Tip Tuesday: De-icing Your Vehicle

Winter is here and in full swing. While we have not had much snow yet, we can still be getting ice from all this rain and cold nights. Nothing is more annoying than having to de-ice your windshield when you are in a rush in the morning. This Tip Tuesday we are going to talk about what is suggested by several entities on how to de-ice your windshield effectively.

Option 1:
One suggestion is to go out to your car a few minutes before you leave start it and turn on your defrosters. This will soften up the ice and it will most likely slide off. You might need to use an ice scraper a little bit.

Option 2:
Another suggestion is to use an ice scraper.
Typically it’s freezing outside when you are taking part in scraping your windshield. I used to use your standard ice scraper, but now I have one of these.

 It is a glove you can wear on your hand with an ice scraper inside. This keeps your hand warm and effectively removes ice.

If you are like me however and are on the shorter side, most of the time a typical ice scraper will not reach your whole windshield.

You can purchase the exact one that I use here from Amazon:
Amazon: Glove Ice Scraper (it is super soft and cozy inside)

Option 3:
A third option is to use a “SnoBrum” to remove some ice and snow.
This invention is a very safe tool to use to push softened ice and snow off your vehicle. This is very helpful for all those short people out there or anyone with a taller truck. The “SnoBrum” will not scratch your car as you push it along so you do not have to worry about any damage. It has a telescoping pole so you can change the length to reach all those tall spots.

You can purchase one here from Home Depot and this is the one that I use: 
Home Depot: SnoBrum

Option 4: 
Another suggestion would be covering your windshield the night before.
If you know we are going to be expecting ice or snow the following day, you can be proactive and cover your windshield. If you do not have access to a garage or carport and have to leave your vehicle outside this is a good option for you. There are companies out there that make apparatuses that you can hook on your mirrors and lay down on your windshield. We suggest looking into these apparatuses to see which would work best with your vehicle.

This is one that I have at home and used, but there are tons of other ones out there!
Sam's Club: Wintershield

Option 5:
Last but not least you can make a special de-icing solution.
There is a special hack that is going around on the web about making a solution to remove all the ice in on simple spray. You can mix ⅓ part water and ⅔ part isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) together into a spray bottle. Unfortunately I cannot try this out myself because we haven’t had the weather for it yet, but many have and claim it works.

Attached below is a video of a Meteorologist, Ken Weathers testing it out. 
Solution in Action

Before trying any solutions that we have suggested, please do your own research and decide what option would be the best for you and your vehicle.

And there you have it! A few simple options to remove ice and snow this Winter from your vehicle. Be sure to be safe out there on the roads. If you do want to make sure your vehicle is safe for the Winter months ahead stop by and make an appointment for our Winter Check.
Call us, Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center, at 609-655-2886!

Why does my windshield get so foggy?

Why does your Windshield get Foggy? Well there are actually a few different reasons that all depend on various weather conditions. Since it is Winter time, let’s get into why your Windshield gets Foggy in the Cold Weather.

When it is cold outside, we get into the car and we turn the heat on. This usually creates a fog on the inside of your windshield which limits how you can see out. To Defog your Windshield, it's recommended that you put the heat on full blast; hot air usually has more moisture in it than cool. Then you can turn the AC on to pull the moisture out. Once these steps are complete turn the recirculation button on to move the cooler air throughout the car. This method should clear up your windshield leaving it fog free!

Hope this little tip helps you have stress free mornings this Winter. To make sure your vehicle is ready for any adventure this season, make an appointment for our Winter Check. This will go through a select few items including checking your cooling system. Have a happy and safe Winter!

What happens when you drive too long on a spare tire?

If you ever get a Flat Tire and have to put on the Spare Tire, or Donut, do not drive for a long period of time on it.  It is strongly cautioned to not drive long on a Spare Tire with an All Wheel Drive Car.  The photos above are from a customer's AWD car that drove for too long on their Spare Tire.  Since the Spare Tire is actually smaller than the rest of the tires, it put excessive strain on the Differential Case, which caused the Differential Case to mechanically fail. 

With an AWD car, it is very important that your Tires all have the same circumference and similar Tread Depth to not put the strain on your Differential.  The allowable Tread Depth difference of Tires on an All Wheel Drive car is no more than 3/32nds per tire.  You can keep your Tires wearing evenly by performing a routine Tire Rotation, which is recommended every 6,000 miles.

So as you can see it is very important to replace the spare sooner than later. If you find that you are in need of new Tires, please give us a call.  We will have you back up and running with New Tires by the next day. Give us a call, Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center, at (609)-655-2886 and we will be happy to take care of you.

Winter Check

The season of Winter might not be here yet, but the weather certainly is. With our past snow storm and the cooler air, now is a good time to get some components checked on your vehicle to Get Your Car Ready For Winter. The cold weather and icy surfaces definitely have a lot of effects on how your vehicle can perform and handle and it is important to us that your vehicle is safe out there on the road. Here at JNAC, we offer a Winter Check to Prepare Your Car For Winter. This service includes the following: 

• Test Electrical System
• Check Battery
• Alternator Test
• Starter Test

• Check Cooling System
• Antifreeze (Coolant) Condition and Level 
• Check Belts and Hoses

• Check Tire Condition 
• Check Tire Pressure
• Check Tire Tread Depth

• Check Wiper Blades, Windshield Washer Fluid level and Operation, & All Fluids
• Check Exterior Lights and Interior Lights such as Headlight, Tail Light, Brake Light 

Give us a call today at (609)-655-2886 and make your appointment for this seasonal service.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns at all, please do not hesitate to ask us. Remember Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center is your one stop auto shop! 

Keeping your vehicle ready for your day to day adventures is good practice and we are here to do that for you. The Winter can be a scary time to drive, especially here in New Jersey. So it is super important you stay safe on the roads and having an able vehicle that can do that is key. We hope you have a safe and healthy Winter! 

Messages of Good Cheer

The holiday season always brings warm feelings and joy. We tend to think back on our year and remember all the good times we shared with loved ones. Here at your local repair shop, Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center, we also share in that joy and want to spread that in a fun way. When you come to visit our shop during the month of December, we will have paper ornaments for you to write a “Message of Good Cheer” on. You could write anything from kind words or a warm wish to something motivational. These ornaments will adorn our tree and spread joy to those who read them. So come on down, write a little note, and check out our Winter Check while you are here. Thank you for taking the time to spread cheer this holiday season!

Small Business Saturday: Gift Certificates!

Today, November 30th, is Small Business Saturday and we would like to say “Thank You!”
Thank you for your loyalty over the past 33 years and the years ahead. We could not be where we are today without the support of all the amazing customers and awesome employees we have. We are honored to service your automotive needs.

Speaking of services, did you know that we have Gift Certificates for gift giving?

Beginning Monday, December 2, we will be offering gift certificates for purchase for use at Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center.

A gift certificate is perfect for friends and family as a little stocking stuffer and can be written for any monetary value you would like. The certificates can be used for any mechanical service we offer. Everyone needs routine maintenance, why not give them an “Oil Change,” compliments of you, using a Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center Gift Certificate! Stop by anytime to purchase one!

Can My Car Overheat in Cold Weather?

“Can My Car Overheat in Cold Weather?” Yes, this could be something you may encounter this coming winter. The reason this will happen is because you could be having an issue with your Cooling System. The issues in the Cooling System are most likely a Coolant Leak or some sort of blockage. There is an easy solution to this problem, maintenance. You should have your Cooling System inspected for potential leaks. Make sure to have your Hoses, Thermostat, and your Coolant Condition/Level checked too. Please call your Local Auto Shop at (609)-655-2886 or stop by to make an appointment for our Winter Check. This will go through some important components including this service. Have a safe and warm Winter! 

Mini Blog: Veterans Day Discount

Today we celebrate all who serve our country, those with us and those who have passed. Today we honor them for their bravery and commitment for keeping us safe. We thank you all for everything you have done and would like to extend our appreciation in the form of a discount. November 11th through November 15th, Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center is dedicating a whole week to veterans in honor of Veterans Day. Every veteran that comes into our shop will receive 10% off mechanical services, done this week, up to $100.00 off their invoice.

To be eligible for this discount, please show either a military ID, or other proof of service.  This discount is available for all veterans (active, non-active, or retired) and is for mechanical repairs only (no auto body repairs).

Thank you again for your service.

Mini Blog: Job Action Day!

Today is Job Action Day, a day that celebrates expanding yourself to find new opportunities and your dream career. We invite you to look at what we have to offer with our two open job positions. One is an auto body technician and the other is an automotive technician. Below are the two job listings. If you are looking for a change or are finally ready to take the plunge in going for your dream job, please apply to our add via Facebook or emailing us a copy of your resume to, employmentopps.noonansauto@gmail.com and we look forward to hearing from you!


Automotive Tech Position: 
There comes a point in your career where you have to evaluate what is the most important to you. Is it money? Is it opportunity for advancement? Is it a better work/life balance?

And what about the company you are employed at? Are they living up to your standards? Are they more about the profit and less about their mission and core values? Are you the right person that is stuck in the wrong place?

We believe that no sale is more important than the customer.

Our mission is to continually grow as a company by providing quality automotive repair services while delivering best-in-class customer service. The relationships we build with our customers is the foundation of our success and we will continue to strive to exceed expectations each and every time.

We want you to be a part of our mission! We want you to be an advocate for our customers. We want you to be part of something different, something special.

Jerry Noonan's Auto Center is seeking a skilled Automotive Technician with 2+ years of on-the-job experience to join our growing team. The Automotive Technician is a critical role in our business, and is an excellent opportunity for a talented, enthusiastic team player who wants to continue to learn about the fast-paced, exciting world of the Automotive industry. This role is one where you can grow the position in many ways to leverage your strengths, personality, interests, and skills. We are looking for someone who wants to bring their "A Game" to work every day to learn and grow the position and company with us!

We Offer:

• Competitive pay
• 5 day work week, no weekends ever
• Paid holidays
• Health insurance
• Retirement planning
• Paid vacation
• A clean and organized facility
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Automotive training & continuing education

Qualifications:

• Drive and ambition to grow your abilities and work towards achieving ASE and other certifications
• Valid driver's license
• State inspection license a plus!
• 2+ years of on-the-job experience as an Automotive Technician
• Basic tools (we provide all heavy equipment, special tools & diagnostic equipment)
• Positive attitude

Jerry Noonan's Auto Center is a top-level, family owned and operated repair facility that strives to provide the best work environment and culture for each one of our team members. We maintain and service all makes and models. Please reply to this ad and attach a current resume. Qualified candidates will be contacted to schedule a confidential interview.


Auto Body Technician Position:
Ask us about our $1,500.00 Sign On Bonus!

Busy automotive shop seeks full-time, experienced auto body technician to add to our exceptional team. Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center is a rapidly growing full service auto body shop with state of the art updated equipment.

Great pay and benefits. Work hours are 8 AM – 5:30 PM M-F. Pay plan is hourly. Paid holidays, health benefits, retirement benefits, paid time off.

Must be efficient and be able to work well with team members to meet deadlines. Quality focused, customer service oriented, must able to read estimates and assist in writing supplements, and be focused on meeting cycle times.

Quality and efficiency are a must.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• A minimum of 5+ years of collision repair experience
• Valid U.S. Driver’s license with a good driving record
• The ability to pass a drug test
• The ability to pass a background check
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Vocational/Technical school preferred, but not mandatory
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to properly and independently complete tasks
• Must be able to produce top quality work without prolonging projects
• Must have tools necessary to perform assigned daily tasks
• Car-O-Liner experience preferred
• Frame and unibody straightening experience mandatory
• Welding experience mandatory
• ASE/ICAR trained a plus
• Glass experience a plus
• Suspension/Wheel alignment experience a plus

To apply, please email employmentopps.noonansauto@gmail.com a copy of your resume.

Tip Tuesday: Tire Pressure

October starts the last quarter of the year and that brings cooler weather. During these brisk mornings you may like to warm up your car before you head out for the day. As you do so, you might notice that you have a tire pressure light on your dash or that you get an alert telling you to check your pressure. That is because for every 10 degrees the temperature drops, we can lose 1 to 2 lbs of air in our tires. Having your tires inflated with the recommended PSI from your manual is very important. Your tires are an important component with how your vehicle moves and without the proper PSI you can have traction, handling, or other issues. During these times and the colder months ahead, it is very important that you check your tire pressure and maintain it.

Checking your tire pressure is pretty easy to do. You can use a tire pressure gauge to measure the PSI. If you do not have one of these tools you can visit your local gas station as they may have an area to the side where you can check your pressure and fill your tires with air if needed. You can also stop by your local auto shop, Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center! If your tire light is on or you can see your tires look a little deflated, we can refill, make sure the pressure is correct according to the recommended PSI for your vehicle, and even make sure you do not have something related to a flat tire. You do not have to make an appointment for needing more air in your tire, but if you think you may have a flat, you should call us ahead and make an appointment so we can help you better. Hope this little tip will benefit you as the weather cools down for the year!

Mini Blog: Wands for Wildlife

Appalachian Wildlife Refuge is a nonprofit rehabilitation organization in Western North Carolina. They take in injured and orphaned animals like opossums, bunnies, and owls. They raise and nurse them back to health and set them free! They use mascara wands to remove fly eggs and larvae from the feathers and fur of the animals. They are perfect to use because the bristles are close together and gentle to use on the animals

In our waiting room we have a collection box for your used and cleaned mascara wands. AWR has two collection months because they get so many wands, and one of them is October. So, at the end of this month, we will be sending in our wands. If you would like to bring by your mascara wands to drop in our box make sure you do so by the end of the month. The next collection time is February. Thank you for donating, recycling, and helping animals in need!

Mini Blog: AC Leak

  This vehicle came in for an AC issue. Upon the first visit, the vehicle passed the leak test, however there was still a slight leak as the customer could notice that the AC was not functioning up to par. To pinpoint the location of the leak, we put a dye into the AC system. After some time we checked the vehicle for where the dye was showing. Using yellow goggles and a black light we found the dye which happened to be in the condenser.

To confirm the location of the leak, we used our leak detector tool. The technician pumped nitrogen into the AC system and then used the detector to see where the nitrogen is coming out. Since we had the place marked where we saw the dye, the technician moved the detector around that area and eventually found the exact spot. 

The condenser was replaced and the issue was resolved. Having tools like these are extremely helpful in finding an issue like one of these. Small AC leaks, EVAP leaks, etc are not the easiest to find, but this tool is sensitive enough to locate them.

Mini Blog: Courtesy Check

Here at Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center, we offer a free courtesy check with any service or repair that you come in for. This is a comprehensive visual inspection of your vehicle’s major components and systems. Our knowledgeable technicians will check and rate each item, and document their findings using a red, yellow, and green scale; “red” meaning needs attention now, “yellow” meaning will need attention soon or on the next visit, and “green” meaning its good. The courtesy check itself gets attached to your paperwork for your reference.

During this inspection the technician will examine your headlights, wipers, fluid levels, battery health, tires, brakes (if your tires are being removed during your service or repair) and more. Knowing this information allows the technician to identify any current problems, pinpoint any potential issues early on, and help you plan for upcoming maintenance. It also allows you to have any issues taken care of at the time of your service or schedule it for a future one.

Not only is it our goal to keep your vehicle safe and running at peak performance; we are committed to giving your car the best care possible as well. Utilizing our courtesy check does just that.

Thank you for the privilege of servicing your vehicle!

Mini Blog: Fall Check

Fall is finally here and that means cooler weather. Now is a good time to get some components checked on your vehicle. The cooler weather has a lot of effects on how your vehicle can perform and it is better to make sure you are ready to ride than have an issue. Here at JNAC, we offer a Fall Check. This service costs $29.95 which includes the following:

• Test Electrical System
• Battery
• Alternator
• Starter

• Check Cooling System
• Antifreeze condition 
• Belts and hoses

• Check Tire Condition 
• Adjust air pressure

• Check Wiper Blades, Washer Operation, & All Fluids

• Check All Lights 

Give us a call today at (609)-655-2886 and make your appointment for this seasonal service.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns at all, please do not hesitate to ask us.

Keeping your vehicle ready for your day to day adventures is good practice and we are here to do that for you. Have a safe and happy fall!

Tip Tuesday: Check Your Battery

Fall is finally here, it is a time for pumpkin picking, hay rides, and crisp weather. It’s also a good time to have your battery checked. During the Summer months, your vehicle sits in some grueling heat day in and day out. This can affect your battery causing it to have a lot of strain. If your battery was not the healthiest before the Summer started, the heat could have depleted the life to be almost empty. So when it finally becomes fall and the cooler weather is here, it is important to check your battery.

Here at JNAC we have a battery testing machine that can give you a reading on the health of your battery. If it is low, the battery can be charged. As the weather gets colder, a low battery can freeze at a higher point than a full battery, so it is very important to be on top of your battery health.

Having a clean battery is just as important as having it checked. Over time and through different elements, your battery can build up with dirt, grime, and corrosion. Cooler weather and the buildup of debris on your battery adds resistance causing your battery to work harder; so cleaning is very important. Luckily cleaning your battery is not a very difficult thing to do. You can use a damp cloth, baking soda, and a scrubbing brush. Keeping the battery terminals clean will help prolong the life of your battery.

If you ever have any questions relating to the health and condition of your battery do not hesitate to call us or stop by. We stock batteries and have all the equipment needed to test your battery’s performance on hand. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will be happy to alleviate any concerns you may have regarding your battery. The health of your battery is vital to the performance of your vehicle so please keep this in mind when you venture out this fall.

*Picture shows corrosion and debris, you would want to avoid your battery looking like this. 

Mini Blog: Atypical Oil Change Service

One of our technicians was working on this 2012 Acura TL for a regular service, more specifically an oil change. As you can see in the photo above, the engine compartment has a cover over it. For him to check any fluids or the battery health, this cover must be removed. Not every vehicle has this feature but it is a simple task to perform.

The technician tested the battery as we do with every oil change service. This battery tested good and passed. Once this is done and a few other items on our courtesy check, the technician will begin to empty the oil and remove the old filter. As I mentioned in previous posts, an oil change is a very important maintenance service that should not be ignored.

If you would like to make an appointment for an oil change but are concerned with the different types of oil, look no further. Here at your local auto shop, Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center, we will be sure to use the correct oil for your specific vehicle. Please give us a call at (609) 655-2886 to schedule your appointment. Just so you know, we offer a few “waiting appointments” in the morning of each day, so if you’d like one of those, please ask!

Mini Blog: New Tires!

In these pictures, one of our technicians is working on mounting and balancing a set of new tires! This customer needed to replace all four. The rule of thumb of when you should be replacing your tires, is before the tread measures 3/32nds. There is a process when it comes to putting new tires on your vehicle.

The first thing that needs to be done is to remove all the wheels off the vehicle. This will allow the technician to remove the old tire, install the new one, and balance it. This process is repeated until all the new tires are mounted on the wheels. Of course, with every service we do our courtesy check and since this one involved the technician removing the wheels, he then can check out your brakes.

It is important to get your tires changed before they become unsafe. Here at Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center we can order the specific tires you may need, and take care of all the work that goes into mounting and balancing them. If you would like new tires and the jobs that follow, please give us a call at (609)-655-2886.

Mini Blog: Battery Tests

Here at JNAC we do a courtesy check with each service. One part of that check is a simple battery test. We do this because it is important to make sure your battery is in good shape. The battery in your car can be overlooked as it is not something always right under your nose. Having your battery health tested every once and awhile is something we highly recommend. 

To give you peace of mind, every service you come in for, as I mentioned, includes the free courtesy check. And included in this courtesy check is a quick battery test. This test will let us know the current health of your battery. If the readings come up low, we will charge your battery as your car goes through the rest of your appointment. We do have batteries in stock so if you ever have a problem and need one, please stop by or call us at (609)-655-2886.

Tip Tuesday: Brakes

August is brake awareness month. Your brakes are a very important component of your vehicle as they are responsible to stop your wheels from spinning which allows your car to stop in any situation. Being that they are so important you definitely want to make sure they are in tip top shape. Having some kind of brake check every so often is a good idea.

Here at Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center, we check and measure your brakes each time we do a tire rotation on your vehicle. Since the tires are off it is very easy to see how they are holding up. If you need to replace them immediately we will tell you that. If they are looking thin we will let you know so you can be aware of when they will need to be replaced. Your brake condition will be documented so if you ever have any questions about it we can let you know. Now if you feel that you have a problem with your brakes and something just doesn’t feel right we will do a full brake inspection.

A cool little model we use here to show how the life cycle of your brakes is this.

This is a really good visual to show you the different points on how your brake pads degrade. Here at JNAC if your brake pad measures 7mm or greater you are in the green zone. If your pads measure 6mm-4mm you are in the yellow zone which means you will be needing new brake pads soon. And if your pads measure 3mm-1mm you are in the red, which means you need brakes now. 

If you feel you have an issue with your brakes, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us. It is very important that they be looked at as soon as possible. Remember, we do check them if your tires come off during a service visit here to let you know how they are doing. 

If you have any questions or concerns please stop by or give us a call at (609)-655-2886. 

We will be glad to help you the best way we can. Please drive safely out there!

Mini Blog: Fender Repair

Here at Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center, we do a little bit of everything from mechanical work to auto body repair. When doing body work, the jobs vary. We can get a vehicle that got into a small fender bender or one that requires a complete overhaul. We also have a paint booth so if you need some kind of repair that requires painting we can do that too!

Something that is a pretty typical task in our body shop is a fender repair. This is when
the technician will repair the damage and then get it ready to be painted.

In these pictures the technician is using a material called polyester filler. This is used to fill in the low spots and dents that are on the fender. Once the first coat is dry the technician will put a few more on to ensure everything is filled in nicely. 

Once the multiple coats of the filler dry, the technician will then sand. When sanding, it is important to make sure you have evened out the surface.

Once the sanding is complete, the technician will need to clean the surface. You want to make sure that all the sanding dust is gone because the next step is priming the repaired area.

Once the area has been cleaned, it is ready to be prepared for the primer paint. The technician tapes off the area that needs to be painted. This is done to centralize where the paint is going to go. He then will put on paper (that has tape on one end) all around the area to protect the rest of the car from over spray. Once all this is set, the vehicle is ready to be primed.  

The technician will paint the repaired area with primer. He puts on a few coats to make sure he has fully covered the fender area. After the primer coats dry, the area needs to be wet sanded until smooth and flush with the rest of the fender; this will get rid of all the black spray. Once this is done, the vehicle is ready to go into the booth to be painted.

Tada! This is the final product. The fender went through paint and is all shiny and looks like new! The vehicle still needs to be finished up, but the fender repair that our technician did is all done. 

If you need any kind of body work for your vehicle please call us at (609)-655-2886 and ask for Dave. You can come in and he will assess your vehicle with a free estimate and schedule you in for your auto body repair. 

Mini Blog: Tire Rotation

Rotating your tires is important to maintain even tread wear on your tires. Each vehicle has
a different type of tire wear, which depends on many aspects. One is the drive train your
vehicle has; FWD, RWD, AWD, or 4WD. Another is how you drive your car. For example, someone who drives on the highway can experience a different type of tire wear than someone who does more local driving.

There are different processes when going into tire rotations for FWD, RWD, AWD, and 4WD vehicles which all follow a different pattern so to say. Our technicians are trained to provide the proper rotation procedure for your particular vehicle.

Besides maintaining the tread wear on your tires, a tire rotation is important to extend the life of your tires, which will ultimately help you save money. For example, if you drive a front wheel drive vehicle and do not rotate your tires, you will see significant wear on your front tires and not the rears. As long as you stay on top of properly rotating your tires, the tread will wear evenly, keeping you and your vehicle safe. Also when driving on tires with an uneven tread you may hear a very annoying sound and feel a vibration, this is called tread cupping.

Here at Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center, we recommend that you get your tires rotated at an oil change service. So for a vehicle that takes conventional oil, you would have the tires rotated every 6,000 miles, that being every other oil change. For a vehicle that takes synthetic oil, the tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles, so that would be every oil change. When you come in for an oil change service please mention that you would like to have your tires rotated as well and we will take care of this for you. If you would like to make an appointment for an oil change and tire rotation or just a tire rotation, please call us at (609)-655-2886. See you soon!

Mini Blog: Coolant

Coolant (antifreeze) is a liquid that runs through the cooling system of your vehicle and helps to protect your engine from overheating or freezing. An issue you can have due to coolant maintenance negligence is electrolysis. Electrolysis is when there is an electrical current running through the cooling system causing corrosion and damage to the components.

A coolant service involves pumping out the system and filling it back up with new and specific coolant your vehicle requires, as most automotive manufacturers recommend specific coolants for their vehicles. When pumping out the tank, a vacuum needs to be established to ensure the coolant exits in a timely fashion. Once all the coolant has been pumped out, the new supply is pumped in. After the tank has been filled, the technician will top off with a little more fluid. A coolant service varies from vehicle to vehicle so it’s always a good idea to check your owner’s manual on when they should be done. On average it should be done about every 30,000 miles or every 2 years. If you think your coolant needs changing, please give us a call at (609)-655-2886 to make an appointment and we will check it out for you.

Tip Tuesday: AC/Summer Check

We are in the full swing of Summer and that means heat. A huge essential in your car during the Summer months is the air conditioning. You never want to be in a situation where your AC is not functioning properly. If you want to make sure everything is going well with your AC, you can make an appointment for our Summer Check. This check is designed for your Summer adventures. We will check some basic safety items and some features of the AC in your vehicle as well. This is what is done during the AC check:

• Performance test
• Check belt tension 
• Compressor engagement 
• Interior venting 
• Duct temperature 

Checking the duct temperature is a very important part of the Summer Check. The technician will do this by sticking a thermometer in the center air duct on your dashboard. They will then read the temperature. As long as it is between 40-45 degrees, your AC is working perfectly fine. You can do this little test at home if you feel you are having a problem with your AC. If it is above that 45 degrees, make an appointment for an AC check and we can take a look at it for you.

Besides checking the AC, the Summer Check also includes:

• Testing the electrical system
• Battery 
• Alternator
• Starter
•  Checking Cooling system
• Engine coolant/antifreeze condition 
• Belts and hoses
• Checking tire condition 
• Adjust air pressure 
• Checking wiper blades, washer operation, and all fluids
• Checking all lights 

The Summer Check a $29.95 value and could take only 30-45 minutes to complete. Call us at (609) 655-2886 to make an appointment for one today!

Mini Blog: Oil Change/ Maintenance

Regular maintenance on your vehicle is very important to keep it running to the best of its ability. One of the more ordinary services is to change your oil. An oil change is required to keep your engine lubricated. The engine in your car is made up of a bunch of moving parts. For these parts to move smoothly without friction, they need to be properly lubricated. The oil needs frequent changing because over time it will break down and become contaminated with debris from the environment around it and from the engine too.

There are two kinds of oil changes we do at the shop, conventional and synthetic. We recommend that you need to replace conventional every 3,000 miles or 3 months. For the synthetic oil, we recommend it should be replaced every 5,000 miles or 6 months.

When doing an oil change you also need to change the oil filter. Once this has been completed, you are ready to go until your next service.

Make sure to be on top of these changes as they are very important to keep your engine running smoothly and help your car last as long as it should. Regular maintenance is simple to do and we can take care of all of it for you. Please call us at (609)-655-2886 to schedule an appointment for an oil change and ask for Dan or Joanne!

Mini Blog: Axle Maintenance

Axles are a very important component which enables your vehicle to move. Basically, the job of the axle is to transfer power and torque to your wheels. As the axle turns, the wheels go around. There are two different types of axles, one being “drive” and the other being “dead.” The drive axle is the one that will move your vehicle and the dead axle is for load bearing purposes. 

The damaged axle pictured above was the original one from a 2003 vehicle. It has a torn CV boot. Having a torn CV boot will allow the grease needed to lubricate the component to leak out. This type of damage can be a normal sign of wear where the whole axle needs to be replaced. 

Having an issue with your axles should not be something you ignore. Drive axles are a very important part of your vehicle and need to be properly taken care of to keep you safe. It is also important to keep your vehicle in tip top shape so it is reliable for you. 

In an older car, you could have more wear on your original parts. Just be on top of those maintenance jobs and you should be fine. If you suspect that your car isn’t handling the way it is supposed to, come see us. Here at Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center, “your one stop auto shop,” we can take care of all your automotive needs. Give us a call at (609) 655-2886 or stop by to make an appointment. We will be sure to get your vehicle back in shape. 

Giveback Programs

Making the Earth a better place is definitely something important. Here at JNAC we take that very strongly and wanted to create something for our community to be involved in that can better the environment. We now have two collection boxes in the waiting room one for the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge and the other for Earthworks. These are two organizations that recycle some materials that aren’t typically recycled.

Appalachian Wildlife Refuge is a nonprofit in Western North Carolina. They take in injured and orphaned animals like opossums, bunnies, and owls. They raise and nurse them back to health and set them free! They use mascara wands to remove fly eggs and larva from the feathers and fur of the animals. They are perfect to use because the bristles are close together and gentle to use on the animals.

Earthworks is a company in Ohio who recycles credit cards, old licenses, loyalty cards, gift cards, etc. They grind up the cards then form it into a sheet and make new cards for a variety of consumers. No new plastic is being made for any of the cards, so there is no waste.

AWR collects the wands in February and October of each year. We have a box in the waiting room where you can deposit your used and cleaned mascara wands. Once it reaches one of the collection months we will send them in! You can also visit their website to see if you would like to donate anything else to the foundation as they are a nonprofit and can use supplies.

Earthworks takes any cards, from loyalty cards to expired licenses. If you have any cards with personal information on them please be sure to cut them up. The collection box for Earthworks has a lock and key to respect your privacy.

Please consider bringing in your cleaned mascara wands and expired or used PVC material cards. We want to make the Earth a better place and we need your help. Together we can make a difference so please keep us in mind when you use up that Cheesecake Factory gift card or upgrade to a new mascara. The animals and the future of our planet will appreciate it.

Here are the links for each of the foundations if you’d like to do your own research or donate to them personally.

AWR: https://www.appalachianwild.org/
Earthworks: http://www.earthworkssystem.com/

National Sunglasses Day

Today is National Sunglasses Day and what better way to celebrate than shedding some light on why sunglasses are so important. Most people I know typically prefer driving during the day because they can see better and there is no glare from street lights and headlights. I can totally agree with this, but there is still glare during the day. The sun shining into your windshield can sometimes be a big problem when driving; especially if you have to squint to see better. I wear sunglasses pretty much everyday including on overcast days and in the winter. And they do make my driving experience a whole lot better. I do not have to squint while driving so it is just an overall comfortable experience.

There are many types of sunglasses out there so you want to be sure to choose a pair that will aid in your vision rather than hinder it. Frames that are over sized can obstruct your peripheral vision so you’ll want to choose ones like aviators or perhaps a type with large lenses and thin arms. The best lens colors are grey and brown (that are polarized) as they do not alter how colors appear. The amber toned ones are fine as well. It is best to stay away from those pink, blue or green lenses when it comes to driving. You also need to take into consideration the tint of the lenses. Wearing a pair that is too dark can impede your driving ability. It is always best to consult with your eye doctor when considering using sunglasses while driving. They can fit you with the right style, and lens type.

Driving with sunglasses helps reduce the glare from the sun and protect you from harmful UV rays. If you find yourself having a problem with squinting while driving I definitely recommend wearing sunglasses. Not only are they protecting you from the sun's harm, they also help with the glare.

Tip Tuesday: Hacking Your Road Trip

It is finally Summer time and that means vacation! The kids are home from school and you and your family are packing up the car to go on a road trip! Your car can only hold so much luggage and stuffed animals so what are you going to do when you stop for some snacks at a rest stop? Well today’s tip Tuesday is going to be all about how to “hack” your road trip! I will be mentioning some ideas on how you can stay organized with from toll money to eating those chicken nuggets with minimal mess!

When you take a road trip, there is always the possibility that you may need to pay a toll. Most of us have a bunch of change taking up space in a cup holder. In my vehicle, I keep my change in a small wallet in my console, but you can also use an old gum container! This is reusing something that may have been heading to the recycling bin. And with the easy to open tops you can pour change out in a breeze! 

Something I have in my vehicle for long drives is a little trash can. It’s made of a polyester material so it can be wiped clean. It is a collapsible one so I can just tuck it into one of the door pockets and pop it up when I need too! 

It also has two handles so you can put it on the back of a headrest if you wanted. I purchased it from the brand Natural Life, I will put a link at the bottom if anyone is interested! I am very picky about how my vehicle looks, it has to be clean, so this little trash can is perfect for tissues, candy wrappers, etc. It can also be used for recycling or a holder of really anything!

Another life saver involves using a shower caddy. When you stop for that late night snack at Wendy’s, it’s hard to hold your drink, chicken nuggets, fries, and ketchup all on your lap. This is when you can stick all of the food into a shower caddy to ensure you don’t lose any fries on those bumpy roads. You can also use the shower caddy to stick in the middle in the back seat to hold drinks, snacks, books, and other small items your kiddies will want during the ride.

One final tip for any road trip you may go on is having some kind of stand for a GPS or cell phone. I have a little stand that goes right into my dash. (I drive a Wrangler so if you have one too, check out the link below for what I have.)

Most vehicles have a large enough dashboard to put a small stand on there that can be compatible for any cell phone brand or GPS. There are also air vent mounts that you can put into the grooves of the vent to hold your phone up. The only problem with these are that if you have a car that has a swivel vent, they won’t be able to hold up your device. Please check on what works best for your vehicle, there are so many brands and types. These stands/mounts are super handy because they let you drive safer and make it easier to check your route guidance.

Going on a road trip can be stressful. Using these vacation hacks may help you stay more organized and prepared. Packing your kids, pets, and all their belongings in the car can be tough. Hopefully these “hacks” will help make your life a little easier! There are tons of other tips and tricks out there so don’t be afraid to do some research! Below I have added the links to the items I mentioned in case you had any interest in them. Please check them out! Hope you have a safe and fun Summer!

LINKS:

Collapsible garbage can: https://www.naturallife.com/car-stuff/pop-up-car-trash-bin-happycamper-1.html

Wrangler Dash Phone Holder: https://www.quadratec.com/products/12500_2333.htm