in a pinch, Fix-a-Flat can a great option to help plug a hole until you're able to get your car to a mechanic. This article about how to use Fix-a-Flat comes from ThoughtCo. How to Use Fix-a-Flat There is nothing exciting about getting a flat tire. In fact, it can be the immediate end to an otherwise enjoyable time. Is that aerosol can a true emergency flat tire repair tool or would it be better used to flag down a trucker via his windshield? Roadside tire sealants are a constant source for debate amongst car people. Classic car drivers often don't even have room for a proper spare tire in their vehicles, so one of these products is the only chance they have on the side of the road outside of calling for the flatbed hauler to scoop them up. Remember, if an auto repair product seems too good to be true, it probably is. Now forget you ever heard that for a minute. Fix-a-Flat is the real deal, and it's the original roadside fl ... read more

We've all been on the road when a flat tire happens and the only solution is to drive on a spare until you can find time in your schedule to get a new tire, but how long can that last? This article that All Tech Automotive wanted to share with you about driving on a spare tire comes from Nationwide.  Tips for Maintaining and Driving on a Spare Tire  While most drivers realize the importance of taking care of their tires, there's one tire that usually gets overlooked - the one in your trunk. But some people assume that because they haven't used a spare, that is can operate like new. Accidents resulting from faulty or poorly maintained spares happen more than most drivers think. Learn how to safely drive on a spare tire, and what precautions you can take to help keep your spare in working condition. How to safely drive on a spare tire When you resort to driving on your spare, it's important to know the limitations of your new tire. Remember the ans ... read more

Looking for the perfect Father's Day present for your car-loving dad? This great article comes from the Allstate Blog. Father’s Day Gift Ideas for a Car-Loving Dad Wondering what to buy your car-loving dad for Father’s Day? From a simple car wash to an unforgettable experience behind the wheel of a race car, here are some Father’s Day gift ideas geared toward a dad with a passion for cars. A Clean Car If your dad appreciates a clean car — or could use a hand in that department — consider creating a car wash kit. A bucket filled with car-wash essentials, like soap, glass cleaner and a sponge, may make a good gift for your car-loving dad, Martha Stewart suggests. As a bonus, include vouchers he can redeem for you to do the job. If dad’s car is a job for the pros, detailing may also make a good Father’s Day gift, Angie’s List says.  Car Accessories Could your dad’s car use some additional sprucing up? Spring for all-weat ... read more

Even though it might not feel like it quite yet, the calendar says it's officially Spring. What better way to prepare for that Spring weather (when it finally gets here) than to do some maintenance on your car? This article comes from Angie's List. Maintenance Tips For Spring Driving  First, make sure your exterior gets a good cleaning. Be especially careful that the undercarriage is washed clear of corrosive road salt. Then, give your car’s systems a thorough review, or take your vehicle to a reliable auto service shop, like All Tech Automotive for a spring checkup. Here are things a checkup should include, according to auto service pros who are highly rated by consumers: Tires Check the pressure on all four and the spare. Make sure tires have sufficient tread for safe travel: Insert a quarter into the tread of a tire that’s not warm from recent driving. Put the quarter upside down so the top of George Washington’s head is in the tread. If you can se ... read more

When it comes to taking care of your car, it's hard to know what is really important and what really isn't. This article that we wanted to share with you comes from the Allstate Blog.  5 Car Maintenance Myths Debunked Myth #1: Transmission fluid should be flushed. Mechanics sometimes recommend transmission service and fluid changes as frequently as every 50,000 miles, according to Cars.com, but is it necessary? Consumer Reports says usually not. Most modern vehicles use “long-life” transmission fluid that is designed to last for 100,000 miles or sometimes for the life of the vehicle. Since vehicles can vary, consider following the manufacturer’s recommendation as to how often to change your transmission fluid, says Cars.com. Myth #2: Using the air conditioner is better for fuel economy than opening the windows. It’s difficult to say for sure because fuel economy can vary depending on your vehicle. Some people think that opening your car’s ... read more

This helpful article that All Tech Automotive wanted to share with you comes from How Stuff Works Auto. 5 Warning Signs You Need New Tires Just as your feet are sore after a long walk, the tires on your car take a beating every time you drive. This isn't a sign of bad driving --well, not usually -- but rather an inevitable fact of life. Tires get old and worn down. And because a tire failure while you're driving can be catastrophic, causing your car to go out of control or leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere without any easy way to get home, you want to know when your tires are in bad shape so you can get new ones before something goes wrong. Of course, if you have a mechanic look at your car periodically, he or she will probably tell you if the tires need to be changed, but there are several things you can do yourself short of a visit to your local auto center to make sure your tires are in good shape. 1. Tread Depth The tread on your tires should never fall below ... read more

Some of the most basic things you can do on your car, a lot of people actually don't know how to do, like checking your tire pressure. This article about how to check your tire pressure comes from the DMV website. How To Check Your Tire Pressure Proper tire maintenance keeps you safe and your car running its best. One of the most important - and most often overlooked - regular maintenance you should be doing is checking the pressure of your tires regularly.  Car tires don't have to be punctured to leak air. And unlike your gasoline gauge, most cars don't alert you to check your tire pressure. This guide will walk you through how to properly check the pressure of your tires, and why you should keep it at the top of your routine.  Why Is Tire Pressure Important? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, under-inflated tires have a higher risk of damage and failure. Not only will they wear out faster if under-inflated, but faster deteriorat ... read more

Tires can be a little wacky during the winter and the cold months. Should you under-inflate your tires during the winter? Is that the safest thing to do? This article has your answers. Should You Under-inflate Your Tires in Winter? Under-inflating your tires can give you more traction on snowy roads; but is this a solid strategy, or a tip you can skip? Snow tires, all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, bags of kitty litter in the trunk - people will do just about anything to gain an edge when driving in snowy, icy, winter weather. For the most part, these strategies are good ideas. After all, winter-slick roads raise the risk of having an accident, and the best way to survive a car accident is to prevent one from happening in the first place. One winter driving trick that some people swear by is under-inflating their tires. Why do people under-inflate their tires? To understand why some people think under-inflating tired in winter is a good idea, you need to know what's happening w ... read more

Have you ever started your car after a cold night and noticed that your tire pressure light was on? Have you ever wondered why your tire pressure light comes on when it is cold outside? This article from How Stuff Works Auto explains just that. Why Does My Tire Pressure Light Come on When It's Cold? If your car is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, you've probably faced the dreaded "low tire pressure" warning light (usually a picture of a horseshoe with an exclamation point in the middle.) Often, drivers see a sudden uptick in notifications when the weather turns chilly. This annoying and often ill-timed occurrence may have you wondering, what gives? And do I need to go fill up my tires? Cold shrinks, warm expands. "For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tire pressure decreases 1-2 PSI," emails Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. PSI stands for pounds per inch and is a common unit for measuring pressure ... read more

Winter is coming! All Tech Automotive found this article from the DMV with recommendations on how to prepare your car for the cold and snow that lies ahead.  Winter months can prevent many challenges for your vehicle. While modern vehicles are designed to handle inclement weather conditions, there are some basic steps every driver should take as the days get shorter and the temperature drops. How to Winterize Your Car Replace or refill all fluids The best way to winterize your car is to start by checking your fluid levels. Coolant - It is especially important to have the correct antifreeze/water mixture to prevent fluid from freezing in your radiator. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for information on this mixture. Pick up a tester at an auto parts store and make sure the fluid is filled to the maximum line. Oil - Some mechanics recommend switching to a thinner oil if you live where temperatures drop below freezing. Your best be ... read more