Rochester Auto Repair

Why Getting a Vehicle Alignment Matters   Your vehicle’s alignment plays a major role in how smoothly and safely it drives. If your steering feels off, your tires are wearing unevenly, or your car pulls to one side, it could be time for an alignment check.   At South Street Auto Care, we use precision equipment to inspect and correct your vehicle’s alignment—helping extend tire life, improve fuel efficiency, and keep you in control behind the wheel.   ✅ Smoother handling ✅ Better gas mileage ✅ Longer-lasting tires ✅ Safer driving overall   Need an alignment or just not sure? Come see us at our Rochester shop or Call Today!

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, finding a trustworthy auto repair shop is essential—especially if you’re searching for car care in Rochester, MI. Whether it’s routine maintenance or unexpected repairs, having a local team you can rely on makes all the difference.   Why Local Car Care Matters   Choosing a local auto repair shop in Rochester means faster service, personal attention, and the peace of mind that comes from working with a team that truly cares. At South Street Auto Care, we’ve proudly served the Rochester community for years, offering professional service, clear communication, and honest pricing.   Services You Can Count On   When you’re looking for auto repair in Rochester, Michigan, here are just a few services you should expect:     •    Oil Changes & Fluid Checks Regular oil changes keep your engine running smoothly. We u ... read more

  Living in Rochester, Michigan, offers a blend of beautiful landscapes and diverse weather conditions. However, the seasonal changes bring specific challenges for car owners. At South Street Auto Care, we're well-versed in these local quirks and are dedicated to helping you navigate them. Here's our guide to the top 5 common car problems in Rochester, Michigan, and our expert advice on how to prevent them. 1. Battery Problems in Cold Weather The chilly winters in Rochester, Michigan, can take a toll on your car's battery. The cold can significantly reduce a battery's efficiency. To avoid the inconvenience of a dead battery, consider these tips: Regular Battery Checks: Have your battery's health assessed regularly, especially as winter approaches. Keep Connections Clean: Ensure that the battery terminals are free from corrosion. Proper Insulation: Think about insulating your battery to help it retain warmth during the colder months ... read more

South Street Auto Care presents: SAFETY TIPS FOR HALLOWEEN OCTOBER 2023 Raise your hand if you’re like me and shake your head when you see Christmas displays out in October? SLOW DOWN people! We are just now getting adjusted to the "back to school routine". However, we Michiganders have a very special thing about us…spirit! Whether it’s our furious Detroit Lions, the Thanksgiving Day Parade or the best holiday ever HALLOWEEN, we show our spirit. A holiday where make-believe comes to life and families can celebrate. It is a nice distraction from the disappearing sunny, warm days. We might be a little biased, but there is no better state to celebrate Halloween than Michigan. By October 31st, most of the leaves have fallen and temperatures are perfect to unpack our leather boots, puffer vests and hoodies. Here at South Street Auto Care, we believe in community. With that said, we have compiled a list of suggestions to keep you, your family ... read more

10W-30, 5W-30, 0W-20, and the list goes on! What’s with all the numbers and what do they mean? What makes one oil different from another?   It’s all about viscosity. Simply put, viscosity is how well a liquid sticks to and coats an object. For example, water has a low viscosity - it doesn’t easily keep a coat on a surface. Now consider honey. Honey has a high viscosity. It will create a thick coat on your spoon or measuring cup and it doesn’t easily, quickly, or cleanly pour off a surface.   The first number listed for an oil grade is the viscosity rating at cold temperatures. The higher the number, the thicker it is at winter temperature. The first number is grouped with the “W” to indicate winter.    The second number indicates the oil viscosity at the vehicle’s normal operating temperature, which can be around 200℉. Due to the additives in modern oil, it actually becomes more viscous at higher temperatures and is ab ... read more

  Catalytic Converters are a government mandated section of a vehicle's exhaust system. They convert harmful gasses produced from your vehicle into less harmful gas. Along with ither chemicals, carbon monoxide is converted into carbon dioxide. Due to the government regulations, it is illegal for an automotive repair facility to bypass the catalytic converter or install a “straight pipe.”   Jake, operations manager at South Street Auto Care states, “Cat thieves suck. They often damage other components when cutting out the catalytic converter and the repair is usually well over $1000.” As of 2009,  ... read more

When pulling up to the pump there are several fuel options for your vehicle. What’s the difference? Which is right for you?   Unleaded Gasoline Most vehicles on the road run on unleaded gasoline. Most gas stations offer three options for unleaded gas: Regular, Midgrade, and Premium. The difference between these is the octane level. Octane works with your engine in a variety of ways to make your car go. Generally speaking, the higher the octane level, the better engine efficiency and performance   Regular Gasoline Regular gasoline tends to have the lowest octane levels. The minimum octane levels by law in the US varies from state to state. Most states require that regular unleaded gas have a minimum octane rating of 87, but in some states it’s as low as 85.    Midgrade Gasoline Midgrade, as the name suggests, has octane levels somewhere between regular and premium gas. It’s often just a blend of regular and premium. Not only do octane level ... read more

Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. There are many moving parts inside an engine. Oil is a lubricant that protects the engine’s internal moving parts. It reduces friction and to prevent these parts from wearing down on eachother.    Over time, the oil breaks down, accumulates contaminants, and the friction-reducing properties diminish. When this happens, severe damage can be done to your engine.    Removing the old oil and replacing it with new oil is essential in preventing damage and prolonging the life of your engine. Depending on your car’s needs, it is usually recommended to change oil that is a synthetic blend every 3 months or 3,000 miles (whichever comes first) and every 6 months or 5,000 miles for full synthetic oil. Speak to your oil change specialist about the best option for your car, but always reference your vehicle owner’s manual for your vehicle’s specific needs

Too much gas damages your car! Overfilling at the pump comes with some consequences. Your vehicle’s system utilizes gasoline vapors. Overfilling your tank can cause liquid gasoline to enter places only the gasoline vapors should go. The liquid can get sucked into the intake valve and end up in the vehicle’s charcoal canister or carbon filter (depending on the vehicle type). If this happens, the vehicle will start to run poorly and gas could start leaking into, and damage other parts of your vehicle’s system. If your charcoal canister or carbon filter needs to be replaced, it’s not an inexpensive repair, but ignoring the necessary repair could result in even further damage

Your vehicle, like your smartphone, will stop performing as well over time. Unlike your phone, you may not want to replace your vehicle every 2-3 years. If your vehicle isn’t in peak performance, it may be time to get a tune up. A tune up will increase the engine efficiency, but the most noticeable benefit may be a better fuel economy.  Although tune up services performed will vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on year, make, and model, South Street Auto Care will address the following areas:   Spark plugs wires/coil boots PCV (if available) Fuel injection cleaning Air Filter Fuel injection cleaning   When applicable, updating your vehicle software may be advised to make adjustments for optimal performance.    Generally, your vehicle should have a tune up every 100,000 miles, but it’s best to check with your owner’s manual for specific manufacturer recommendations. If you’re wondering if it’s time for a tune up, or ... read more