Papo's Auto Services 

Services Papo's offeRS Here is a summary of the services we offer. For a more detailed explanation of these services or to learn more about these services, just click on the highlighted service name.
Air Conditioning Auto Body Repair Wheel Alignment Replacing Belts Brakes and Brake hoses Alternator, Batteries, Starters Computerized Diagnostics and replacing sensors Cooling System and Radiator service Custom Installations Mufflers and Exhaust repair Oil Change Other fluid replacement (transmission fluid, power steering, antifreeze, master cylinder) Fuel Injection Cleaning Headlight Adjustment	High Performance Hydraulic Hoses and Brake Hoses New York State Inspections Aluminum Welding Steering problems including ball joints, rack and pinion, etc. Suspension problems including shocks, struts and springs Tires Transmission problem analysis Towing Tune-ups Wheel Balancing Welding Services Recommended Maintenance Guide

The air conditioning system provides you with cool air in the hot weather. It does this by circulating Freon through the A/C system. An evaporator absorbs the heat from the inside of the car and turns it into a gas. The compressor puts the Freon under pressure then passes it to the condenser where the heat is absorbed by the air and the Freon is cooled to a liquid again. It is then pumped back to the evaporator to restart the cycle. If you are getting little or no cool air coming out of the vents in the summer or in some cases the check engine light is on, it may be time to have your A/C pumped out and recharged with new Freon. Also if you hear noises when the A/C is turned on, it may mean that the compressor is going bad. In addition we are equipped to check for leaks in the A/C hoses. Back to Services

Auto Body Repair

We do not perform auto body work but we can recommend a good and reliable shop nearby. 

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Have any of the following things occurred recently?

• Purchased new tires.
• Had some front-end work done.
• Replaced shocks or struts.
• Replaced rack and pinion.
• You feel the car pulling predominantly to one side of the road.
• You’ve hit a big pot hole or the curb.
• You’ve had a recent fender bender.

If you have answered yes to one of these scenarios then we suggest getting a wheel alignment. If the wheels are misaligned it will cause your tire to wear unevenly, causing premature replacement of your tires. Our technicians will first inspect the suspension systems for worn, damage or broken parts before doing the alignment. If we determine that the alignment can’t be done without replacing some parts, we will give you an estimate of the repair. If everything is okay, we will perform the alignment. Our machine will provide you with a computerized printout of the adjustments.

We offer 2 and 4 wheel alignments. Our technician will advise you which is appropriate for your situation. Back to Services

Belts are used to generate energy to the components that needs it, such as the alternator, water pump, air conditioner and power steering. It is important to always check the wear of these belts because when they break, you will be stranded on the road. Symptoms of your belts going bad, include squeaking or vibration. Your A/C, power steering, water pump or alternator may also not be functioning properly. Our technicians will do a visual inspection of the belts and check that the components are working properly then make a determination of where the problem lies. We recommend changing all the belts when you do a tune-up or when getting a brake check.

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This is one of the most important safety functions in operating a vehicle. Being able to stop in a short distance can spare the life of your car as well as its passengers and those nearby. There is no set time to replace brakes because it is dependent on a few factors. Factors such as the usage of the car, the driving habits of the operator and the brake manufacturer. If you are experiencing any of the following: reduced braking power, low brake pedal, spongy brake pedal or squeaking. Don’t hesitate to bring it in to be checked. We recommend checking your brakes every 6 months. Back to Services

The charging system is what supplies electricity to the battery where it is stored until needed. Your car’s charging system consists of the battery, battery connections, alternator and a voltage regulator. Your car uses the stored energy for start ups and to keep the accessories such as lights, radio, horn and windows working. Once the car is started the alternator is what regenerates the battery power. The voltage regulator adjusts the flow of electricity from the alternator according to how much is needed by the battery. The battery connection will not properly transmit the power to and from the battery if the terminals and cables are bad. Typical symptoms of something going wrong with the charging system are: lights getting dim, losing power, flickering lights and eventually not starting. To check your charging system we put it on a special machine that tests the alternator, battery and starter. We recommend checking the charging system as part of your winterization check up. Back to Services

Today’s cars are engineered with sophisticated on board computers that constantly monitor the input and output of many sensors. These sensors monitor almost every function of the car. Some of the major functions that sensors monitor are: the engine’s performance, emissions, air conditioning, air bags, cruise control, traction control, automatic transmission and instrument panel.

The computer receives these signals from the sensors, interprets it and sends back a message to the sensors in an attempt to optimize the vehicle’s performance. This sequence of communication occurs hundreds of times every second. Because of the hostile environment of dirt, vibration, grease and extreme heat, a malfunction of the sensors or computer can occur at any time causing wrong information to be passed back and forth. The result is that the computer starts over compensating other devices in an attempt to correct itself. Only by placing a car on a computer diagnostic machine is a technician able to completely monitor the system.

Here are a few things our new diagnostic machine is able to check:

• Check the input and output signals of each sensor.
• Check the ignition system.
• Check for misfires and detonation.
• Do compression tests.
• Check all computer pins for ohms and resistance.
• Perform power balance.

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The cooling system keeps the engine from overheating by continuously circulating antifreeze through the engine to keep the engine cool. It also provides heat to keep you warm in the winter. To keep your engine cool your thermostat opens when the engine reaches a certain temperature and allows the water pump to start pumping the coolant between the engine and the radiator. The coolant absorbs the heat from the engine then passes it around the radiator to be cooled off by the radiator fan. It is then pumped back to the engine to absorb more heat. It is vital that the cooling system works properly otherwise your car will overheat causing you to blow the head gasket or crack the engine cylinder head (both of which are very expensive repairs). If the temperature gauge in your car is in the red zone, it is very important that you immediately stop the car from running, to prevent serious damage. Never try to open a hot radiator cap to check the antifreeze level. This can result in serious burns. With proper routine maintenance your chances for this type of break down is minimized. If the defrost is not working when climbing steep hills, you may need the heating system serviced.

We typically recommend replacing the antifreeze every two years or 30,000 miles because after that time the antifreeze loses it’s effectiveness. Your antifreeze should be replaced by a professional because it needs to be sent for recycling much like your engine oil. In addition the pH level of the antifreeze has to be tested. We are equipped with a special machine that flushes the cooling system and we test the antifreeze with a pH tester. Back to Services

Custom Installations

Here are a few of Papo's Installation projects:

Diesel Truck running on waste vegetable oil or WVO and converted to a dually.

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The exhaust system gets rid of the burned fuel after the combustion process. The combustion process is when the air/fuel mixture is ignited in the engine to make the car run. The exhaust system cleans, cools quiets and vents these poisonous fumes. The exhaust manifold is what collects the waste gases then passes it through the exhaust pipe to the catalytic converter to be cleaned. It is then passed through the muffler to reduce the noises and finally out the tailpipe. Common symptoms of a failing exhaust system are bad smells (like rotten eggs) which are coming from the exhaust. Other symptoms include a noisy muffler or a rattling tailpipe. Our shop is equipped with a custom pipe bending machine to custom fit any exhaust system that may be hard to replace. We can also make customized Y pipes. If you need any welding done we offer MIG, ARC and Aluminum welding.

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Maintaining the proper fluid levels will extend the life of your vehicle. Here are a list of the fluids and the symptoms that occur when they are low:

Transmission Fluid: Transmission slips and whines.

Engine Oil: Warning light may come on or you hear engine tapping.

Power steering: Steering gets hard.

Master Cylinder: Reduced braking power or the warning light may come on.

Antifreeze: Car may run hot or there is a green fluid leak. Back to Services

The fuel injection system delivers a mixture of air and fuel to the cylinders for combustion. To enhance the performance and fuel economy of your car we recommend cleaning the fuel injector system of your car as part of your routine tune-up. It is necessary to clean your injectors because dirt, pollution and carbon are constantly being formed on the intake valves of your fuel system and in the combustion area. Eventually these deposits will start to lower the performance of your vehicle causing it to have symptoms such as hesitation, lack of power, pinging of the engine, stalling when cold, jerky acceleration, rough idling or racing. To clean the injection system we have a special machine that flushes out the system with a special solvent which dissolves the carbon build ups, cleans the intake manifold and cleans the intake and exhaust valves. Your car will then experience increased fuel economy. Back to Services

Few people are aware of the importance of properly adjusted headlights. Whenever you replace your headlights you should have a professional adjust the beams. The dangers of an unadjusted headlight include having poor road vision, causing temporary blindness to oncoming traffic and worst, a possible accident because of one of these factors. Our computerized headlight machine is able to quickly adjust headlights, high beams and fog lights to New York specification. And most importantly it only takes about 10 minutes to be safer. Back to Services

High Performance

We install high performance parts and kits for your street and pro cars.  Before purchasing your parts please consult with Papo first to make sure that it is compatible with your car.  Since Papo has raced before he has the expertise in creating his own custom roll cages.  We also install the following: Turbo kits (even if you bought them), headers, gears, cams, performance intake, intercoolers and hydraulics. 

Below is a car installed with air ride.

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Hydraulic Hoses and Brake Hoses

We now do the following custom High Pressure hoses:

• Hydraulic hoses 1 and 4 wire
• Brake hoses (braided hoses, red, blue, brown and any banjo's that you may need)
• A/C hoses
• Transmission hoses
• Intercooler hoses
• Power steering
• Pressure fittings

We use Eaton and Aeroquip products.     Back to Services

New York State inspection guidelines are set by New York State. The Inspection test consists of 2 parts. The Safety portion and the Emissions portion. For the emissions portion the car is placed on a Dynamometer or Dyno and the inspection machine runs a set of rigid tests against the cars emission system. The new inspection system comes equipped with cameras that records each inspection and transmits the data to New York State. The standard price set by the state for an inspection is currently $37 whether the car passes or fails. Back to Services

We can perform any aluminum welding, Stainless steel and steel welding job that you may require.  We MIG weld also.  Rates will vary on the amount of welding needed and difficulty of job. Components for aluminum welding will need to be removed from the car before being worked on. 
                  
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The steering system determines the direction that the car will go. Whenever you turn the steering wheel it rotates a gear which is part of the rack and pinion. At the end of the rack and pinion are the wheels with it’s support system of ball joints.

Typical steering problems include:

• The steering being too soft.
• Too much free play in the steering wheel.
• The steering being unresponsive.
• There is a screeching sound when you make a turn in either direction.

Our technicians can determine the source of your steering problem and either make an adjustment or replacement to the part. Back to Services

The suspension system provides cushioning between the wheels of the car and the body to give you and your passengers a smooth ride from the rough surface of the roads. The suspension system consists of shocks or struts, springs and the various parts that support the suspension system.

Typical symptoms of suspension problems are:

• Excessive bouncing after hitting a bump.
• Free play in the steering wheel.
• Grinding noises from a front or rear wheel.
• A loud noise when you put the car in gear.

Our technicians will put the car on a lift and thoroughly check the suspension system to determine what needs repair or adjustment. Back to Services

Tires not only keep you rolling but also provides some cushioning from the road. Road conditions and the amount of usage will determine the wear on your tires.

It is important to maintain your tires by:

• Properly inflating them.
• Rotating them.
• Keeping them balanced.
• Keeping the wheels properly aligned.

Symptoms of tire problems include:

• The car pulling to the left or right.
• The front end vibrates at high speeds.
• The steering wheel shakes at any speed.
• If you notice you have a slow leak.

We are able to fix a flat, balance the wheel, rotate your tires or perform a wheel alignment depending on the wear of the tire. Back to Services

The transmission system delivers the power that is created by the engine to the wheels and regulates the speed. The transmission is part of the power train system. It is literally considered a train of components carrying the power from one end of the car to the other. The engine provides the power which runs the car. How much power you have is determined by the number of cylinders you have. The transmission adapts the engine power to the road and load conditions by shifting to different gears as power is needed. With a manual transmission system, the driver decides which gear to be in and shifts it there and with an automatic transmission, the car’s transmission determines what gear to be in and shifts to it. After determining what gear to be in, the power is then transferred to the axles which then takes it to the wheels. Common symptoms of transmission problems are: slipping when trying to change gears or not going into proper gear. Our technicians will analyze the problem and make a recommendation of what needs repair. Typically we don’t do transmissions but we can determine if it is a transmission problem and recommend a specialist. Sometimes the fluid level is just low. We do change clutches, axles, transmission fluids and replace pan gaskets and filters. We recommend changing the transmission fluid and replacing the pan gasket and filter every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Back to Services

We are able to offer discount prices with local tow truck operators to have your car towed over to our shop.  Call us first to get a recommendation.  Please keep in mind that any negotiated rate becomes a private transaction between you and the tow truck company and will not be included in the price of the repair.  In other words, you will have 2 bills, one paid directly to the tow company and the other to us for any needed repairs.  If you are a AAA member, you have to use the tow truck assigned by AAA to that region where your car broke down.   Back to Services

A tune-up should be done as part of your regular maintenance routine. If you wait too long to have a tune-up you will start experiencing drivability problems. Waiting for your car to begin stalling or overheating may be too late for a tune-up to fix it. Keep in mind that a tune-up is not the cure for all problems. In some cases if the vehicle is not properly maintained, a tune-up may have to be done first before diagnosis can begin on what the real problem is. We recommend getting a tune-up once a year. A typical tune-up will include replacing the air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor, ignition wires, valve adjustment, oil change, PCV valve, cleaning the fuel injectors, checking the fuel levels and checking the ignition timing. The price of a tune-up varies with each car because the cost of each part is different for each car. Typically the more expensive the car, the more expensive the part. Our technicians will determine if you need a major tune-up or a minor tune-up. We have an electronic timing gun and a fuel injector cleaner to give you better service. We also have a computer diagnostic machine to trace other performance problems. Back to Services

Unfortunately, we no longer do wheel balancing.  We suggest you take it to a tire shop. To know if you may possibly need wheel balancing follow the following guidelines:  If you feel your vehicle vibrating or shimmying when driving between 45 MPH and 60 MPH then diminish or goes away over 60 MPH then you may need to have your tires speed balanced. Wheels go out of balance as the tire ages and the weight of the tire shifts. Most times it is knocked off while driving or parking. In addition all new tires needs to be balanced before they are put on. We will perform a high speed balance by taking the tire and mounting it on the computerized balancing machine which will simulate the speed. The machine will then tell us how much weight to add on to the rim to compensate the balancing. Back to Services

We offer the following types of welding services: Aluminum welding, Magnesium welding, Stainless Steel welding, ARC welding and MIG welding, with the latest type of equipment. Back to Services

We recommend that you check your car’s owner manual for your car’s recommended maintenance schedule. We are only suggesting that you use this as a typical maintenance guideline.

• Oil Change and filter.
• Chassis lubrication.
• Check belts, hoses and coolant level.

• Brakes.
• Oil Change and filter.
• Check belts, hoses and coolant level.
• Fuel filter (change spring and fall).

• Oil Change and filter.
• Replace air and fuel filter.
• Check Brakes.
• Rotate and balance tires.
• Check all belts and hoses.
• Check CV boots.
• Lubricate front end.
• Check air conditioner.

Winterize car

• Check cooling system , flush every 2 years.
• Replace windshield wiper blades.
• Check windshield wiper fluid.
• Check battery strength or replace if weak.
• Check lights and adjust headlight aim.
• Check heating and defrost.
• Inspect hoses and clamps for wear.
• Check thermostat, belts, water pump and radiator fan.
• Check tires, brakes and steering system.

Manual Transmission Only

• Check transmission gear oil.
• Check and adjust clutch.

2 year or 30,000 miles (Note: that this doesn’t have to done all at once, but within that year)

• Major tune-up.
• Oil Change.
• Change transmission fluid, pan gasket and filter.
• Flush cooling system.
• Flush brake system.
• Check condition of tires.
• Check exhaust system.
• Wheel alignment.

4 year or 60,000 miles (Note: that this doesn’t have to done all at once, but within that year)

• Replace timing belt.
• Replace oxygen sensor.
• Replace thermostat and radiator cap.
• Do everything else from the 2 year checklist.
• Change differential oil (rear wheel drive only).

Manual Transmission Only

• Change manual transmission oil.

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