Not many people would argue that today’s cars, light trucks, and sport-utility vehicles are high-tech marvels with digital dashboards, oxygen sensors, electronic computers, unibody construction, and more. They run better, longer, and more efficiently than models of years past.

But when it comes to repairs, some things stay the same. whatever type of repair facility you patronize whether it’s a dealership, service station, independent garage, specialty shop, or a national franchise–good communications between you and your automotive service provider is vital to getting the results you want from your auto repair specialist.

The following tips should help you communicate more effectively with your automotive service provider:

Before taking your vehicle in for repairs or service. think about what you need to make the technician working on your car to understand and prepare to report your car’s problems.

Today’s technician must understand thousands of pages of technical text. Fortunately, your well thought out report of what’s bringing you in for today’s auto repair check shouldn’t be that technical but offering a good overview of the problem will certainly help.

• Get to know your car. Read the owner’s manual to learn about the vehicle’s systems and components.
• Follow the recommended service schedules. Keep a log of all repairs and service.
• When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don’t ignore its warning signals.
• Use all of your senses to inspect your car frequently. Check for:
  • Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, gauge readings.
  • Changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage, fluid levels.
  • Worn tires, belts, hoses.
  • Problems in handling, braking, steering, vibrations.
• Note when the problem occurs. Are you starting the car?  Idling? Turning? Stopping?
• Is the problem constant or periodic?
• Does the issue present when the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?
• Is the problem present driving at all speeds? Only under acceleration? During braking? When shifting?
• When did the problem first start?

Professionally run repair establishments have always recognized the importance of communications in automotive repairs.

Once you are at the repair establishment, communicate your findings.

• Be prepared to describe the symptoms. (In many shops you’ll probably speak with a service writer/service manager rather than with the technician directly.)
• Carry a written list of the symptoms that you can give to the technician or service manager.
• Resist the temptation to suggest a specific course of repair. Just as you would with your physician, tell where it hurts and how long it’s been that way, but let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy.
• Stay involved… Ask questions. Ask as many questions as you need. Do not be embarrassed to request lay definitions.
• Don’t rush the service writer or technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis. Ask to be called and apprised of the problem, course of action, and costs before work begins.
• Before you leave, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment.
• Leave a telephone number where you can be called.

We hope this list gives you a better understanding of how you can better communicate what your service technician.

Happy Motoring!

It’s officially fall and soon we’ll be enjoying the wonderful fall colors, cooler temps, and lots of football.  Fall is also a great time to think about what needs to be taken care of with regard to your car’s “vehicle maintenance” needs.
Because we understand that you love your vehicle and you rely on it to take you wherever you need to go,  we also know that when your car starts to develop a problem, it can be a very stressful time. In order to avoid that, the fall season is an excellent time to give your car a good looking over, do some maintenance on your car, and give it a good check up to make sure you don’t overlook some vehicle maintenance issues that you can’t afford to ignore.

We realize that most people have no idea how to diagnose problems with their automobiles and that sometimes means they either risk driving a car that may not be safe or perhaps feeling like you’re going to be taken advantage of by an unscrupulous or unqualified auto mechanic who can’t diagnose, let alone fix the problem, which just thinking about starts to stress you out!

But don’t give in to either of those thoughts. The following list may help you pinpoint any problems that need to be checked by a professional before you make yourself crazy worrying about it.

1. Your car isn’t stopping as it should: This can be caused by brake fading. If stopping distance seems to increase, which causes longer braking distances, you may need to have your brakes looked at or replaced.
2. Car moves right or left when brakes are applied: In this instance, your brakes may be grabbing. This is when the brakes engage suddenly whenever you apply steady pressure to your brake pedal. This can cause serious problems when driving and should never be left to get any worse.
3. Engine cuts out: This is caused by a temporary complete loss of power. If your engine quits at regular intervals under heavy acceleration, you may want to take it in right away as this could indicate a serious problem, but it can also be minor. A professional will determine the best course of action.
4. You hear a popcorn sound under the hood: This is caused by mild to severe pings during detonation. If the problem gets worse while accelerating, don’t drive the car until you can bring it in for a checkup.
5. Puddles of fluid under your vehicle: Dark puddles can either mean oil, axle grease, power steering fluid or transmission oil. If the puddles are yellow, green, pink or orange, you may be leaking coolant. And if the puddle is clear, this could just be normal condensation from your vehicle’s A/C system. If you’re unsure what that substance is under your car, don’t just let it go. It’s better to get it checked out than be sorry later.
6. Odd smells coming from your car: If you smell a thick, heavy odor accompanied by smoke, you may be burning oil. And if the odor is more like burnt toast, you may have an electrical short. And if the odor is hot and metallic, you may have an antifreeze or coolant disorder. And if the smell is more akin to rotten eggs than anything, that could indicate a problem with your emissions. Any foul odor coming from your car is a bad thing and should be checked out as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing any of the above issues, contact us for the help you need.  You can be assured that one of our qualified and experienced auto techs will quickly diagnose and fix fix your problem at a reasonable rate so you can enjoy the fall season and feel safe on the road.

We’re here to help.

Happy Motoring 🙂

An automobile is an incredibly complicated piece of machinery. Today, there are thousands of models out there and with each one of those models requires different parts and experience to service properly.  Even if you have some car repair experience you can often times find yourself confused when you have a car problem. However, when your car won’t start, check these 5 things before you call the auto mechanic.  These common auto problems may require nothing more than minor maintenance.

Your Alternator

The alternator is what powers your vehicle’s engine. Thus, if the alternator stops working, so does your car. But you should be able to determine when your alternator is going ‘bad’. Look for an alternator bulb that comes on when the engine starts. If that light doesn’t come on, you may need to replace the alternator altogether. Of course, check to make sure the light is working also.

Worn Belts

It may not be your alternator that’s the problem. It may be that the alternator belt has cracks or glazing from repeatedly being heated and cooled. This can cause looseness in the belt, which causes low output on the part of the alternator and that prevents the battery from fully charging.

Battery Connections [Read more…]

For the second year in a row, JK Automotive will be a sponsor of the 2013 Southern Worthersee.

The Wörthersee, held in Reifnitz, Austria is the largest gathering of VAG enthusiasts in the world. For more than two decades, this charming lakeside village has hosted millions of enthusiasts, who come to appreciate the most innovative and trendsetting VWs and Audis in Europe. Wörthersee, as this event is most commonly known, derives its name from the beautiful lake that dominates this popular vacation area.

“Southern Worthersee”, is the biggest Volkswagen VW and Audi car show on the east coast.  Southern Worthersee’s inspiration for the show is to bring together cars and fans of these beloved marques in a truly authentic European atmosphere and  it has been successfully doing that since the first show in 2007.

Located in Helen, GA, the three day car show is May 17th through May 19th.

You can find the schedule for the show below and for more information on where to stay and what to expect, and plenty of photos of previous shows visit the Southern Worthersee website by clicking  here.

If you’re coming out, be sure to stop by our booth and say hi.

Free Admission to all Event Activities !

Friday, May 17th

5:00pm-10:00pm   Main gates open for Pre-Registered vehicles.

5:00pm-7:00pm     APR Fan Appreciation BBQ and EXPO. FREE while supplies last
(at the APR display)

8:00pm-10:00pm   SOWO Shuttle service begins. ($5.00 wristband for entire weekend)

8:00pm-10:00pm   FORGE Motorsports “Lowdown Showdown” and Blowoff Soundoff at
Bigg Daddy’s American Tavern

10:30pm-8:00am   Main gates closed

Saturday, May 18th

8:00am-10:00 am   Open registration and parking for Edelweiss display areas.
(available on a first come, first served basis, while space lasts)

8:00am-10:00 am   SOWO Shuttle service resumes. The shuttle driver may reserve the
right to consolidate pick ups due to time and traffic.

1:30pm-2:45 pm     Live performance by Detroit Mutant Radio on the Main Stage.

3:00pm-3:30 pm     Announcements and presentation of SOWO Top 50

4:00pm-5:00 pm     Exit property. Clean up begins. Volunteers are welcomed!

7:00pm-12:30 am   Club SOWO. (Last call at 12:15, doors close at 1:00am sharp!) Must
be 18 to enter, 21 to drink. No one under 21 admitted after 10:00pm.

Sunday, May 19th

9:00am-10:00 am    SOWO Top 50 Winners reassemble at Main Event area.

11:00am-12:00 pm   Lunch served sponsored by FORGE Motorsports. (FREE while supplies last)

12:00pm-1:00 pm     People’s Choice balloting and “Best Of” selections.

1:00pm-2:00 pm      Awards and Trophy presentation.

3:00pm-4:00 pm      Exit property, clean up begins. Make your reservations for next year!