Kenvil & Lake Hopatcong Auto Repair

Recently, Brendan, One of the many skilled technicians at the Automotive Magic evaluated a Transit 150 with transmission problems for a commercial business owner. The vehicle had inconsistent transmission issues where the transmission would randomly start to buck and fall out of gear, or hard shift.  After some diagnostics, Brendan identified the root of the issue. The transmission output shaft speed sensor was losing connection randomly, causing the computer to determine the gear selection and shift point/speed incorrectly. To solve this problem, Brendan had to remove the sub-frame to access the transmission oil pan and expose the valve body assembly. However, the client decided to replace the entire transmission as preventative maintenance to prevent future downtime.  He replaced the transmission as the client requested and they were thrilled with the results. Brendan's hard work paid o ... read more

Understanding Fuel Octanes: How They Impact Your Car's Performance When you pull up to the gas station, you're often faced with a choice: regular, mid-grade, or premium fuel. While the price difference between these options may catch your eye, what's more important is understanding the significance of their octane ratings and how they can affect your vehicle's performance. Let's dive into the world of fuel octane and unravel the mystery behind this crucial aspect of engine optimization ... read more

Maintaining your car battery is an essential aspect of keeping your vehicle in good working order. At Magic Lube & Rubber, we believe that your battery is the lifeline of your car and requires regular maintenance to keep it functioning at its best. Let's take a closer look at why your battery matters and what you can do to ensure it stays healthy. Your Battery's Role in Your Vehicle Your battery is responsible for providing the initial energy required to start your car's engine. Without it, your vehicle won't move an inch. Additionally, your battery helps regulate voltage, which is essential for preventing damage to sensitive electronic components. From headlights to power windows, your battery ensures that all electrical systems in your car function correctly. How Long Does a Battery Last? On average, a car battery lasts between three to five years. However, this can vary based on several factors, including driving habits, weat ... read more

Have you ever been burdened with a dead battery in your vehicle? Most of us have experienced the pain of going to start our cars and getting nothing but a rapid-paced click, or nothing at all. A dead battery can happen at any time, and having the right knowledge and equipment is essential to get back on the road in an emergency. Jump-starting a car is a skill that every driver should know in case they’re ever stuck with a dead battery, so in this blog, we’ll be diving into How to Jump-start Your Car.   Why do car batteries die? Car batteries have a lifespan in which they will work as intended, typically four to seven years. After that, they’ll start to lose their ability to hold a charge. A car battery will also lose its charge if something draws power from the battery after the vehicle is turned off. This can be something as simple as leaving a light on, but can also be very intricate like a power draw fro ... read more

Your vehicle's engine is a complex and intricate system that requires various components to work together to ensure optimal performance. One such component that is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in the engine's proper functioning are the filters. Filters are the silent guardians of your engine, protecting vital components from damage and ensuring smooth operation. We want to share with you the importance of filters in your vehicle's engine and why regular maintenance is essential.  Air Filters:  Air filters are essential for your engine's health and performance. They prevent dust, dirt, and debris from entering the engine, which can cause damage and reduce efficiency. A clean air filter ensures that your engine receives a steady flow of clean air, allowing for proper combustion. This, in turn, leads to improved fuel efficiency, increased engine power, and reduced em ... read more

As a car owner, you might overlook the significance of fluid services in your car, but in reality, they are crucial for the longevity and reliability of your vehicle. The fluids in your car's engine, transmission, brakes, and coolant system are all interconnected and need regular maintenance. Neglecting fluid services can lead to a domino effect of issues, ultimately shortening your vehicle's lifespan and increasing repair costs. Regular oil changes are vital for your engine's health, ensuring proper lubrication and preventing wear and tear. Neglecting oil changes can lead to increased friction, overheating, and potential engine failure. The importance of regular transmission fluid maintenance cannot be overstated. It ensures smooth gear shifts, prevents overheating, and extends the life of your transmission system. Ignoring it can result in sluggish gear shifts, transmission slippage, and expensive repairs. Brake fluid plays a pivotal role in your vehicle's braking s ... read more

Valentine's Day isn't just for showering affection on people; it's also the perfect time to show some love to your your vehicle. Just like any relationship, your car deserves attention and care to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride. This Valentine's Day, consider scheduling some love-filled attention for your beloved vehicle. Pamper with Professional Care: Show your car you care by scheduling a maintenance appointment with us at Automotive Magic or Magic Lube and Rubber. Professional care ensures your vehicle receives the attention it deserves, with skilled technicians addressing any issues and keeping it in top-notch condition.   Sweetheart Service Offers: You and your sweetie are in luck with our February Show your car a Little Love Special for the month of February. Make sure you mention you saw this on our website to get a Free Rotate and Balance with any fluid service. This service ca ... read more

Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions If you're a Chevy owner, you may have heard of the dreaded lifter issues that seem to be plaguing some Chevrolet vehicles. Based on our experiences, it's a common problem that can cause everything from annoying ticking noises to serious performance issues, and eventually catastrophic motor failure. With so many coming in, we wanted to put a blog together to shine some light on these issues for our clients and anyone else who may not know or want to know more about them. So let's get into it!   What are Lifters? Before diving into the issues, it is important to understand what lifters are and their role in the engine. Lifters are small cylindrical components located in the engine block. They sit between the camshaft and the pushrods or valves. The lifter's primary function is to transfer the movement of the camshaft to the pushrods or valves, which in turn open and close the engine's intake and exhaust valves. Essentially, th ... read more

Our Repair of the Month is based on a Ram 5500 that came in with a heating issue. The customer explained that his heat was not working as efficiently as it used to and was only getting lukewarm. Another thing the customer noticed was that the heat on the passenger side seemed to be blowing warmer than on the driver's side. Based on previous experiences, we immediately knew that this was likely to be an issue with the vehicle's heater core.  The heater core is a part of the vehicle's cooling system that is responsible for heating the cabin when you turn the heat on. It is almost always located between the dashboard and the firewall, making the removal of the dashboard necessary to replace it. The evaporative core, part of the air conditioning system, can also be found behind the dashboard. This customer wanted to take preventative measures and replace the evaporator core too whi ... read more

After a snowstorm, it sure is pretty in New Jersey, but there’s always work to do as a result. Shoveling the driveways and sidewalks isn’t the most fun, and then the chore of digging your car out. Let's all take a little extra time here to be responsible and respectful drivers. A few extra minutes spent clearing off your car can prevent accidents, protect property, and ensure a safer winter commute for everyone. So, before you hit the road, ensure your vehicle is not just winter-ready but also considerate to your fellow travelers. It's the law, and more importantly, the right thing to do. In NJ, failing to remove snow and ice from your vehicle can result in fines ranging from $25 to $75 for each offense. What's more, these fines apply whether or not the dislodgedice and snow hit the road. It's a small price to pay for the safety of fellow drivers. However, the consequences escalate if flying ice or snow causes damage or injury to others. Motorists can face ... read more