Spring Into Car Care

April 11, 2025

Why April Is the Right Time to Show Your Vehicle Some Love

Friendly Tips from your friends at Automotive Magic

Is Your Vehicle Road-Trip Ready?

April is here, and with it comes Car Care Awareness Month—the perfect time to give your vehicle the attention it needs after a long winter. The past few months have likely taken a toll on your car, from freezing temperatures and road salt to potholes and unpredictable weather. Now, as the days get longer and the promise of spring and summer adventures grows stronger, it’s time to ensure your vehicle is as ready as you are.

At Automotive Magic, we know your car is more than just a way to get from point A to point B. It’s your trusted companion—whether it’s getting you through your daily routine, hauling kids to practice, or taking you on weekend road trips. That’s why keeping up with maintenance is so important, especially after winter’s wear and tear.

Shaking Off the Winter Blues

Winter in New Jersey can be rough on a vehicle. The combination of road salt, freezing temperatures, and potholes can lead to hidden damage that’s easy to overlook. Now that spring is here, it’s a great time to check for any lingering issues before they turn into costly repairs.

Checking In on Your Tires

One of the most common issues we see in early spring? Tires that have taken a beating. Cold weather causes air pressure to drop, which means your tires might be underinflated—leading to poor fuel economy and uneven wear. On top of that, if you’ve hit a few potholes (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), your alignment and suspension could be off.

If you’ve noticed your car pulling to one side, your steering feeling less responsive, or your tires looking a little worse for wear, it’s time to have them inspected. Driving with improperly aligned wheels or worn tires doesn’t just affect performance; it can be downright dangerous, especially on rainy spring roads.

Giving Your Brakes Some Love

Brakes are another area that winter tends to be rough on. The mix of moisture, cold temperatures, and road salt can cause rust buildup on brake components, leading to squeaking, grinding, or reduced stopping power. If you’ve noticed your brakes feeling soft or making noise, it’s best to have them checked before you find yourself in a situation where you really need them.

At Automotive Magic, we always recommend a spring brake inspection to catch any issues early. The last thing you want is to hit the road for a weekend getaway and realize too late that your brakes aren’t up to the task.

WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD

As we transition from winter to spring, one of the first things we recommend checking is your tire pressure—and here’s why. Tire pressure naturally fluctuates with the outside temperature. For every 10-degree change, your tire pressure can increase or decrease by about 1 PSI (pounds per square inch). So, those freezing winter mornings likely caused your tires to lose pressure, and now with spring temperatures on the rise, the pressure could be creeping back up—or even becoming uneven between tires. Driving with tires that are under- or over-inflated can lead to poor fuel economy, uneven tread wear, and even reduced handling or braking performance. That’s why it’s smart to have your pressure checked and tires inspected as the seasons shift—your safety (and your gas mileage) depend on it.

Spring Cleaning for Your Engine

When we think of spring cleaning, we usually picture tidying up the garage or swapping out winter clothes, but your engine could use some freshening up too.

Winter can be hard on your vehicle’s fluids, especially your oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. If you’ve been putting off an oil change, now is the perfect time to get it done. Fresh oil keeps your engine running smoothly and efficiently, helping prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

Your coolant system is just as important. Many people think of coolant (or antifreeze) as something only needed in winter, but as temperatures rise, your engine works harder to stay cool. If your coolant is low or hasn’t been changed in a while, your car could be at risk of overheating once the summer heat kicks in.

Don’t Forget the A/C!

Speaking of heat, air conditioning might not have been on your mind during the winter, but before the first scorching day arrives, it’s worth making sure it’s working properly. The last thing you want is to flip on the A/C in June and realize it’s blowing warm air.

A quick A/C system check can ensure you stay comfortable as temperatures rise. It’s also a good time to replace your cabin air filter, which can collect dust, pollen, and debris over time. If you suffer from spring allergies, a clean cabin air filter can make a big difference in air quality inside your vehicle.

Prepping for Road-Trip Season

If you’re planning any road trips or weekend getaways, a little extra preparation now can save you from headaches later.

Check your battery – Winter’s cold can weaken a car battery, leading to sluggish starts or, worse, a dead battery at the worst possible time.
Inspect your wiper blades and lights – April showers are no joke, and good visibility is crucial. Worn wiper blades and dim headlights can make driving in bad weather even riskier.
Give your car a deep clean – Road salt and winter grime can cause rust and corrosion, especially on the undercarriage. A good wash and wax can help protect your paint and prevent long-term damage.

Ready to Get Your Car Spring-Ready?

At Automotive Magic, we want to make sure your vehicle is in top shape for whatever adventures lie ahead. Whether it’s a spring maintenance check, a tire rotation, an alignment, or an A/C inspection, we’ve got you covered.

Schedule your appointment today, and let’s get your car road-trip ready!

📞 Call us at 973-366-3777 or visit www.automotivemagic.com to book your service.

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Shawn Gilfillan is the dedicated owner of Automotive Magic in Kenvil, NJ. With over two decades of experience, Shawn has led his team in providing expert auto repair and service since 2003.

In 2022, Magic Lube & Rubber was born in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Committed to fostering strong community ties and supporting team development, Shawn prioritizes customer satisfaction above all. As a proud family man and long-time resident of Roxbury, NJ, Shawn brings a blend of professionalism and warmth to his business.

Trust Shawn and his team for all your automotive needs with confidence and assurance.

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Drive Belts & Pulleys: The Unsung Heroes Under Your Hood

April 9, 2025

When it comes to car maintenance, there is a lot that comes into play. It can almost be overwhelming at times. Focus on common wear items like the battery, brakes, and tires are usually at the top of the list for most, but there are other items that need attention as well. Drive belts and pulleys are some of these items. These small components help keep your car running smoothly, and after a while they do wear out and need replacement. Unfortunately, failure can lead to a breakdown on the side of the road and leave you needing a tow. So what are they and what do they do? Let’s find out. What Are Drive Belts and Pulleys? Think of drive belts as super strong rubber bands that transfer power from your car’s engine to help run other important components. The pulleys are similar to any other pulley; they are just metal wheels that help guide and control the belts movement. However, these pulleys are attached to other engine accessories, and when the belt spins the pulleys they provide power to these other accessories. Together, they keep essential parts of your car operating. Most modern cars use a serpentine belt, a long, continuous belt that is wrapped around multiple pulleys that power multiple systems. Older vehicles might have V-belts, which are shorter and typically run a single component at a time. What Do Drive Belts and Pulleys Power? Drive belts are made from durable rubber and reinforced materials, but they don’t last forever. Over time, they can crack, stretch, fray, glaze, or even snap. Pulleys have a lifespan as well. They are subject to corrosion and the bearings can go bad and even seize up completely. Without drive belts and pulleys, several key systems in your car wouldn’t function properly. Here’s what they keep running and what can happen if they fail. Alternator – Powers your car’s electrical system and keeps the battery charged. If the belt breaks, your battery will eventually die, leaving you with a car that won’t start or may die while you are driving. Water Pump – Circulates coolant to prevent your engine from overheating. A broken belt could lead to severe engine damage due to overheating. Power Steering Pump – Makes turning the steering wheel easier. If the belt slips or breaks, steering your car instantly becomes much harder, especially at low speeds. Air Conditioning Compressor – Helps keep your car cool on hot days. While not as critical as other components, losing A/C can be uncomfortable. Drive Belts and Pulley Maintenance Drive belts and pulleys don’t necessarily require maintenance, but they should be inspected regularly. In some cases, a bad pulley can cause the belt to slip or even pop off of the pulley completely. There are a few things to look for that may tell you it’s time for replacement. Check for Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing – Look for visible signs of wear on the belt. If you see cracks, missing ribs, fraying, or a shiny, glazed appearance, it’s time for a replacement. Listen for Strange Noises – A worn out belt or pulley may slip on the pulleys and cause a high-pitched squealing, chirping, or rattling noise when you start the car or turn the wheel. Watch for Performance Issues – If your battery warning light comes on, your power steering feels heavy, or your car starts overheating, a belt or pulley could be the culprit. Have Regular Inspections – Most belts last between 50,000 to 100,000 miles, but checking them during routine maintenance can prevent unexpected failures. Replace Before It Fails – A worn belt may still work, but it could snap at any moment. Replacing it early saves you from the headache of a sudden breakdown. Final Thoughts Drive belts and pulleys may not be the most glamorous parts of your car, but they play an essential role in keeping your car running smoothly. Keeping them in good condition helps ensure your car stays reliable and safe. At Automotive Magic , we offer a bumper to bumper vehicle health inspection that includes checking belts and pulleys for wear. Our inspections are sent to you with photos, videos, and descriptions explaining any issues we find with your vehicle and their severity to keep you on the road with confidence. Stop by today or schedule an appointment, and let’s make sure your car is running at its best!

Rabbit Wheels Car Rental at Automotive Keeps You Moving!

March 25, 2025

Your Solution is Right Here! Automotive Magic offers on-site car rentals to help you stay on the move while your vehicle is being serviced? That’s right — Rabbit Wheels Car Rental Service is available at both locations, and it’s becoming a client favorite! Dropping off your vehicle for service can sometimes feel like hitting the pause button on your day and coordinating rides, waiting around, or juggling your schedule just to stay mobile? It’s a hassle. That’s exactly why we’ve been offering Rabbit Wheels — a convenient rental solution designed with your busy life in mind. While Rabbit Wheels has been available for a while, it's now truly taking off as more clients realize just how effortless it makes their service experience. When you're at Automotive Magic in Kenvil, the process is simple, seamless, and all about keeping you moving. Here’s How It Works: Drop off your car for service, and instead of worrying about how you’ll get around, you can make a reservation for a reliable Rabbit Wheels rental, available right on-site. No waiting. No extra stops. Just keys in hand and freedom to go about your day. Why Clients Love Rabbit Wheels: Speed: Quick and easy rental process — get back on the road fast. Reliability: Well-maintained vehicles ready when you are. Affordability: A cost-effective way to avoid downtime without breaking the bank. Whether you’re heading to work, tackling errands, or just want the freedom to come and go while your vehicle is in expert hands, Rabbit Wheels has got you covered. At Automotive Magic, we’re dedicated to giving our clients the best experience possible — and that means minimizing inconvenience while maximizing your time and flexibility. Let’s Keep You Moving! Don't let vehicle service disrupt your plans. Call today to make your reservation for both your service and your Rabbit Wheels rental — all in one easy step. Because when it comes to convenience, we’ve thought of everything — including the wheels to keep you going!