World Environment Day: Smart Recycling

Smart Recycling:

Did you know that 92% of plastic is not recycled? There are certain guidelines we need to follow on how to recycle particular plastics. For example, the plastic used to make a water bottle is different from the cap, so these cannot be recycled together. Fortunately there are plenty of websites that explain how we can recycle different kinds of plastics. In honor of World Environment Day, let's get into some details that you can learn to optimize your recycling and reuse techniques.

When recycling plastics check the bottom of the item for a recycling symbol, and look for a number from 1 to 7 in the middle of that symbol. This is how they mark the different kinds of plastics. In Monroe Township, curbside recycling can only contain plastics number 1 and 2 along with glass, cardboard, paper, aluminum and steel cans. Make sure that the containers are cleaned and if they have caps remove them. Monroe Township does not accept any plastic bags containing recyclables so make sure to put them in a bin with a lid.

Now for the plastics numbered 3-7, some of these can be recycled, they just have to be brought somewhere. As I mentioned above the plastic used to make the water bottle is different from the plastic in the bottle cap. These caps cannot be tossed into your regular recycling bin, but can be taken to Whole Foods, who recycles caps and other plastics that are number 5. These plastics are given to a company called Preserve for use in their Gimme5 program. This company recycles number 5 plastics into toothbrushes, plates, cups and other items, which are recyclable. Their products are continually being used in this process.

Where to go:

There are many other stores that accept recyclables. Each store recycles different kinds of items. This is all free to do! All you have to do is make sure the items you are bringing are clean from any food residue and are properly organized so they can recycle them safely. Below are some stores that accept plastic bags, plastic wrap (ie. wrapping on paper towels) and other materials that fall under this umbrella:

• JCPenny
• Lowe's
• McCaffrey's
• Target
• Sam's Club
• Stop and Shop
• ShopRite
• Walmart
• Whole Foods

Please refer to the website recyclingnj.com for more information on what these stores take. This website also talks about how you can recycle other items and what to do with them! It is perfect because it is local and gives us information on all things recycling in our state!

Best Buy is also a store that will recycle for you. They take a wide range of electronics, you can find the particulars on their website. For example, they take cell phones, computers, small appliances, tvs, video game systems, cameras, gps systems, and more! They also come to your house to pick up big appliances like refrigerators, but this comes with a fee. Check out more particulars on their site. I will provide the link below.

Resources:

Another helpful tool you can use to figure out what to recycle and where is goes is an app called Recycle Coach. This app will give you information based on where you live or where you are. It tells you the recycling schedule and when they are going to be doing bulk pickups in your area. You can also type in, for example, “washing machine,” and it will tell you how you can recycle it, where you would need to take it, and who to contact. This app is free in the app store and can definitely help out a lot.

Another resource that is useful is the website earth911.com. This site talks about tons of ways to recycle or upcycle materials and also has a locator to find places near you. You can also read articles about products and other information to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Reuse:

There are two companies that I would like mention that reuse some of our everyday products. The first is the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge. This company accepts cleaned mascara wands. So once you finished your tube of mascara, you can clean off the wand part, collect them, and once you have a good amount you can ship them to the refuge! They use these wands to remove fly eggs and larva from the fur and feathers of the animals they take in. Another company that you can send things to is Earthworks Systems. They are based in Ohio and actually take all sorts of PVC cards like expired credit cards, licenses, gift cards, hotel key cards, store loyalty cards, etc! About 10 billion cards are made each year and are usually thrown into the trash when their use is done. Instead of tossing them into the trash send them to Earthworks Systems. They make 100% recycled PVC cards and will continue to reuse and recycle expired/old ones. Just cut up your old licence, credit cards, loyalty cards, etc and send them in. They will properly be recycled and remade into new cards, all in America!

Recycling Facility:

TerraCycle is a company based in Trenton, New Jersey that takes just about everything out there and recycles it. They offer quite a few free programs where you can send them different branded items, like Solo Cups, Vans shoes, Tom’s Natural Brand, Colgate toothpaste, etc and they will recycle these items! They also offer packages where you can pay for a collection box for items like Keurig K-Cups. You send the box back to TerraCycle and they will recycle the items for you! This operation is all based in New Jersey and globally known! Please check out their website for more information regarding what they take and what is free vs what you would have to pay for.

I hope I was able to educate you with various ways to recycle. It is very important that we do recycle and recycle smart. Ultimately it is best to switch to reusable products like bottle, straws, and bags. Please recycle smart, we only have one Earth and it is up to us to take care of it. Please review the links at the bottom of this post for more information about anything that I talked about above.

Links

Best Buy: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/services/recycling/pcmcat149900050025.c?id=pcmcat149900050025

NJ Recycling: http://recyclingnj.com/recycle.html

Preserve (recycled toothbrushes and other supplies): https://www.preserve.eco/

Appalachian Wildlife Refuge: https://www.appalachianwild.org/wands-for-wildlife.html

Earthworks Systems: http://www.earthworkssystem.com/consumers.html

TerraCycle: https://www.terracycle.com/en-US

Tip Tuesday: Conventional vs Synthetic Oil

Benefits of Using Synthetic Motor Oil:

Synthetic oil is distilled, purified, and broken down to a molecular state to remove more impurities. Since it is so broken down, the oil can be made into many combinations that work for modern engines. These customized molecules provide more protection and performance than conventional oil. Conventional oil is more crude and wears away faster. Synthetic oil degrades slower and retains higher levels of engine protection between oil drains. When choosing synthetic oil you can expect less frequent oil changes.

Here are some key benefits when using a synthetic motor oil:

Keeps your engine cleaner: 
Conventional oil can form sludge over time which can reduce the efficiency and the life of your engine. Synthetic oil is purified differently and has less impurities so sludge formation can be better resisted. This will keep your engine cleaner and running strong.

Offers greater engine wear protection:
Engine components wear over time and especially in extreme environments. Motor oil is the protective barrier between these components which you would want to use the best type for your vehicle. Conventional oil will wear down faster leaving these components to break down sooner, whereas synthetic oil will protect longer, prolonging the life of your engine.

Flows better in lower temperatures:
When your vehicle is turned on, oil is pumped to and through your engine components. In colder weather, like here in the winter months of New Jersey, conventional oil will take longer to flow due to its properties. Synthetic oil is formulated to flow quickly in colder temperatures so there is no need to worry about protecting your engine during start ups.

Protects better in high temperatures:
Your engine gets really, really hot on its own and when driving in hotter weather this combination can cause your engine oil to break down or evaporate. Synthetic oil is designed to resist breaking down during these conditions as compared to conventional oil.

Protect critical turbocharger parts:
Car manufacturers are building smaller engines for better fuel economy and adding turbochargers to boost power. The turbocharger works super fast and the shaft can spin up to 200,000 RPM so it is very important that the oil can get to the shaft to lubricate it quickly. Conventional oil can break down faster in these conditions, leaving deposits on the turbocharger which can cause failure to the components. Synthetic oil can protect better and keep these important parts working at peak performance.

Since synthetic oil is a special made product it is more expensive than conventional oil, but is proven to last longer and is better for your engine, which makes it beneficial in the long run. As always, please check with your owner’s manual to see what is recommended for your particular vehicle.

Please check out Mobil Oil* for more information on the benefits of synthetic oil. If you would like an oil change, stop by or call (609-655-2886) to make an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you.

*https://mobiloil.com/en/article/car-maintenance/learn-about-motor-oil-facts/synthetic-oil-vs-conventional-oil

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.

Tip Tuesday: Wiper Blades

Living in New Jersey you know the weather can be unpredictable at times. One day it is warm and 70 degrees then the next day it drops down to 45 degrees with constant rain. Making sure your wiper blades are in tip top shape is always a benefit because you never know when you will need them.

With all the rainy weather we have been having these past few weeks it’s a good idea to check them. Wiper blades should be replaced every 15,000 miles or about every year. They are very important when driving in any precipitation because they help you see clearer which allows you to drive safer.

Did you know that the best way to test your wipers’ functionality is when they are wet? Using your wiper blades on a dry windshield causes them to wear quicker. There is a possibility that you could scratch your windshield too from gritty dirt trapped under the blade. Worn blades can also cause scratches. If you think you need your wipers replaced, please stop by! We carry top rated brands like Bosch and Trico which come in various sizes and fit most standard vehicles.

Small Business Week: Our Story

This week we recognize small businesses all around the nation. The President of the United States, over 50 years ago, brought this to our attention so we can honor those who work for and own small businesses. During this week, we wanted to celebrate our shop's history and talk about how we came to be.

Becoming a business owner was always a thought in my dad’s mind; especially one that had to deal with cars, as he is an automotive enthusiast. And on March 1, 1987, that thought became a reality.

The company started out as being called Jerry Noonan’s Half Acre Mobile and was at a different location than where it is today. It consisted of a Mobile gas station with two bays and an office. His first employees were family members that did the bookkeeping, office work and gas pumping. He did all the repairs.

As the business grew, he hired other mechanics and people to work at the pumps. At one point my dad realized that his business was out growing the location so he needed to start looking for a bigger facility and came across the property of where we are today.

During the process of changing locations there was also a name change for the company. The “Half Acre Mobile” part of the name became “Auto Center” as the gas station wording was no longer relevant. And by 1996 the business became incorporated.

The new location housed one building that consisted of two lifts and an office. It really wasn’t much bigger than where he was previously but because he owned the property this time, my dad knew he could make changes.

He decided to add a building that would hold enough bays to meet the needs of the customers and also provide a section to do auto body. This meant hiring more technicians and administrative people.

So here we are today in 2019 a 14 bay shop consisting of auto body and mechanical repair. We have 5 people up front in the offices, including myself and my dad, 4 people in the mechanical side, and 5 people in the auto body side, including my brother. My mom does the bookkeeping and administrative work usually at home, but she is still a part of this family business.

We all work there now and helped bring my dad’s dream into a reality. In a short lesson, do not give up on your dreams. They may be hard to achieve but if you put your mind to it, anything can be accomplished. This year we celebrate 32 years of business and we would not be where we are today without my dad’s hard work,our employees, and our customers.

*Picture: Drawing by my brother Michael, 29 years ago, at age 5.

Steps to Make Your Car More Environmentally Friendly on Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day everyone! Today is a very special day to spread awareness on what we can do to help the environment. More specifically, what you can do with your car to make it more efficient. There are a bunch of preventive steps that you can take to help your car and the environment, and some are easy enough to do yourself!

One of the most important things you can do is check your gas cap. Whenever you fill up your tank, make sure you or the attendant tightens your gas cap all the way. If it is lose, your gas can leak out in the form of vapor causing you to waste fuel and increase emissions. You can also make sure your gas cap is in good shape, if it is cracked or damaged in any way this also may cause the vapor to leak out. 

Another thing you can do yourself is to clean out your car. Yes this may sound silly, but this will help. If you are lugging around a lot of heavy unnecessary things, this will weigh down your car causing it to exert more energy and use more gas. Of course keep your spare tire, jumper cables, and all those kinds of things in your car at all times, but just try to stay more organized.

There are many simple maintenance services that can be done to help be more environmentally friendly as well. These can be done in a service appointment. You might not think that there is much you can do, but you can. These are services that should be done regularly and now you can find out how they help the environment too.

 The first one is routine tire checks. Make sure you always keep tabs on your tire pressure. Remember you might need more or less air in your tires as the temperature changes outside. If they are not as full as they should be, they should have air added to them. Having not enough air in your tires will make your engine work harder. 

The second one is to get your air filters replaced. These should be checked every time you come in for an oil change. A clogged air filter filled with dirt, bugs, leaves, etc. becomes restricted and this causes your engine to lose power, therefor it drags and is not as productive as it should be. Having a new air filter will improve your acceleration causing you to go farther with less power.  

And third is replacing your spark plugs as needed. During their lifetime, a spark plug creates a lot of heat which can cause electrical and chemical erosion. This wear and tear may cause your engine to misfire. A misfiring engine can use up unnecessary fuel and make your engine work harder to try to make up for that misfire. According to our technicians here at Jerry Noonan’s Auto Center, spark plugs should be changed every 6 years or 60,000 miles. 

There are many things that can be done to help the environment and it all starts you. You can do your part by making routine service appointments and having your car checked regularly to make sure it is performing the best for you and our Earth. 

Getting Your Vehicle Ready for the Warm Weather Ahead

Spring is here, and that means soon the warm weather will be too! 

With warm weather just around the corner, make sure your vehicle is ready by checking these following items:

• Air conditioning temperature and air conditioning components
• Electrical system including the battery, alternator, and starter
• Cooling system including the antifreeze condition and all belts and hoses
• Tire condition
• Wiper blades and washer operation
• All fluids
• All lights

By checking these items and making sure everything is working properly, your vehicle should be all set for Spring!  Jerry Noonan's Auto Center offers our customers a Spring Check that will inspect all of these items and ensure your vehicle is in great shape for $29.95.  If you would like to schedule an appointment for a Spring Check, give us a call today!