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: Potholes

Warmer weather is finally here! This may be getting you in the mood for sitting on the beach, relaxing in the park, or anything else that will get you outside. It is also a good time to have your vehicle checked for any tire, wheel, or suspension damage all those New Jersey potholes may have caused. If you are planning a trip to the shore, an outing, or vacation, you definitely want your car riding smoothly.

Did you know potholes are caused by water seeping into cracks in the roadway. Over time, water trickles through the cracks of the top layer into the base layer. Once the colder weather comes, all the water that is trapped below in the base layer will freeze and thaw. During these freezing and thawing processes the layer will lift and crack more due to the growing ice and from weight of the cars above. As more and more cars drive over the weakened areas of the road, the potholes form; the top layer caves into the base layer.

How fast and how hard you drive into a pothole is an important factor of the amount of damage you may incur. The depth of the pothole also plays a role in the extent of damage that could happen.

A significant jolt into a pothole can cause your vehicle’s wheel to bend. This in turn can cause a poor seal between the tire and the wheel which results in air leakage and flat tires. The impact can also knock off wheel weights causing your tire to become off balance. Also as a result of a hard hit, your tire may develop a bulge (impact break) in the sidewall or an unrepairable puncture in which case your tire will need to be replaced.

Repeatedly driving into potholes increases wear and tear of your suspension components which affects overall performance. Over time you may start to notice that your vehicle handles differently, rides a bit bouncy, or pulls to one side. You may also experience poor steering, vibrations, or clunky noises coming from the front end. All these symptoms indicate  damage to your suspension system which in turn causes an increase in uneven tire wear. As a result of any suspension damage your vehicle will require repair as well as an alignment.

If your vehicle drives into a pothole deep enough and hits hard enough, you may experience damage to the undercarriage and break other mechanical components as well.

Now that warmer weather is here, before you set out, consider making an appointment for us to inspect your vehicle. We will make sure you are good to go on those long awaited road trips. You can stop by or make an appointment by calling 609-655-2886. Wishing you safe and happy motoring.

How the Cold Weather Can Affect Your Car

With our region seeing below freezing temperatures, those temperatures can affect your car.  So what do you have to be aware of when it is this cold?

1. Your battery can die because of the cold weather.  The extremely cold temperatures actually pulls the voltage from a battery, making it harder to start your car.  Car batteries usually last an average of three years, so the best thing to do is have your battery tested to ensure that it is strong enough to withstand the frigid weather.

2. The fluids in your car can start to thicken, and not allow your car to run properly.  We suggest checking all your fluids before the temperatures drop to ensure that you have the correct amount and the fluid is clean.  Transmission fluid is an important one, since this fluid needs to be able to move quickly, and your car won't function if it is flowing at a slow pace.

3. Tire pressure can typically lose one pound per square inch (psi) for every 10 degree temperature drop.  Check your tire pressure to ensure that your tires are properly inflated.  Under-inflated tires do not perform well and can cause damage to the tire itself.

4. Wipers and windshield washer fluid can fail.  Wipers can easily rip because of the frigid temperatures and clearing off a windshield of snow, ice, or slush.  Clean off your windshield first before using your windshield wipers.  Windshield washer fluid can freeze in extremely low temperatures, so use caution when using the fluid.

Here at Jerry Noonan's Auto Center, we understand that the cold temperatures can be a burden to you and your car.  For that reason, we provide a Winter Weather Check that goes over all the components listed above as well as the heating system, all belts, and overall condition of the vehicle.  Call us today to schedule your appointment!

Preventive Maintenance - Brake Fluid Service

Brake fluid is one of the main components that keeps your brakes working and stopping on time.  When you push on the brake pedal, the master cylinder pressurizes the brake fluid, making sure the car stops.  

When your vehicle doesn't have the correct amount of clean brake fluid, it would lessen or possibly eliminate your braking power.  Over time, brake fluid attracts moisture, and because of this becomes corrosive.  This corrosive fluid can eat at the braking system, causing leaks in the system.  Some potential signs of a leak are reduced stopping power, hard pedal or a spongy pedal.  

Since keeping your brake fluid free of corrosive material and of contaminants is vital, we recommend performing a brake fluid exchange every 30,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first.  This will help keep your vehicle's braking system safe and fully operable.

Making sure you have the correct amount of fluid is just as important to keep the system properly pressurized.  At Jerry Noonan's Auto Center, every vehicle that comes in receives a complimentary safety inspection, or as we like to call it, a courtesy check.  Our technicians always inspect the brake fluid condition and level during the courtesy check.  

Not sure if you need to have your brake fluid or brakes serviced?  Give us a call, and we will be able to help you out with any of your brake system questions.

Traveling for the Holidays - Is Your Car Ready?

With Christmas Eve only seven days away, people are gearing up to travel to their families for the holidays.  Holiday travel can be stressful with traffic and unpredictable weather.  Even though you can't control the traffic or the weather, you can make sure your vehicle is ready for your trip.

To make sure your vehicle is ready for holiday travel, check these items before you go:

• Brake system
• Make sure your battery connection is clean and corrosion free
• All filters and all fluids such as oil, power steering, brake, transmission, windshield washer and antifreeze/coolant
• Check windshield wipers, heaters and defrosters to ensure they are all working properly
• As a general rule, windshield wipers should be replaced every six months
• All hoses and belts
• Tire pressure, and tread on your tires to ensure they are safe for travel
• All interior and exterior lighting, especially headlights, taillights, brake lights, and directionals

Checking your vehicle before your holiday travel will help keep you safe on the road, and be able to spend your time with loved ones.

If you need help checking any of these items, give us a call today and we will make sure you are all ready for your trip!

Preventive Maintenance - Coolant Service

The cooling system of your vehicle has the very important role of keeping your engine at the proper operating temperature to run smoothly.  If the engine isn't running at the proper temperature, and overheats, it can cause some serious internal damage to the engine. 

It is important to maintain the cooling system by doing regularly scheduled coolant services.  Coolant, or more commonly called antifreeze, is what circulates through the engine to remove the excess heat and protect the system against corrosion.  The key to keeping your cooling system working properly is to make sure that your coolant is fresh, the correct coolant for the vehicle is being used, and always having the correct amount of fluid in the system.  Over time the coolant can break down and lose its anti-corrosion properties and can actually start eating away at the cooling system parts, resulting in having to replace expensive components sooner than normal.

Here at Jerry Noonan's Auto Center, we recommend that our customers do a coolant service on their vehicles every 30,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first.  Whenever a customer brings in their vehicle we always do a courtesy visual inspection of the cooling system and check to make sure the coolant is at the correct level and is clean.

Not sure if maintenance needs to be done on your vehicle's cooling system?  Give us a call today, and we will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

Preventive Maintenance - Air Filters

An air filter, or sometimes called an engine air filter essentially purifies what air is going into your engine.  It makes sure that the air that is reaching your engine is clean.  Clean air helps your engine to work properly, and helps to get the best fuel economy.  A dirty air filter can lower your fuel economy and may cause damage over time, affecting the combustion chamber and mass air flow sensor.

Your air filter can only hold so much dirt before it can't perform it's job correctly, and start to affect the engine's performance.  We recommend changing your air filter every year or 15,000 miles, whichever comes first.  Depending on where you normally drive, an air filter can become dirty faster due to dust, pollution, or pollen in the air.  The air filter housing, which holds the air filter, can also become a nesting ground for little critters during the colder weather.

Not sure if you need to replace your air filter?  Next service, make sure to ask your service writer.  At Jerry Noonan's Auto Center, checking the air filter is part of our Courtesy Check which every vehicle receives when it comes in for any service or repair.

Is Your Car Ready for Thanksgiving Travel?

Thanksgiving can be a stressful time to travel with all that traffic and unpredictable weather.  More travelers will be on the roads this year than in the previous 12+ years according to AAA.  Even though you can't control the traffic or the weather, you can make sure your vehicle is ready for your trip.

To make sure your vehicle is ready for all the holiday traveling, check these items before your trip:

• Brake system
• Make sure battery connection is clean, tight, and corrosion free
• All filters and fluids such as oil, power steering, brake, transmission, windshield washer, and antifreeze/coolant
• Check windshield wipers, heaters and defrosters to ensure they are all working properly
• As a general rule, windshield wipers should be replaced every six months
• All hoses and belts
• Tire pressure and tread of your tires
• All interior and exterior lighting, especially headlights, taillights, brake lights, and directionals 

Checking your vehicle before your holiday traveling will help keep you safe on the road, and get you to your Thanksgiving feast.

If you need help checking any of these items, call us today and we will make sure you are all ready for your trip!

Preventive Maintenance - Wheel Alignments

To have a properly aligned vehicle, all your tires should point in the same direction. Your vehicle's alignment can fall out of place over time just by regular driving and hitting small bumps in the road, or hitting those big New Jersey potholes that we are all too familiar with.  Hitting a big pothole or curb can throw your wheel alignment out of whack and your vehicle should be checked right after to ensure safety.

Not having your vehicle properly aligned can mean replacing your tires sooner than anticipated, which can be costly.  When your vehicle is out of alignment, it causes the tires to wear unevenly and faster than they would normally wear. 

Key factors to tell if you need a wheel alignment is if your car is pulling to one side or the other, and if you can see the outer or inner edges of your tires being worn down quicker than the rest of the tire. 

Maintaining your wheel alignment can help you get the most out of your tires, and also ensure that all steering and suspension components are safe.  These can also play a role in your alignment.  At Jerry Noonan's Auto Center, we suggest having an alignment performed once a year or every 15,000 miles.

Checking Your Car Headlights

With the colder weather approaching, that means it gets darker sooner each day and we will be driving more in the dark.  Check your headlights and all other lights often to make sure they are working properly.

All outside car lights are important, but the lights that are legally required to work are side and tail lights, headlights, brake lights, direction indicators, and license plate lights.

Before hopping into your vehicle, turn the lights on, including directionals, and do a walk-around to make sure everything is good to go.  To check your brake lights, ask someone to step on the brake pedal while you check the back of the vehicle. 

One of your lights out and need a replacement?  Stop by today and we can change it out for you.  We carry most lights in stock and will be able to get you in and out in no time!

National Teen Driver Safety Week

This week is National Teen Driver Safety week.  This week, remind the teen in your life about the important rules they should follow to stay safe behind the wheel. 

The greatest dangers for teen drivers are alcohol, inconsistent or no seat belt use, distracted driving, drowsy driving, speeding, and having passengers that can cause distractions.

Motor vehicle accidents are the #1 cause of teenage deaths in the United States.  Informing your teen on the dangers of driving, and going over safe practices while driving could save lives.  Take the time this week to address the greatest dangers for teens while operating a motor vehicle, and how those dangers can be prevented.

Finding a Local Auto Repair Shop You Can Trust

The best way to maintain your vehicle and keep it running the best it can for the longest amount of time is to choose a quality full-service auto repair shop that you can trust.  The best time to look for an auto repair shop is before you actually need one. 

Here are some guidelines to think of when looking for and finding a local auto repair shop:

• Ask your friends, family, and co-workers
• Check local repair shops' reviews online and visit their social media pages like Facebook
• See how long the auto repair shop has been in business for.  This is a good indicator of shop quality.
• Look for an auto repair shop that has a clean, well-organized, and professional appearance
• See what amenities they offer, such as a comfortable waiting room, clean bathroom, shuttle service for their customers
• Ensure that the auto repair shop has employed professional technicians.  Look for ASE certifications or any other certifications.

Our lead technician's ASE Certification for Master Automobile Technician

Trust in Jerry Noonan's Auto Center to be your local auto repair shop!  

We receive many referrals from customers throughout the Monroe Township area.  Most of our customers have been trusting us with their vehicles for over 5+ years. 

We have wonderful customers who have left great reviews throughout Google and social media.  Please take a look for yourself. 

Jerry Noonan's Auto Center opened in 1987, and has been in business ever since.  We strive to give our customers the best experience we can provide, and have done so for 31 years.

We pride ourselves in maintaining a clean and professional environment for our customers and employees.   

Our technicians are always training and learning to keep up with industry standards and to be able to properly service any vehicle our customers bring to us.  Our technicians are well versified on a large variety of makes and models as well as all repairs and maintenance services to keep your vehicle in the best shape.

Did we mention that we are also a full service auto body and collision facility?  We want to truly provide all of our customers with being a "one stop auto center" for all of their automotive needs, no matter if it is mechanical or collision related.

Always do your research before trusting an auto repair shop to work on your vehicle.  We hope these guidelines will help in your search to find an auto repair shop that you can trust.