Kenvil & Lake Hopatcong Auto Repair

At Automotive Magic and Magic Lube and Rubber, we are always committed to providing the best service to our customers. That's why we're excited to announce the arrival of our brand new 1234yf air conditioning machine, complete with a state-of-the-art leak detector. This advanced equipment is now available at our shop, ready to service vehicles from the 2018 model year and newer, especially those from GM and Chrysler.     Why 1234yf?   The 1234yf refrigerant was developed to be significantly less environmentally harmful than its predecessor, R-134a. If any of this refrigerant were to escape from your vehicle, it has a much lower affect on the environment, making it a greener choice for your car’s air conditioning system. As environmental concerns continue to grow, many manufacturers are transitioning to 1234yf, and we are here to ensure your vehicle stays cool and eco-friendly. Advanced Diagnostics and Repair With our new 1234yf AC mach ... read more

Automotive Magic and Magic Lube and Rubber Featured on ShopRite Shopping Carts in Wharton, NJ! We are thrilled to announce that Automotive Magic and Magic Lube and Rubber are now being featured on the shopping carts at the ShopRite in Wharton, NJ! This aims to bring a convenient reminder to our valued customers about the importance of vehicle maintenance while they go about their essential grocery shopping. We understand that getting your vehicle serviced doesn't  often rank highly on your list of priorities. Unlike grocery shopping, which is an absolute necessity, vehicle maintenance can sometimes be put on the back burner. However, keeping your car running smoothly is just as crucial to your daily life as having a stocked pantry. That's why we've found a creative way to remind you about the importance of regular car care right where you can't miss it while you're shopping for your groceries ... read more

Coolant and Antifreeze Are Crucial in Hot Summer Months A topic that’s often overlooked but essential for your vehicle’s well-being, especially during the scorching summer months is coolant and antifreeze. Here at Automotive Magic Auto Repair and Maintenance in Kenvil, NJ, we believe in not just fixing cars but also educating our community about the finer details of car care. So, buckle up as we take you through why your engine's best friend during summer is none other than coolant (or antifreeze)! The Role of Coolant in Summer When the temperature outside starts climbing, your car’s engine works even harder. All that extra effort generates a lot of heat. Here's why coolant is crucial during these hot months: Prevents Overheating One of the primary roles of coolant is to absorb the heat from the engine and dissipate it through the radiator. When you're driving in high temperatures, your engine can become dangerously hot, leading to overheating. Overhea ... read more

Are you a proud owner of a GM vehicle equipped with the 2.4 liter Ecotec motor? Or perhaps you're considering purchasing one? While this engine has gained popularity for its fuel efficiency and performance in various models, it's not without its share of issues that owners and potential buyers should be aware of. In this blog post, we'll get into some of the common problems associated with the Chevy 2.4 liter Ecotec motor, providing insights to help you make informed decisions.   This motor was developed by General Motors with efficiency and fuel economy in mind for daily driving applications. It is an inline 4 cylinder that produces 164 - 182 hp and about 172 lb-ft of torque. It features direct injection, dual overhead cams, and variable valve timing. It can be found in cars such as the Chevrolet Captiva, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Buick Verano (CX/CXL), and B ... read more

The Silent Heroes: Understanding the Importance of Catalytic Converters In the world of cars and environmental consciousness, there's a silent hero that’s often overlooked the catalytic converter. You may have heard about this fancy part of the exhaust system that hides under the car, waiting to play its part when you turn your car on. Its role in reducing harmful emissions from vehicles and preserving the air we breathe is crucial. Let's dive into this vital component and explore why it deserves our attention. What is a Catalytic Converter? Remember when masks were required for any travel during the COVID-19 outbreak? The purpose was to stop the spread of the virus or “pollutant” by filtering the air you breathe out through a mask. You can think of a catalytic converter in the same sense. It’s a device installed in your vehicle's exhaust system that converts harmful pollutants created by the combustion process into less harmful emissions before ... read more

Brakes are fundamental to vehicle safety. They enable you to control your car's speed and stop when necessary, preventing accidents and ensuring safe driving conditions. Without properly functioning brakes, your vehicle's control is severely compromised, posing significant safety risks. Regular inspections and maintenance of your brake system are crucial for ensuring that your vehicle operates safely and efficiently. Signs That Your Brakes Need Attention Several indicators can suggest that your brakes need professional attention: Noise: Squealing or grinding noises when applying brakes often indicate that your brake pads or shoes are worn out and need replacement. Vibration: If you feel vibrations or pulsations in your steering wheel when braking, it might signal warped rotors that need to be checked. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal: This could indicate air in the brake lines or an issue with the brake fluid, bot ... read more

Looking to kick off the summer with a smooth ride? Look no further than Magic Lube and Rubber in Lake Hopatcong, where a special offer on select Cooper tires is currently up for grabs. From now through July 31, 2024, you can take advantage of an exclusive rebate program and gear up for the season's adventures with a brand-new set of tires. When you purchase a set of four new select Cooper brand tires, you could be eligible to receive up to a $100 Visa® Reward through a simple mail-in or online rebate process. This limited-time offer applies to a range of eligible Cooper tires, including popular models such as the Cobra Instinct, Discoverer Road+Trail AT, Discoverer Rugged Trek, and more. The rebate program features varying reward amounts, with options for $100, $75, and $50 Visa® Rewards based on the specific tires purchased. Whether you're eyeing the top-tier models or exploring the budget-friendly options, there's something for everyone to make the most of this ... read more

As the temperatures rise and summer approaches, the last thing you want is for your car’s air conditioning (A/C) system to fail. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in traffic on a scorching day without a cool breeze to keep you comfortable. At Magic Lube and Rubber Auto Repair and Service, we understand the importance of a well-functioning A/C system, which is why we offer comprehensive A/C system checks to ensure your ride remains cool and comfortable all summer long. The A/C System Check Process Step 1: Initial Inspection When you bring your vehicle to Magic Lube and Rubber for an A/C system check, the first step our skilled technicians take is to perform an initial inspection. We start by ensuring that the A/C compressor, the heart of the system, is turning on and operating correctly. The compressor is crucial as it circulates the refrigerant through the system, enabling the cooling process.   Step 2: Checking the Pressures To diagnose the health of your A ... read more

In our recent blog and video discussing the significance of fluid change services for your vehicle, we goofed and accidentally omitted a crucial aspect: power steering fluid. We received some feedback on this oversight, and we're here to rectify it. So, let's dive into the world of power steering fluid and shed light on its importance. First, it's essential to note that not all vehicles are equipped with power steering, and advancements like electric power steering have emerged in recent years. Prior to 1996, power steering was an optional feature, but nowadays, most newer vehicles are equipped with this system to assist with maneuvering, especially during tight turns. There are primarily two types of power steering systems: conventional hydraulic and electric power steering. Interestingly, some electric systems incorporate hydraulic power steering, utilizing a mineral oil-based fluid. It's crucial to understand that not all systems use the same type of fluid, mak ... read more

As drivers, we often prioritize maintaining the visible components of our vehicles, such as the engine, brakes, and tires. However, one crucial aspect that is often overlooked is the suspension system. At Automotive Magic and Magic Lube and Rubber, we understand the significance of a well-maintained suspension system and its impact on both safety and performance on the road. The Importance of Suspension Maintenance for Safety  Your vehicle's suspension system plays a vital role in ensuring your safety while driving. It provides stability, control, and comfort. Worn or damaged suspension components can compromise these essential functions, putting you and your passengers at risk. For example, if you drive on bumpy roads with worn-out shocks or struts, the excessive bouncing and instability can affect your ability to maintain control of the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Compromised suspension components can lead to uneven tire wear, affecting traction and gri ... read more