Posted on 11/30/2025

As temperatures drop and the first frost settles on the windshields around Jefferson City, you can almost feel winter knocking. Here at The Auto Shop, we know that Missouri winters are as unpredictable as they are beautiful. One morning might be sunny and crisp, and the next, you're scraping ice in the dark with a car that doesn’t want to start. That’s why winter car care isn’t just a suggestion — it’s a must. A little preparation now can mean the difference between a safe, smooth season and an unexpected roadside call in the cold. Don’t Let the Cold Drain Your Battery If your car has been cranking slower lately, it's not your imagination. Cold weather robs your battery of power, and older batteries are the first to quit when temperatures dip. A professional battery test can tell you where things stand, so you're not left stranded on a frosty morning. At The Auto Shop, we can run that test in just minutes, no appointment necessary. Ma ... read more
Posted on 11/2/2025

Introduction As the leaves begin to fall and our days grow shorter here in Jefferson City, it’s a perfect time to pause and think about what your vehicle has been through and what it’s about to face. At The Auto Shop, we believe that caring for your car isn’t just about reacting to problems; it’s about staying ahead of them. This November, we invite you to see your vehicle not just as a machine that gets you from point A to B, but as a faithful member of the family. After all, we’re “Families helping families.” In this article, we’ll walk through three key reasons why fall is an ideal season for auto maintenance, highlight the top services to consider now, and show how being proactive can save you stress and dollars as winter approaches. 1. Changing Seasons = Changing Conditions As temperatures dip, your car faces new challenges: chilly starts, possible frost, wetter roads, more ... read more
Posted on 9/30/2025

Introduction Mid-Missouri’s fall season is beautiful golden leaves, crisp air, weekend drives down Highway 54, and pumpkin patches with the family. But fall also brings real driving challenges: shorter days, slippery leaves, foggy mornings, and more wildlife crossing rural roads. That’s why it's a great time to talk about a piece of car tech you might not even realize your vehicle relies on, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS. If your vehicle was made in the last 10 years, chances are it has one or more ADAS features: backup cameras, lane departure alerts, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, or even automatic emergency braking. All these systems depend on precise calibration to do their job properly and seasonal shifts in weather, lighting, and visibility make that calibration even more critical. At The Auto Shop in Jefferson City, MO, we’re known for our personal touch and top-notch tech. And that includes full-service ADAS calibration. He ... read more
Posted on 9/11/2025

With gas prices always in flux, we get a lot of questions here at The Auto Shop in Jefferson City about how to stretch a tank of fuel. Unfortunately, there's a lot of misinformation out there, and not every fuel-saving tip is worth your time. In this month’s blog, we’re setting the record straight and busting some common fuel efficiency myths. 🚫 Myth #1: Warming Up Your Car Saves Fuel The Truth: This one’s a holdover from older carbureted engines. Today’s fuel-injected vehicles are designed to drive almost immediately. Idling for long periods just burns fuel and increases emissions, especially in summer. You only need about 30 seconds to circulate oil through the engine before heading out. 🚫 Myth #2: Premium Gas = Better Fuel Economy The Truth: Unless your vehicle requires premium fuel (check the owner’s manual), you won’t see any benefit. Using higher-octane gas in a car designed for regular won ... read more
Posted on 8/1/2025

At The Auto Shop in Jefferson City, we know summer can sneak up on you—and so can cooling system issues. If you haven’t given your vehicle’s cooling system much thought this year, don’t worry. It’s not too late to take action and keep your car running smoothly through the hottest months. Why Your Cooling System Matters Your vehicle’s cooling system does a lot more than just prevent overheating. It helps maintain the ideal operating temperature for your engine, improves fuel efficiency, and protects components like your radiator, thermostat, water pump, and heater core from premature wear. When it’s 90+ degrees here in Mid-Missouri and you’re running errands, commuting, or planning a road trip, a properly working cooling system isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Signs Your Cooling System Might Need Attention Even if ... read more