Vehicle Health Checks, Our Way

Shawn Gilfillan • April 9, 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, our vehicles are more than just a means of transportation—they’re crucial to our daily lives. They enable us to commute to work, run errands, and embark on adventures. More than that, they allow us to create great memories, learn new things, and for some of us car guys and gals, just their presence brings us pride and joy.

Given their importance, ensuring that your car is in good working condition is not just a matter of convenience, it is also a matter of safety and well-being. With newer cars getting more and more expensive, we understand the importance of keeping your car on the road in running and driving condition, ready to take on your next challenge with you. Regularly getting your car looked over by a professional mechanic is a key aspect of responsible vehicle ownership.

At Automotive Magic, we offer a full vehicle inspection of your car from bumper to bumper to make sure you are aware of any issues, and you’re ready for whatever life throws at you next. Here’s a breakdown of our inspection process and why it's important to you, and us.

Our process starts on the phone or face to face with our customers. We like to get a good understanding of any concerns with the vehicle, anything that needs extra attention and how the vehicle is used. (For example, is the vehicle used every so often as needed? Is it driven 100 miles on the commute to work every day? Is it a vehicle taking your child on a long trip for college? Or maybe you are getting a new car soon and just want to keep this one running until then?) A better understanding of the needs, expectations, and wants for the vehicle helps us better understand your needs, expectations, and wants from us.

Once we have the vehicle, our technicians will start the hands-on process of the inspection. Before it is brought in the shop, check for body/cosmetic damage and take the car for a short test drive. The test drive allows us to check brake function, suspension, powertrain engagement and hear or feel anything we may find out of the ordinary. The techs will also check electronic components and amenities like windows, the radio, heat and a/c, windshield wipers, interior/exterior lighting, lights on the dash, etc. Anything that could cause an inconvenience, we check.

When the technicians are finished with the test drive, they will pull the vehicle into the shop and continue with the inspection by opening the hood and setting up a lift. Under the hood, we check all of the fluids, drive belts, filters, hoses, and test the battery and charging system. We look for things like fluid leaks, dry rotted rubber, and generally anything that looks out of place or problematic. If anything is found we have a three stage system to let you know the severity of the issue. We have a yellow stage for things that will need attention soon but aren’t of dire importance and a red stage for issues that need immediate attention and could affect the safety or function of your vehicle.

We also have a green stage for things that are in good shape and don’t need any attention, because we don’t like all bad news either! And of course, everything is clarified with a phone call explaining our findings with photos and videos so you have the best idea of your vehicle’s health that we can provide.

Once the vehicle is in the air, an even more thorough inspection will begin. At this point, we go through the whole underside of the vehicle checking everything we can see and touch. The entire braking system, all tires, all suspension components, exhaust, mounts, and drivetrain will all be looked over for concerns. We also check for leaks and rust that may affect drivability and structural integrity.The previous test drive will help us single out the location and cause of a noise, vibration and or anything else we found concerning. Then we take a photo or video, write a short description of the finding and in the health report it goes!

Your safety and well being is important to us. Here, we express it best by taking care of your car so you don’t have to worry. Our health report is a thorough and transparent way to see what condition your vehicle is in, and if anything needs to be addressed. Getting your vehicle looked over regularly makes it less likely you will experience breakdowns or failures that could compromise your safety on the road. It also helps catch minor issues before they turn into major problems that could escalate into a more serious and expensive repair. Taking the steps to prevent a sickness is better than searching for a cure.

There’s a certain peace of mind that comes with knowing your car is in good shape and will reliably get you from place to place, and we don’t want you to have to think twice before hopping in your car and going on that trip. So, the next time you consider skipping that routine maintenance check, remember that it’s not just about keeping your car running—it's about keeping you safe, secure, and happy on the road.

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Shawn Gilfillan is the dedicated owner of Automotive Magic in Kenvil, NJ. With over two decades of experience, Shawn has led his team in providing expert auto repair and service since 2003.

In 2022, Magic Lube & Rubber was born in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Committed to fostering strong community ties and supporting team development, Shawn prioritizes customer satisfaction above all. As a proud family man and long-time resident of Roxbury, NJ, Shawn brings a blend of professionalism and warmth to his business.

Trust Shawn and his team for all your automotive needs with confidence and assurance.

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Drive Belts & Pulleys: The Unsung Heroes Under Your Hood

April 9, 2025

When it comes to car maintenance, there is a lot that comes into play. It can almost be overwhelming at times. Focus on common wear items like the battery, brakes, and tires are usually at the top of the list for most, but there are other items that need attention as well. Drive belts and pulleys are some of these items. These small components help keep your car running smoothly, and after a while they do wear out and need replacement. Unfortunately, failure can lead to a breakdown on the side of the road and leave you needing a tow. So what are they and what do they do? Let’s find out. What Are Drive Belts and Pulleys? Think of drive belts as super strong rubber bands that transfer power from your car’s engine to help run other important components. The pulleys are similar to any other pulley; they are just metal wheels that help guide and control the belts movement. However, these pulleys are attached to other engine accessories, and when the belt spins the pulleys they provide power to these other accessories. Together, they keep essential parts of your car operating. Most modern cars use a serpentine belt, a long, continuous belt that is wrapped around multiple pulleys that power multiple systems. Older vehicles might have V-belts, which are shorter and typically run a single component at a time. What Do Drive Belts and Pulleys Power? Drive belts are made from durable rubber and reinforced materials, but they don’t last forever. Over time, they can crack, stretch, fray, glaze, or even snap. Pulleys have a lifespan as well. They are subject to corrosion and the bearings can go bad and even seize up completely. Without drive belts and pulleys, several key systems in your car wouldn’t function properly. Here’s what they keep running and what can happen if they fail. Alternator – Powers your car’s electrical system and keeps the battery charged. If the belt breaks, your battery will eventually die, leaving you with a car that won’t start or may die while you are driving. Water Pump – Circulates coolant to prevent your engine from overheating. A broken belt could lead to severe engine damage due to overheating. Power Steering Pump – Makes turning the steering wheel easier. If the belt slips or breaks, steering your car instantly becomes much harder, especially at low speeds. Air Conditioning Compressor – Helps keep your car cool on hot days. While not as critical as other components, losing A/C can be uncomfortable. Drive Belts and Pulley Maintenance Drive belts and pulleys don’t necessarily require maintenance, but they should be inspected regularly. In some cases, a bad pulley can cause the belt to slip or even pop off of the pulley completely. There are a few things to look for that may tell you it’s time for replacement. Check for Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing – Look for visible signs of wear on the belt. If you see cracks, missing ribs, fraying, or a shiny, glazed appearance, it’s time for a replacement. Listen for Strange Noises – A worn out belt or pulley may slip on the pulleys and cause a high-pitched squealing, chirping, or rattling noise when you start the car or turn the wheel. Watch for Performance Issues – If your battery warning light comes on, your power steering feels heavy, or your car starts overheating, a belt or pulley could be the culprit. Have Regular Inspections – Most belts last between 50,000 to 100,000 miles, but checking them during routine maintenance can prevent unexpected failures. Replace Before It Fails – A worn belt may still work, but it could snap at any moment. Replacing it early saves you from the headache of a sudden breakdown. Final Thoughts Drive belts and pulleys may not be the most glamorous parts of your car, but they play an essential role in keeping your car running smoothly. Keeping them in good condition helps ensure your car stays reliable and safe. At Automotive Magic , we offer a bumper to bumper vehicle health inspection that includes checking belts and pulleys for wear. Our inspections are sent to you with photos, videos, and descriptions explaining any issues we find with your vehicle and their severity to keep you on the road with confidence. Stop by today or schedule an appointment, and let’s make sure your car is running at its best!

Rabbit Wheels Car Rental at Automotive Keeps You Moving!

March 25, 2025

Your Solution is Right Here! Automotive Magic offers on-site car rentals to help you stay on the move while your vehicle is being serviced? That’s right — Rabbit Wheels Car Rental Service is available at both locations, and it’s becoming a client favorite! Dropping off your vehicle for service can sometimes feel like hitting the pause button on your day and coordinating rides, waiting around, or juggling your schedule just to stay mobile? It’s a hassle. That’s exactly why we’ve been offering Rabbit Wheels — a convenient rental solution designed with your busy life in mind. While Rabbit Wheels has been available for a while, it's now truly taking off as more clients realize just how effortless it makes their service experience. When you're at Automotive Magic in Kenvil, the process is simple, seamless, and all about keeping you moving. Here’s How It Works: Drop off your car for service, and instead of worrying about how you’ll get around, you can make a reservation for a reliable Rabbit Wheels rental, available right on-site. No waiting. No extra stops. Just keys in hand and freedom to go about your day. Why Clients Love Rabbit Wheels: Speed: Quick and easy rental process — get back on the road fast. Reliability: Well-maintained vehicles ready when you are. Affordability: A cost-effective way to avoid downtime without breaking the bank. Whether you’re heading to work, tackling errands, or just want the freedom to come and go while your vehicle is in expert hands, Rabbit Wheels has got you covered. At Automotive Magic, we’re dedicated to giving our clients the best experience possible — and that means minimizing inconvenience while maximizing your time and flexibility. Let’s Keep You Moving! Don't let vehicle service disrupt your plans. Call today to make your reservation for both your service and your Rabbit Wheels rental — all in one easy step. Because when it comes to convenience, we’ve thought of everything — including the wheels to keep you going!