Jefferson City Auto Repair

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

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

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

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

Car alignments are one of those essential services that keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely, especially on the roads around Jefferson City. Despite their importance, there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding alignments—myths that can lead to neglecting this critical service. At The Auto Shop, our goal is to help you understand what car alignments are, why they matter, and how we approach every alignment with precision and care. Here, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths about car alignments to give you the information you need to make confident, informed choices. Myth #1: You Only Need an Alignment After Hitting a Big Pothole Reality: While hitting a pothole can definitely throw your wheels out of alignment, it’s not the only reason your car might need this service. Everyday driving—taking turns, going over bumps, and even parking—can gradually affect your alignment. Over time, these small adjustments add up, leading to misalignment ... read more