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 9/11/2025

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
Posted on 7/1/2025

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 repairs and maintenance At The Auto Shop, we believe that every ... read more
Posted on 6/1/2025

Introduction 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 ... read more