Johnson City Auto Repair

Is it time for a timing belt replacement? The team at Ponder Auto Repair is here to help. If you don’t have your timing belt replaced in time, and it subsequently snaps, various components of your engine can be affected.  Here is how to tell when it is time for a timing belt replacement:  Material Loss -- belt wear is just like tire wear; you can see noticeable signs of wear and tear.  Belt Abrasion -- your timing belt’s edges have been worn down.  Cracking -- your timing belt is visibly cracking.  Glazing -- the timing belt has a shiny or glossy appearance on the underside of the timing belt.  Piling --  you will hear unusual noises and excess vibration.  Hydroplaning -- this occurs when water cannot be properly dispersed from the warn belt and pulleys.  Elongation -- when driving you feel less tension, and your vehicle’s performance has diminished.  Misalignment -- you will feel high levels of vibration, noi ... read more

Valentine’s Day is almost here. Have you figured out what you want to get your significant other this year? If not, we are here to help, especially if your loved one is a car-lover. Our team has compiled a list of Valentine’s Day gifts perfect for the car lover in your life:    Gas Clutch SocksCar VacuumFunny Car Guy T-ShirtCar Care Kit  ... read more

Happy New Year’s from the team at Ponder Auto Repair in Johnson City! We wish you a happy and healthy 2020 and decade! It isn’t that challenging to think about New Year resolutions for ourselves, such as going to the gym every other day or reading one book a month. But it can be a struggle to think of resolutions for our cars. The team at Ponder Auto Repair is here to help! Preventative maintenance for your vehicle is the way to go, and the way to keep your vehicle performing in tip-top shape.  You always hear technicians preaching about the importance of preventative maintenance, but why exactly is it important? For starters, think about how you visit your doctor every so often for a physical -- you take a proactive approach for your health. For example, let’s say your cholesterol levels are exceptionally high, and to make sure you stay away from any heart attacks, your doctor will proscribe you medicine. You don’t wait until you have a heart attack; inst ... read more

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. We want you to take a moment and think of how much you rely on your vehicle. Imagine this -- you have a busy day ahead, and after you finish packing up your car for your trip to Grandma’s house for New Years, you put your key into the ignition and get ready to go. Much to your surprise and frustration, your car doesn’t turn on!  Your trip to Grandma’s thwarted, and you realize how much you depend on your vehicle. The team at Ponder Auto Repair is here to keep situations like that from happening. Routine preventative maintenance is a must to prolong the health and safety of your vehicle. It is a perfect time to spoil your car this season, especially since you usually need your car the most this time of year.  During the winter months, your car works extra hard. The colder places a strain on your vehicle, as each component of your car works overtime to counteract the effects of cold ... read more

Are you planning a holiday road trip anytime soon? If your answer is yes, then you may need to start preparing. First on your to-do list should be a visit to the auto mechanics at Ponder Auto Repair for an inspection. This way, we can make sure each component of your car is in tip-top shape. After you check that off your to-do list, how about some easy car-friendly holiday recipes?    At Ponder Auto Repair, we want things to be easy for you, which is why we have put together some easy, but delicious recipes. Here are our favorite car-friendly holiday recipes:    To Go Sandwiches from Easy Peasy Pleasy Pizza Pasta Salad from Caramel Potatoes Copycat Starbucks Protein Bistro Box from Dam ... read more

Are you looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween this year? Trunk-or-treats are new take on the classic trick-or-treat, and this time, you can get your car involved. A trunk-or-treat involves you decorating the trunk of your car, parking it next to other cars involved, and trick-or-treating from trunk to trunk. It eliminates much of the safety concerns, as the event is usually blocked off from drivers not participating.  Here are 5 trunk-or-treat events in our very own Johnson City, TN:  Girl Scouts Trunk or Treat with ETSU Kappa Delta Wed, 6 – 8 PM Buc Ridge Clubhouse  Johnson City, TN Trunk or Treat Fri, 6:00 – 7:30 PM Founders Park, 225 Commerce St Johnson City, TN TRUNK OR TREAT Tue, 5 – 7 PM Advocate Integrated Medicine, 215 E Watauga Ave #100 Johnson City, TN TRUNK OR TREAT at Advocate Integrated Medicine Tue, 5 – 7 PM 215 E Watauga Ave Johnson City, TN SLBC 6th Annual Trunk or Treat Sat, 12 – 3 PM State Line Baptist Church ... read more

Your car is one of your most important investments, right behind your home. To protect such a precious investment, preventative maintenance is a must. The team at Ponder Auto Repair recommends performing these services right away in order to secure the longevity and driveability of your vehicle.  Your vehicle has various fluids, and each fluid plays a crucial role in the overall operation of your car. Our technicians will perform a thorough inspection, ensuring each fluid is at the appropriate level and no leaks.  If your timing and serpentine belts aren’t properly maintained, you may find yourself in a costly and even dangerous situation.  An oil change seems to be the quintessential maintenance service, but you would be surprised to learn how many people forgot about it. An oil service performed by experienced technician keeps your car performing in pristine condition, regardless of the make or model.  Don’t forget about your battery until it&rsquo ... read more

Your brakes are practically synonymous with safety, as without properly working brakes, you might find yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road in a potentially life threatening situation. When it comes to your brakes, don’t cut any corners, and it is always better to be safe than sorry. Here are 8 warning signs that your brakes need work and need it now:  Your brake light is on.  When in motion, you are hearing a squealing, high-pitched noise. This is a sign your brake pads are beginning to wear out, and your steel brakes are coming into contact with the rotor. Grinding is also an indication of metal against metal, so if you are hearing this noise, it could spell trouble.  You feel wobbling or vibration when you are using your brakes, which may be the result of an uneven rotor.  If you notice your brakes leaking fluid, turn to the technicians at Ponder Auto Repair. This fluid is crucial for creating and storing power in your braking system ... read more

Fourth of July is a time of celebration, but it is important not to get too carried away! The team at Ponder Auto Repair wants you to have a safe and fun holiday this July, so we have put together some safety tips for you to follow. If you are planning on driving anywhere this Fourth of July, our technicians can perform a thorough inspection to ensure you aren’t faced with any surprises while you are out and about.  Take a look at the local laws for fireworks regulations before planning any celebrations.  High-grade fireworks should be left to the professionals, as they often require delicate handling. It is always better to be safe than sorry.  If you see any fireworks wrapped in brown paper bags, avoid them, as this is a sign these are meant for a professional.  If your little ones are playing with sparklers, make sure an adult is present. These fireworks may seem small but they can still pose a danger, especially if your little ones plan on playin ... read more

Along with performing regular preventative maintenance for your tires, it is important to keep an eye for potential problems. The team at Ponder Auto Repair has a keen eye for detail and is here to help you understand tire health. Here are some things to pay close attention to:  Uneven tread wear: If you notice a pattern of high and low wear, this is indicative of uneven tread wear, which is commonly caused by underinflation, misalignment, and improper balancing.  Shallow tires: The tread in your tire should be 1/16 of an inch deep, and if it isn’t, your tire should probably be replaced, as shallow tires can lead to dangerous situations.  Foreign objects: Pay close attention to any foreign objects lodged in your vehicles, such as small stones, glass, metal, or any other object.  Damaged spots: If any spot is cracked, split, or punctured, it is a sign of a serious problem, and your tire is probably in need of attention.  If you are experiencing any of ... read more