Vehicle Health Checks, Our Way
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.
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 came the birth of Magic Lube & Rubber in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Committed to fostering strong community ties and supporting team development, he 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.