Jefferson City Auto Repair

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

Keeping up with your vehicle's fluid levels is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to keep your car running smoothly — and it's easier than you think! At The Auto Shop in Jefferson City, we're excited to teach these basics at our upcoming Women & Wine Workshop this May! In this article, we'll give you a preview of the top fluid checks every driver should know, why they matter, and how you can learn hands-on with us. Reserve your spot today and join the fun! Sign up here! Why Fluid Checks Are Essential for Your Vehicle's Health Your car relies on several different fluids to keep key systems operating smoothly. Without regular checks and top-offs, even small issues can turn into costly repairs — or dangerous breakdowns. By learning how to check your vehicle’s fluids, you can: Prevent overheating and engine damage Extend your car's life and performance Save money on repair ... read more

Oil changes are one of the most common maintenance tasks, but do they really matter as much as people say? The answer is a resounding YES! Skipping oil changes can lead to engine failure, costly repairs, and poor performance. At The Auto Shop, we believe in keeping your car running at its best. In this blog, we’ll dive into the real reasons oil changes are essential, how often you should get one, and what happens if you ignore them. What Does Motor Oil Actually Do? Motor oil is the lifeblood of your engine, performing several crucial functions: Lubricates engine parts – Reducing friction between moving components. Cools the engine – Preventing overheating by dissipating heat. Cleans away debris – Removing dirt, sludge, and contaminants. Prevents wear and tear – Extending the life of your engine. Improves fuel efficiency – Keeping your engine running smoothly. Without clean, high-quality oil, your engine would overheat, seize up, and fail&mdas ... read more

Your vehicle’s exhaust system is essential not only for managing emissions but also for enhancing performance, improving fuel efficiency, and minimizing noise. When it comes time to replace an exhaust system, car owners are faced with a common question: Should they stick with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) exhaust, or explore aftermarket options? Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so let’s dive into what sets OEM exhausts apart from aftermarket ones to help you make the best choice for your vehicle. OEM Exhaust Systems: Reliability and Compatibility OEM exhaust systems are designed and manufactured by the same company that produced your vehicle, meaning they’re built to fit your car’s make, model, and year precisely. The exacting standards of OEM parts ensure that they will match the original components in size, material, and performance, which makes them a reliable choice for drivers who prioritize consistency and compatibility. Because OEM ... read more

Dashboard warning lights can be confusing, especially when they come on unexpectedly. These lights are there to alert you to potential issues with your vehicle, so understanding what each one means can help you make informed decisions and avoid serious problems. At The Auto Shop in Jefferson City, we believe in empowering our customers with knowledge, so we’ve put together this guide to help you decode your dashboard lights and know what steps to take when they appear. 1. Check Engine Light What It Means: The check engine light is one of the most common yet vague dashboard warnings. It can indicate anything from a loose gas cap to a more serious engine problem.   What to Do: If the light is steady, it’s usually safe to drive, but schedule an inspection as soon as possible to avoid further complications. If it’s flashing, it’s best to stop driving immediately, as this could indicate a more serious issue requiring urgent attention. 2. Oil Pressure Warnin ... read more