Kenvil & Lake Hopatcong Auto Repair

Navigating Ford Timing and Cam Phaser Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions If you're a proud owner of a Ford vehicle, you may have heard about the occasional stories related to the timing system. Found in many of Ford’s vehicles, the 3.5-liter Ecoboost is a V6 motor that economizes on fuel efficiency and provides a nice performance punch, making it very popular. Unfortunately, many people including us here at Automotive Magic, have recognized that the timing system on vehicles with this motor tends to have some issues. Two critical components that can encounter issues over time are the timing chain and camshaft-phasers. Ignoring these issues, if encountered,  could potentially lead to catastrophic failure of the motor. In this blog, we'll explore the causes, symptoms, and solutions associated with Ford's timing chain and cam phaser issues in the 3.5-liter Ecoboost. The timing chain is a crucial component of an internal combustion engine, ens ... read more

Ram/General Heater Core Issues Just imagine winter is here, you go outside in the morning to start your car and let it warm up before you head out to start your day. You walk back outside and get in your car only to find cold air blowing out of your vents. “Ughhhhh, why is my car not warming up!?” Our team at Automotive Magic/Magic Lube & Rubber knows there could be a couple of issues that could cause your car to blow cold air instead of heat. Things such as low coolant, a broken blend door, or a stuck open thermostat could all be the culprits of having no heat. But the one we will be focusing on today is heater cores. While often overshadowed by its larger counterpart, the radiator, the heater core plays a vital role in ensuring your car's interior is a comfortable haven when temperatures plummet.  Heater Core Function  Now you may be wondering, what exactly is a heater core and what job does it perform? Here are some of the basics. Imagine the heater c ... read more

In the dynamic world of automotive services, companies like Automotive Magic and Magic Lube and Rubber strive not only to excel in their services but also to invest in the growth and development of their employees. Thanks to the support of the Workforce Development Board, these companies have witnessed remarkable transformations in their workforce. Grants provided by the Workforce Development Board have made a significant impact, focusing on key programs like High-Performance Team (HPT) training, Life Calibrations, and advanced training for automotive technicians. High-Performance Team (HPT) Training: Empowering Problem Solvers: The Workforce Development Board has been pivotal in fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration at Automotive Magic and Magic Lube and Rubber. One of the standout programs supported by the grants is the High-Performance Team (HPT) training. This training equips employees and management with the skills necessary to tackle challenges effectively. HPT tr ... read more

A recent situation that our client faced with their 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.7 Liter was a loud growling/humming sound coming from the rear of the vehicle while driving. This can be caused by failing pinion bearings inside the rear differential. Here at Automotive Magic, we have the expertise and equipment to diagnose and repair this sort of issue quickly and efficiently. Our expert technician used a stethoscope, just like a doctor, to confirm the problem and then disassemble the rear differential to replace all the bearings.  But, what causes the pinion bearings to fail internally? Lack of fluid changes is the primary culprit. Gear oil breaks down over time and becomes less protective and more abrasive, causing damage to the bearings. This is why it’s important to maintain all the fluids in your vehicle, including differential fluids, transmission fluid, transfer case fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and coolant.  At Automotive Magic, we understand the imp ... read more

Introducing Rabbit Wheels Car Rental Service at Automotive Magic, your hassle-free solution to vehicle repairs and service inconveniences! We get it – the whole process of dropping off your car, arranging for transportation, or waiting for service can be a major disruption to your day. But does it have to be? At Automotive Magic, we're all about making your life easier. While our concierge service has been a great help for clients near our shops, we realize it still leaves you tied down, unable to run errands, or make quick trips while your vehicle is being serviced. That's where Rabbit Wheels comes in to change the game. Imagine dropping off your car for service and, instead of worrying about transportation, simply hopping into a rental vehicle from Rabbit Wheels conveniently located at Automotive Magic. Yes, it's as effortless as it sounds! We aim to ensure your convenience and keep you on the move while we take care of your vehicle. What sets Rabbit Wheels apart ... read more

This holiday season, treat yourself and someone special to the gift of car care! At Automotive Magic and Magic Lube & Rubber Auto Repair, we are excited to offer a special deal - buy one synthetic oil change and get one for free, you can choose to give both or keep them for yourself and gift for free. Plus, we'll provide a gift certificate in a ready-to-present gift bag, making it easy for you to give the gift of a well-maintained car. Don't forget your car during the seasonal rush. With our offer, you can purchase a synthetic oil change for yourself on or before December 21, 2023, and receive a second one to gift. You and your gift recipient have until September 30, 2024, to redeem these services. This offer also cannot be combined with any other offers.  Contact us today to book your appointments or visit us in person to take advantage of this exclusive deal. Give the gift of our professional services this holiday season, and show your car - and a loved one's ... read more

'Tis the season to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for and to share in the joy and spirit of Christmas. As you embark on your holiday shopping spree for that perfect gift, consider extending the festive cheer to those who are less fortunate. Even a small contribution can make a significant impact in making a child's Christmas special. n 2023, Automotive Magic and Magic Lube & Rubber proudly serve as drop locations for Marine Toys for Tots. This year marks the 76th anniversary of this incredible giving opportunity, and we are thrilled to contribute to building awareness and supporting countless children who might otherwise go without gifts this Christmas. For those considering donations, here are the updated Toys for Tots Gift Guidelines for 2023:   New and unwrapped items are preferred. Aim for a price range of $10 or above. Books are highly needed (children receive 2 toys each, and 3 books count as ONE gift!). Homemade toys are also warmly welcomed ... read more

As we approach the winter months in New Jersey, it's important to prepare for the hazardous weather conditions that may arise. To ensure that your vehicle is equipped to handle any challenges that Mother Nature brings, make sure your tires are safe and reliable. Our technicians are available at either of our locations to assess your vehicle's tires and recommend any necessary changes to help you navigate the slippery conditions ahead. Additionally, if you need new tires, take advantage of our special offer from Cooper Tires. When you buy a set of four new select Cooper brand tires, you may be eligible to receive up to a $100 Visa® Reward by mail-in or online rebate. This offer is valid for tires purchased now through November 30, 2023. ELIGIBLE COOPER TIRES:   $100 Cooper Visa Prepaid Card Cobra Instinct Discoverer AT3 LT Discoverer AT3 XLT Discoverer Road+Trail AT Discoverer Rugged Trek Discoverer STT PRO $75 Cooper V ... read more

It is essential to maintain the right engine coolant levels to ensure your vehicle's engine operates smoothly. Engine coolant, also known as antifreeze, is a critical component that helps prevent engine overheating and freezing. However, many people are unaware of the potential dangers that can arise when engine coolant either boils or freezes. At Magic Lube and Rubber, our experienced technicians understand the importance of maintaining the proper coolant levels, and they use specialized tools such as a hydrometer to ensure your vehicle's health. The Danger of Boiling Coolant If your engine coolant boils, it can create problems for your vehicle. Engine coolant is designed to prevent your engine from overheating, and when it boils, it loses its ability to regulate temperature effectively. This can lead to engine damage, including cracked cylinder heads and blown head gaskets. An overheated engine is an expensive problem that could leave you stranded on the sid ... read more

Our Repair of the Month for October features a 2017 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6 with 85,000 miles the customer reported the vehicle was smoking and overheating, but there was no sign of coolant leakage, even though the coolant level was low. In light of this information, we conducted a chemical test to determine if there was an internal coolant leakage in the engine. The test confirmed the presence of exhaust gas in the coolant, which is typically an indication of a bad head gasket or a crack in one or both of the heads (top half of the motor). When the head gasket is damaged, exhaust gas leaks into the coolant system, and the coolant leaks into the motor, where it mixes with engine oil. We confirmed that the head gasket was defective and removed the motor and removed the heads. We advised the customer to replace the heads with new, fully loaded ones, to avoid future problems as other components such as camshafts, timing components, and lifters could also fail. A ... read more