Posted on 11/2/2023
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
Posted on 10/31/2023
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
Posted on 10/16/2023
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
Posted on 10/13/2023
Your car's tires are the unsung heroes of the road, providing stability, traction, and safety. To ensure they perform at their best, regular maintenance is essential. Tire rotation and balancing are two key components of this upkeep, and their importance cannot be overstated. Tire Rotation Tire rotation is the practice of switching the positions of your vehicle's tires, typically from front to back and side to side, and in some cases a criss cross pattern. This routine maintenance task offers several benefits. First, it helps to equalize tire wear. Your vehicle's weight distribution and how the tires interact with the road can cause uneven wear patterns. By rotating them, you ensure that each tire wears evenly, extending their lifespan. Secondly, it enhances traction and handling. Unevenly worn tires can lead to reduced traction and compromised handling. By keeping your tires ... read more
Posted on 10/1/2023
At Automotive Magic, we prioritize delivering exceptional service and repairs to our clients. To achieve this, we have assembled a team of industry experts who are committed to using the latest technology and establishing strong relationships with our vendors to provide our clients with the best possible pricing. Being one of our current clients, you have likely met Jay, our talented technician who joined our team with an impressive list of certifications and a passion for solving problems. He graduated from Wyotech Automotive and Light Diesel Training and is licensed by the state of NJ and the Motor Vehicle Commission for vehicle inspection and emission repairs. Jay's dedication to his craft is admirable; he is always seeking to improve his knowledge and skills and has earned several certifications, including Master Certified Technician, Light Duty Diesel, L1, Gasoline-Powered Engines, and Advanced Level Sp ... read more
Posted on 9/8/2023
Are you ready to give your vehicle some much-needed TLC? Now is the perfect time to do so because Automotive Magic and Magic Lube and Rubber have partnered with NAPA EasyPay to offer you an exciting deal. When you open a NAPA EasyPay credit card or use your existing card for a purchase at either Automotive Magic or Magic Lube and Rubber, you can get a whopping 10% cash back, up to $100! But, hurry, because this fantastic offer is only valid on purchases made through September 30, 2023. NAPA EasyPay is not just any credit card; it's your ticket to unlocking incredible savings while ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly. Here's why you should consider getting one: With NAPA EasyPay, you can enjoy a generous 10% up to $100 via Visa® Prepaid Card by mail at either of our locations. Whether you need an oil change, an alignment, or any other automotive service, we've got you covered. Up to ... read more
Posted on 8/29/2023
Here we have a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL in need of a new turbo assembly, which seems to be a common issue with these. The turbocharger is a system of two turbines connected by a shaft in the middle. Exhaust from the motor forces one of the two turbines to spin from the exhaust pressure which forces the other turbine to spin, pressurizing fresh air into the engine intake (cold side). This pressurized increase of air coming into the intake means the engine needs to burn more fuel to keep the air/fuel mixture just right. The results are an increase in engine power without having to change the displacement of the motor. Unfortunately for us, New Jersey and most of the other states in the northeast have to deal with problematic rust on our vehicles. This can be challenging for technicians as bolts get seized or rot away and break sometimes. This Tiguan is a victim ... read more
Posted on 8/8/2023
Lauren Praino, a dynamic and compassionate individual, has recently joined the Automotive Magic team as our newest Service Consultant. Having studied psychology and criminal justice from Luzerne County Community College, Lauren's journey into the automotive industry is an intriguing fusion of expertise. Originally hailing from Matamoras, PA, Lauren's educational journey saw her graduate from Delaware Valley High School before embarking on her studies in psychology and criminal justice. Her academic pursuits reflect her deep-seated commitment to understanding human behavior and seeking solutions to intricate challenges. Lauren's dedication to helping people truly sets her apart. A natural "People Person," she thrives on connecting with others and uncovering their unique needs. Her remarkable ability to actively listen and empathize allows her to collaboratively devise solutions that resonate. With a keen affinity for problem-solving, Lauren excels in her role as a ... read more
Posted on 8/4/2023
Embrace the last rays of summer and make the most of these precious moments. We're here to share some news as August graces us with its presence: the back-to-school excitement is officially underway. If you, or your cherished ones, are gearing up for a return to school come September, consider this a gentle nudge to have your vehicle given a thorough check. Especially if your journeys take you beyond familiar horizons, rest assured that our steadfast commitment, backed by the Napa Nationwide warranty, stands ready to address any repairs you might need. Understanding the value of your time, we've tailored a comprehensive package to assist you in ticking off those tasks on your list. When you bring your vehicle to us, rest assured, we're not simply giving it a once-over – we're conducting an in-depth inspection to ensure your car is primed for the upcoming season. Our Back to School Check encompasses: Tire rotation and balance Alignment adjustmen ... read more
Posted on 7/25/2023
Our repair of the month this July is a 2008 Subaru Outback. This car came in making some unpleasant noises from under the hood. Just from the knocking and squealing noises coming from the bottom end, we were led to believe the bearings in the bottom of the engine had failed. After some diagnostics with a stethoscope, kind of like the one your doctor uses, we were able to confirm that the main and rod bearings have “spun”. Spun is a term used to describe when engine bearings fail. This normally only happens when an engine is starved of oil, or the oil loses too much viscosity and can no longer lubricate the engine properly. You see engine bearings are never supposed to contact each other while the engine is running. They are separated by a thin film of pressurized oil, which at the correct viscosity keeps everything running smoothly with no metal to metal contact. Oil loses viscosity over time from wear and tear, heat, combustion gasses, fuel dilution and condensati ... read more