Jefferson City Auto Repair

Welcome to The Auto Shop's comprehensive guide to your vehicle's braking system. Understanding how your brakes work, their components, and recognizing when they need maintenance or repair can keep you safe on the road. This October, while we're participating in the Brakes for Breasts campaign, let's dive into the essential aspects of your vehicle's brakes. How Brakes Work Your vehicle's brakes are a complex system designed to slow down and stop your car safely. When you press the brake pedal, a series of actions occur: Brake Pedal Press: Your foot pressing the brake pedal creates pressure in the master cylinder. Hydraulic Pressure: This pressure forces brake fluid through brake lines to the calipers or wheel cylinders. Brake Pads and Rotors: In disc brakes, calipers squeeze the brake pads against the rotors, creating friction that slows the wheel. In drum brakes, wheel cylinders push brake shoes against the drum. Stopping the Vehicle: This friction convert ... read more

As September winds down, it's time to think ahead about maintaining your vehicle's brakes. At The Auto Shop in Jefferson City, Missouri, we're excited to participate in the Brakes for Breasts campaign again this year. By scheduling your brake appointment in October, you not only ensure your vehicle's safety but also contribute to a worthy cause. Here are five compelling reasons to schedule your brake appointment for October: 1. Support Breast Cancer Research October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Brakes for Breasts is dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research. By scheduling your brake service in October, you directly support this initiative. For every brake service performed, The Auto Shop will donate 10% of the proceeds to the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund. This campaign funds crucial research aimed at developing a breast cancer vaccine. Learn more about this cause at Brakes for Breasts ... read more

Your vehicle's dashboard is like its nervous system, constantly monitoring and communicating vital information to you. One of the most critical aspects of this communication is through dashboard warning lights. Ignoring these lights can lead to costly repairs or even dangerous situations on the road. In this guide, we'll highlight ten dashboard lights that should never be ignored, along with symptoms to watch out for and the services your vehicle may need from The Auto Shop. 1. Check Engine Light (CEL): The check engine light (CEL) is perhaps the most notorious dashboard warning light. It indicates an issue with your vehicle's engine or emissions system. Symptoms may include rough idling, poor acceleration, or decreased fuel efficiency. You might also notice unusual smells or sounds coming from the engine. Ignoring the CEL can lead to more severe problems and potentially costly repairs down the line. When the CEL illuminates, it's crucial to schedule a diagnostic sca ... read more

Photo by Avi Richards On Unsplash The Ultimate Showdown: Air Conditioner vs. Windows Down – Which Consumes More Fuel? When it comes to maximizing your vehicle's fuel efficiency, we understand the dilemmas our Jefferson City drivers face: Should they turn on the air conditioner or roll down the windows? Each choice has its pros and cons, and the impact on fuel consumption is more nuanced than one might expect. This blog is here to provide practical advice tailored to our Jefferson City community, delving into how each option affects your car's fuel efficiency. The Science Behind Air Conditioning Running the air conditioner in your car requires energy. This energy comes from the engine, which means more fuel is consumed. The air conditioning system works by compressing a refrige ... read more

Hear that buzzing? Is the buzzing…all you can hear? Well, we can relate! As summer approaches, many of us are planning exciting road trips. However, this year brings a unique challenge: an unusually high number of cicadas. These noisy insects are more than just a nuisance you may find hard to look at—they can actually affect your vehicle. In this blog, we'll explore how cicadas can impact your car and what you can do to protect your vehicle during your summer adventures. Why Are There So Many Cicadas This Year? Cicadas are fascinating insects known for their loud mating calls and periodic mass emergences. This year, certain regions, including ours, are experiencing a significant cicada brood. These insects live underground for most of their lives and emerge in large numbers every 13 to 17 years to mate. While their presence is a natural phenomenon, it can cause some unexpected issues for car owners. Cicadas and Your Vehicle Cicadas can find their way into various ... read more