Bound Brook Auto Repair

If you've been on the road for years, you've probably heard someone mention that a vehicle needs to be warmed up in the colder weather in order to start up. You get into your car, turn it on, and let the engine run for a few minutes before setting off. You've only heard it from friends and family, but is it actually necessary? The answer depends on the age of your vehicle, as well as make and model. The concept of warming up your vehicle in the winter or fall dates back to cars that were built with carburetors. Carburetors haven't been built in vehicles since around the 1990s. So unless your vehicle is from the early 1990s or earlier, than the answer is no!  Modern vehicles use fuel-injection technology, complex computer systems and thinner synthetic oils so that drivers don’t need to warm up their cars before hitting the road. Idiling your vehicle before driving is actually bad for the environment, as it generates more pollution into the air ... read more

At Nerger's Auto Express we have one priority, and that is the safety of our customers. We know that sending your children off to college can be one of the most stressful and emotional times for a parent. However, with the winter months ahead, it is absolutely essential to make sure the vehicle your child is driving is the safest that it can be. At Nerger's we will perform a full evaluation on your child's vehicle to make sure there are no red flags. Some of the tests we will run include an inspection of tire treads, tire inflation, engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, brake functionality and light functionality. Although we want to make sure that your child's car is extremely safe before your children head off into the next phase of their lives, we also think it is essential that you teach them how to keep themselves safe when they are on their own. Here are some tips to make sure your child keeps their vehicle safe at school: Know whe ... read more

Make sure you can see! When was the last time you replaced your windshield wipers? If it was more than a year ago, it's time for a new pair! The next important step is to check your windshield washer and make sure it is filled with the correct liquid. The last thing you need in the middle of a storm is to discover you are out! Get the Correct kind of Oil Change. Make sure you come in for your regular oil change and we will make sure you have the correct oil. Oil tends to thicken as it gets colder and if it is too thick it will not do the best job of keeping your engine lubricated. Get Your Antifreeze Right. The best mix is usually 50/50 antifreeze and water. This will ensure that nothing will freeze in your engine, even under the most extreme temperatures. Also look at when you last had your radiator flushed and cleaned – it might be time for it a ... read more

While technology has created ways for us to multi-task and make phone calls, dictate texts and update social media at any time and at any place, all of these actions have been proven to increase the risk of being involved in a car crash if done while driving. However, the concept of distracted driving is not just around technology. A person in the car can distract you, something that you are eating (and drops in your lap!) can distract you – anything that takes your eyes and concentration off the road in front of you is a distraction to be eliminated. The National Safety Council has many resources to share on the concept of distracted driving, from videos to posters all aimed at raising awareness in your workplace, at home and in the community a large. They invite you to come to their site and take advantage of all the education and awareness tools that they have available, beginning with "T ... read more

Your car battery is a basic piece of equipment that we all tend to take for granted – until it doesn't work! Most car batteries will last an average of 4 to 6 years, depending on the quality. The longevity of the batter is also affected by extremes of temperature, engine vibration, and any after-market items that have been added that need access to the battery. The most proactive approach that you can take to your battery is to request to have it ‘load tested' when your car is in the shop for other reasons. The load test is much more than just checking if the battery is charged – it puts the battery under the same conditions as if the starter of your car was actually using the battery to start the car. This give a much more accurate "picture" of the true state of your battery and whether or not you need to replace it. Any battery that falls below the measurement ... read more

Getting a flat tire can be one of the most frustrating parts of driving a car. Not only is it an inconvenience because it puts a stop to your day, but it immediately triggers the question, "how much will this cost me?" At Nerger's Auto Express, we take pride in treating our customers fairly, with the utmost honesty and respect. If you have the unfortunate experience of a flat tire, we want you to know that we will do everything we can to keep your costs low and get you back to your busy day as quickly as possible. There are a few signs to knowing that you have a flat tire: You may notice your car is showing a change in its handling, you may hear a loud noise, or you might even feel a vibration as you are driving. As soon as you notice one of these indicators, you must safely pull over when you are given the chance. It is essential under these circumstances, to always keep calm and pull over into a secure location. At this time, you will need to turn on your hazards, set ... read more

We hear it all the time at our shop what about oil changes? Everyone wants a reliable car that runs smoothly for many years to come. In order for that to happen, you have to be good at keeping up with routine wellness checks and seasonal maintenance. If a strange light comes on or something doesn't feel or sound normal, you need to bring it in to be looked at. (Hopefully to us!) All of that is very important, but did you know what can significantly reduce those other possible issues? It's so simple, yet so often overlooked, and that's changing the oil. It happens all the time as we go about our daily routines, busy and easily distracted by life. Then one day we finally happen to notice that little sticker in the top corner of the windshield that has the mileage of when the car is due for its next oil change… and oops. Or worse yet, the car stops running properly, because the oil has not been c ... read more

As a family owned and operated company, our philosophy has always been to treat everyone who comes through our doors like family. We value the long-term relationships we've formed with so many of our customers over the years, and whether we've known you for decades or we are just meeting for the first time, you are treated with the same respect and honesty as we would hope to be treated. Last week, my wife and I were up at the front counter as we always are, and I took a call from a woman who had never been to us before who couldn't get her car started. After she explained what was going on, it became apparent that unless someone went there and tinkered with it more, she wasn't going to be able to make it to the shop unless her car was towed. Upon hearing that, she became discouraged and said she called us because she heard we were good, but she couldn't afford to tow her car to us. I ... read more

The leading edge of winter is fast approaching as the temperature drops and the trees change color – this means it's time to weather proof your car! Have your battery checked The first step is to have the battery checked. While you can visually check it for obvious signs of corrosion, there are other issues that may exist that are not as obvious. Having a professional check all aspects of your battery will ensure that it will still start on those cold mornings! Put a Shovel in the back! Having a shovel handy is great is you happen to get stuck in a snow bank (or if you need to help someone else out of a snowbank!) Switch to Winter Wiper Blades and Fluid In order to keep your windshield free in winter, it is better to switch out to larger and more efficient wiper blades. It is also important to make sure that your wiper fluid is the cold-weather type so that it does not freeze. Check the Air Pressure in Your Tires ... read more