Frequently
Asked
Questions

We recommend replacing engine oil every 3,000 miles for semi-synthetic oil and every 5,000 miles for synthetic oil.  Some manufacturers do recommend longer oil change intervals, but at our full-service facilities we have seen the long-term effects on the internal components of engines due to prolonged oil changes, which is why we recommend these intervals.

If you hear a high-pitched squeal, feel a grinding sensation, notice your vehicle pulling to one side, or see the brake warning light on your dashboard, it's time to pay attention to your brakes. Soft or spongy brakes and increased stopping distances are also red flags indicating that your brakes may need to be replaced. Keeping an eye out for these signs can help ensure your safety on the road.

If you suspect your car battery is failing, there are a few telltale signs to watch for. A slow engine crank, dimming headlights, and an illuminated battery warning light on your dashboard are common indicators. You might also notice that electrical components, like power windows and radio, are not functioning as efficiently. In some cases, a swollen battery case or a rotten egg smell can also signal a failing battery. Being aware of these signs can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Components that are properly maintained tend to last longer and perform better.  Regular maintenance allows for earlier detection and correction of potential issues of your vehicle before the escalate into costly repairs. During your visit we will perform a comprehensive digital inspection of all components ensuring they are in good condition and if any maintenance is required.

Replacing your car's cabin filter is important for maintaining clean air inside your vehicle. It's generally recommended to replace the cabin filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on your driving conditions. If you often drive in heavy traffic, urban areas, or dusty environments, you might need to replace it more frequently. Signs that your cabin filter needs replacing include reduced airflow from the air conditioning and heating system, an unpleasant odor coming from the vents, and increased dust or pollen inside the vehicle. Regular replacement helps ensure you and your passengers enjoy a cleaner, healthier cabin environment.

Fluid exchanges are necessary to keep your vehicle running smoothly and to prevent costly repairs. Essential fluids like engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid play crucial roles in your vehicle's performance and longevity. Over time, these fluids can degrade or become contaminated, reducing their effectiveness. Regularly scheduled fluid exchanges help maintain optimal performance, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the life of your vehicle's components. Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for recommended service intervals to ensure your car stays in top condition.

Regular vehicle inspections ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive by identifying potential issues before they become major problems, reducing the risk of breakdowns and accidents. Inspections can also improve your car's performance and fuel efficiency, saving you money on gas and repairs in the long run. Additionally, keeping your vehicle in good condition helps maintain its resale value. Regular inspections can also ensure that your car complies with local safety and emissions regulations, helping you avoid fines or penalties. Overall, regular car inspections contribute to a smoother, safer, and more cost-effective driving experience. With every visit, we perform a thorough 21-point inspection to provide you with the essential information you need to ensure your vehicle's health and safety.

There are several signs that your car might need an alignment. If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side while driving on a straight road, it's a strong indicator. Uneven or rapid tire wear can also signal alignment issues. Additionally, if your steering wheel is off-center when you're driving straight or if you experience vibrations in the steering wheel, these are symptoms of misalignment. Hearing squealing tires can be another sign. Addressing alignment issues promptly can improve your vehicle's handling, extend the life of your tires, and ensure a smoother and safer ride.

We perform repairs on most OBDII (1996 and newer) makes and models.  While we can certainly repair older vehicles, we specialize in newer vehicles so that we can provide our highest quality level of customer service during your visit.

We offer a 2 year/24,000-mile warranty on all repairs performed in our facilities.  This warranty is covered at any of our five convenient locations.

Yes, we will gladly perform a prepurchase inspection on any vehicle.  We take pride in knowing our customer’s can fell both confidence and at ease during their vehicle purchase.  

Yes, we work on all makes and models of electric vehicles including Tesla’s.  All Paul Campanella’s Auto Centers locations are certified Tesla repair facilities and can service everything from regular maintenance, tires, alignments and mechanical repairs.

We are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but we are always available to help.  Our after-hours phone line has 24/7 tow service and emergency services available.

We primarily use OEM parts for repairs, but we also have access to high-quality aftermarket parts for all makes and models of vehicles.  Flexibility in acquiring parts also allows us to meet diverse needs for your vehicle and maintain our commitment to quality and convenient repairs.

Yes, we do! We offer financing through Synchrony Bank that allows our customers to finance repairs interest free for either six or twelve months. Please call one of our convenient locations for more information and qualification criteria.

We generally do not install customer-supplied parts.  This allows use to prioritize the quality and compatibility of the repairs performed and allows us to cover the repair with our 2 year/24,000-mile warranty. However, we are willing to install customer-supplied performance parts to meet certain vehicle enhancement preferences.  Please call one of our facilities for more details.

Yes, all our locations have a nightly drop box with envelopes for you to securely deposit your keys into our facility if needed outside of our regular business hours.

Yes! Our two stores located in Kennett Square and Swarthmore Pennsylvania are licensed Pennsylvania State Inspection stations.  We perform a digital vehicle inspection during this process that is shared with you to ensure your vehicle is meeting or exceeding all local and state requirements. Need to have your vehicle registered in Pennsylvania but our Delaware stores are more convenient? Call us today so we can facilitate your needs!

Common signs of transmission issues can be a check engine light illuminated, unexpected shifts while driving, slipping during shifts, fluid leaks, strange noises, shaking or vibrations or a delayed engagement when selecting a gear. Whatever your concern with your transmission, we can repair or service your vehicle and its exact needs.

We can do both. We repair your engine no matter the circumstance, from cylinder heads to camshafts and everything in between.  When needed we can even do complete engine replacements.  We can also replace your powertrain components and back that replacement with the best warranty in the local area.

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Absolutely! Whether your vehicle has a manual, automatic or CVT transmission, we can perform all regular maintenance and repairs at any of our five locations.

It's best practice to have your vehicle’s brakes inspected any time you notice irregularities in the system.  Those irregularities may include squeaking, squealing, grinding, loss of braking ability, pulsation when applied, vehicle pulling when applied or a burning smell.  

§  We recommend replacing the brake fluid in your vehicle every two years or 30,000 miles.  Servicing the brake fluid system helps promote the lift of mechanical brake components, helps maintain a smooth pedal feel and enhances the safety of your vehicle by being able to respond effectively in emergency situations.

For every component underneath your vehicle, we have you covered! From shocks, struts and control arms to sway bars, trailing arms and lateral links, we have technicians that specialize in all aspects of suspension replacement for all makes and models.  We also specialize in lifting and lowering vehicles and modifications to stock suspensions.

We recommend at least checking the alignment of your vehicle annually. Potholes, curbs, speed bumps, and other road hazards can easily affect the alignment of your vehicle and prematurely wear tires and other suspension components. Regular alignment checks can also improve your vehicle's handling and fuel efficiency, ensuring a smoother and more economical drive. Additionally, maintaining proper alignment can enhance your safety by ensuring optimal tire contact with the road, reducing the risk of accidents.

Yes, we can certainly repair wheels and rims.  In most cases we are able to repair the wheels at our facilities and if the damage is too severe, we partner with local companies who can have your wheels repaired conveniently during your visit.

We install new tires from most major manufacturers. From Michelin, Goodyear and Continental, to Hankook, Pirelli and Yokohama, if we do not have the specific tire in stock you are looking for, we can easily source any tire you desire.

All of our locations can mount and balance most tires up to 24” in diameter. If you have a larger wheel or a specialty application, give us a call, we can typically accommodate most requests.  

Most All-Wheel and Four-Wheel drive vehicle applications require all four tires to be within a certain tread depth.  This ensures an equal tire diameter on all four wheels and allows the systems to engage and distribute power equally.  AWD/4WD systems are very sensitive to variations in tire circumference, having variations in tires can cause unnecessary stress on drivetrain components leading to other problems.

Yes, at all our locations we can perform a courtesy code scan.  After the initial scan we can let you know what the affected area of the vehicle is and what steps would need to be taken to remedy the light.

Yes, we can repair any electrical wiring, check engine lights, nesting or any other damage caused by rodents in a vehicle.

Absolutely! Our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art electrical and diagnostic equipment, that paired with out experienced technicians allows us to repair even the most difficult electrical problems in vehicles.

Yes, we offer comprehensive battery testing and replacement services at all five of our locations.  We can test all vehicle batteries, including hybrid batteries and replace them with a high-quality battery if needed.  All battery replacement also comes with a nationwide warranty from any of our locations.