Bound Brook Auto Repair

As cars, SUVs, vans, and trucks accumulate miles, one component vehicle owners should keep their eye on is their timing belt.  When this belt wears out, it can break and potentially ruin your engine. That is why you must get your timing belt replaced on time. Timing belt replacements are a standard service that we provide at Nerger’s Auto Express.  What Is the Timing Belt & What Does It Do? The vehicle’s timing belt is a rubber belt that links the crankshaft to the camshaft. It rotates to ensure the engine’s valves open and close at the right time. Timing belts are developed with thick and durable rubber to last a long time, which is why they tend to last 60,000-100,000 miles. If you wait too long to replace the belt, it could break. When this happens, the valves won’t close on time, and the pistons will hit each other, causing irreparable damage. If you have concerns about your vehicle’s timing belt, you can check your owner’s manua ... read more

Most motorists often overlook their car's fuel system until there's a problem, like really bad gas mileage. Furthermore, a dirty fuel system can cause various engine problems like poor performance and even outright failure. To avoid this, you should bring your car to our shop for fuel system cleanings. A fuel system cleaning is a preventative maintenance service to prevent engine problems in the future. It can involve replacing a fuel filter, fuel injectors, and more.  So, how do you know when it's time for a fuel system cleaning? Below are some of the top signs that indicate your vehicle is due for this service: Check Engine Light Illuminated - When the engine light shows up on your dash, it can mean many things, including a faulty fuel system. To be certain of the problem, bring your car to our shop for a diagnostics scan. Engine Stalling - If your car stalls or hesitates often, it is evident that your fuel system is related to the problem. A clean fuel system al ... read more

October is Fall Car Care Month, and it is the perfect time to take care of the maintenance items you’ve been putting off for a while now. The colder weather is tougher on our cars, making us more susceptible to breakdowns. The last thing you want is to have to deal with the inconvenience of being stuck. To prepare for this year’s cold winter, we’d like to remind you to do the following… Change Your Windshield Wipers Most people tend to disregard their windshield wipers until it rains or snows, but don't be like one of those drivers. Your windshields are crucial to your visibility and safety, so please ensure they are in good, working shape to clear off the water, dirt, and more. These should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. Flush Your Coolant A coolant or radiator flush is a great opportunity to take to ensure your engine doesn’t overheat. Otherwise, the dirty coolant fluid can cause leaks and other problems down the line. Consider Swapping Out ... read more

If you own a car, then you should learn how to check your tire pressure at some point. Having under inflated and even overinflated tires can be detrimental to the health of the tires and your safety. If you’re a newbie at this kind of stuff, you’ve come to the right place. Nerger’s Auto Express is here to help with everything you need to know about tires.   Before you grab the tire gauge or go straight to the filling station at your gas station, you need to do some research. In the US, tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch or PSI. Every car make and model has a specific range that their tire pressure should be at. Usually, it varies depending on the size of the car. Bigger cars tend to need more air in their tires. There is a sticker on the driver’s door jamb that lists the specific range. You may notice different PSI labeled for your front tires vs. rear tires.   Next, you’ll need a tool. As mentioned before, most gas stations ... read more

A lost or broken key fob can seem like the last thing you need. But there’s no need to panic. Whether you’re locked out of your car because the fob stopped working, or you can’t start the engine because the key fob is broken, solutions are available. From replacing your broken key fob to having it repaired, you don’t have to let this inconvenience ruin your day. Read on for everything to know about broken key fob replacement, including how to start your car if your key fob is broken. What Causes a Broken Key Fob? The most common cause of a broken key fob is a dead battery. If this is the reason you can’t get into your car, there’s excellent news. You can bring the fob into a reputable mechanic to have them test and/or replace the battery. If you’re feeling confident, you may try opening the case yourself to see if you can remove the battery yourself. Many makes and models use ... read more

Did you know that this month, August, is Brake Safety Awareness Month? With this in mind, when was the last time you’ve had your brakes checked? Now might be the perfect time to bring your vehicle to Nerger’s Auto Express for a comprehensive brake inspection.    Healthy brakes can keep you and your vehicle out of trouble, which is why routine brake inspections are necessary. The life of your brake components can vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model, how often you drive, the conditions you drive in, and the quality of the brake parts. However, the Car Care Council recommends at least one brake inspection per year.    When you bring your vehicle to our auto service shop, we can check for the following signs of bad brakes: Mushy or spongy brakes Squeaking or grinding brakes Vehicle pulling when brakes are engaged Brake vibrations  Brake warning light   We recognize that failing to care for your vehicle’s braking sy ... read more

The exhaust system of your vehicle is critical. It directs dangerous fumes away from the engine and the interior of the vehicle. These toxic fumes are routed through the catalytic converter, which converts them into less dangerous gasses that meet emission standards. The fumes are then expelled into the outside air after passing through the muffler. Common Exhaust Issues Your vehicle's exhaust system is made up of many parts, and if even one of them is broken or compromised, the entire system will not function properly. Problems with your exhaust system can put you in serious danger, so if you notice any of the symptoms of a failed exhaust system, it is critical that you have your vehicle checked out by a qualified professional. Lets look at some common exhaust issues your vehicle may experience: Rust Rust is a typical exhaust system problem. Rust is bad for your car and can erode your car's vital parts, endangering you. Leaks A leaky exhaust system is another issue. If ... read more

Wondering what to buy for your father this time around? If your father enjoys cars, something as simple as a car wash to an experience behind the wheel of a sporty car can put a smile on his face. Below are some of our top gift ideas for the dads who love cars: Car Wash If your father loves stepping into a clean car — or could use some help with getting there — consider getting him a car washing/detailing kit. All you need is a bucket filled with the goodies like car soap, glass cleaner, sponges, microfiber cloths, wax, etc. Another idea is getting him a gift certificate for a detailing service. Vehicle Accessories If your dad’s car needs a glow-up, new floor mats and seat covers are a great way to upgrade the inside of his car. Nevertheless, they offer great protection against stains. If your father is into gadgets, a handheld jump starter or sound system or car chargers are great too. Quality Time There’s nothing better than creating unforgettable memori ... read more

Spring is finally here, and it’s time to prep your vehicle for the warm weather ahead. Whether you plan to use your car for a road trip or go back to the office, you need to make sure your car is reliable. Winter tends to be tough on our cars, so be sure to follow these tips to reboot your vehicle. Tip #1: Get an Oil Change An oil change at the beginning of spring will give you the assurance that your engine will be properly lubricated and running at tip-top condition all season long. Tip #2: Test Your Battery Efficiency Your battery is not very good with temperature changes. Since your battery worked overtime in the winter, it would be best to take a look at it. If you notice corrosion around the connection points or cables, it may be time for a new battery. Tip #3: Check Your Tread Depth Tires need to have sufficient tread to allow you to drive through wet weather. Once your tires have worn down to 2/32”, your tire will need replacing. While you are checking tread m ... read more

Spring is finally here in Bound Brook, NJ, and many of us will start to feel the temperature warm up in the upcoming months. That also means we will be making the switch from heat to air conditioning whenever we get in the car. If you haven't had your A/C pumping for a while, you may want to have it checked out before the hot summer.   Your vehicle's A/C system is similar to your home air conditioning system, where it relies on a refrigerant or freon to provide cold air. Over time, you can run out. Or, your system can develop a leak from old age. When this happens, you'll notice your A/C blowing warm air.   Many drivers consider having their A/C recharged at the start of spring and summer to ensure their A/C is cool. Most automakers don't provide a schedule for this service, but that doesn't mean it isn't necessary. An A/C recharge isn't a yearly service, but if you notice that your vents aren't blowing cool air, it's time to get it don ... read more