Kenvil & Lake Hopatcong Auto Repair

Common Issues with the FCA 3.6L Pentastar Engine If you own a vehicle with the FCA 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, you’re driving one of the most durable and reliable engines that Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram are rolling off of their production lines today. Known for its balance of performance, efficiency, and longevity, the 3.6L Pentastar is designed to provide years of trouble-free service with proper maintenance. That’s why this popular powerhouse has earned its place in millions of vehicles, from the iconic Jeep Wrangler to the sporty Dodge Charger, and even utility vehicles such as the Ram Promaster since its introduction in 2010.  However, building something great is never without its challenges. Since its introduction, Pentastar V6 owners have noticed a few common problems that tend to arise over time. Like any vehicle, it’s not completely immune to developing issues. As an owner, it’s important to be aware of the complicated problems that can arise. Fo ... 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

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

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

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

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

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

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