Johnson City Auto Repair

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

Imagine yourself after a long-run. You might find yourself searching desperately for that water bottle, looking to quench your thirst. You might find it surprising, but your vehicle feels the same way, except your car requires more than just one fluid to quench its thirst. Here are three fluids your vehicle needs:  Engine Oil: This is an easy one; we all know our cars need this. We may know that your vehicle needs this, but do you know what this fluid actually does? Your engine oil is responsible for keeping all the components in your vehicle lubricated and functioning smoothly.  Transmission Fluid: Engine oil might be important, but so is transmission fluid. This fluid is responsible for lubricating your vehicle’s gears and keeping them from overheating. For a smooth and safe ride, transmission fluid is a must.  Radiator Fluid: This fluid has many names -- coolant, antifreeze -- but whatever you call it, this fluid should not go unchecked. In warm weather months ... read more

                                                We can’t all be bosses at work, but can all be the boss of our domain and that starts with our cars. Sounds a little funny, but it’s true. When getting our cars organized and in shape, we begin to feel like a boss! It can make us feel in control and powerful. It helps us to keep our chin up and smile, and it’s not even that difficult. Here are the top 10 under-$25 organizational items for our vehicles from Amazon that will make it simple: 1. Car seat organizer for the back or front seat: ... read more

Happy New Year! As we all prepare to leap forward with fresh resolve, many of us are considering ways that we can bring greater health and benefit to our lives. One of the ways we can do this is by examining our cell phone use, especially on the roads of Johnson City! Here are some tips to keep you safe on the road: First of all, beware of new laws coming in. As of July 1, 2018, there will be steep fines imposed for talking on a handheld device in a school zone. Laws will continue to evolve and change as technology does, so be sure to check frequently for updates.  However, if you are behind the wheel, you shouldn’t be touching your phone at all! Many newer vehicles now include Bluetooth-enabled phone interfaces so that you can access calls at a click of a button.  Another option is a cell phone mount like this one from Amazon. There are hundreds of mounts on the market now, so take a look around and find the one that suits you best. https://www.amazon.com/BESTR ... read more

Now that the stores are starting to play holiday music, get ready for more holiday travel! With Christmas coming up, you’ll need to make sure your family vehicles are ready to safely drive over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house. Here are five things you can do to make sure your family is ready to safely travel to see family and friends this holiday season: Brake Service Brakes are super important for safety. Be sure your brake pads, rotors, and calipers are in great condition before you begin your road trip. You’ll never know what kind of heavy traffic and weather-related road conditions you’ll encounter while traveling during the holidays. Windshield Wiper Replacement If you cannot see clearly out of your windshield, your compromised visibility can be dangerous. Make driving more pleasant by replacing old windshield wipers that skip or smear or show signs of wear. Filter Replacement Your cabin filters help reduce allergens inside the ca ... read more

  At Ponder Auto Repair, we don’t just want to provide auto repair for you. We want to help you have the best relationship with your car that is possible. We want your car to last a long time and for you to truly enjoy the experience of driving it. With winter fast approaching, you’re going to want to take some time to winterize your vehicle. What is winterizing? Don’t worry--we can help. Here are a few reasons why winterizing your vehicle is so smart: Save Money Winterizing means maintenance and maintenance saves you money in the long term. Bringing your vehicle in for regular checkups and getting it ready for winter means that you can get ahead of major repairs you might need. Knowing what repairs are coming up means not being blindsided by a huge auto repair bill, which is a win for everyone!  Shed Some Light On The Matter  Winterizing will involve checking your lights. With darkness setting in earlier and staying with us longer, it is even more cr ... read more

It’s October again: the boots are out, the pumpkin spice is everywhere, and there’s a crispness in the air...and that means, it’s time to start planning for Halloween! Here in Johnson City, there are plenty of opportunities for Trunk or Treat. Here are a few of our favorite ideas! For something super kid-friendly, how about a big-mouthed frog?! This adorable guy can hold a trunk’s worth of candy, and he’s unlikely to scare anyone.  There’s no place like home...unless you can manage to rig together a super-slick Wizard of Oz setups like this one, replete with Dorothy and the Scarecrow:   Next up, we have an adorable recreation of Andy’s room in Toy Story:  Last, an awesome rendition of Lightning McQueen and Mater!    Now, it’s your turn! Do you have any great Trunk or Treat car costumes to share? Let us know, and don’t forget to schedule any auto repairs with Ponder Auto Repair! Remember to stay safe t ... read more

Shocks, struts, and suspension, oh my! Lots of our customers are overwhelmed by these terms, but really, with Ponder Auto Repair as your trusty auto repair shop, it’s no mystery at all. Read on to get our best tips for taking care of your suspension! First of all, the very best way to take care of your suspension system is with regular auto repair and maintenance. Your auto mechanic at Ponder Auto Repair can help you get on a good schedule that fits your car’s needs, the amount of wear and tear your vehicle experiences and the age of your car. Older car’s suspension systems need a little extra TLC to keep going, but newer cars can benefit from regular care as well, and it may just improve the life of your vehicle! What are some warning signs to look for?  Bumpy rides: All’s NOT well that ends well if you are feeling every bump in the road. If your tailbone is a little extra sore from feeling every single bump on the freeway or city roads, then you defini ... read more

Swans look their best while shuttling their kids around...your car deserves the best too! School is starting soon, which means the family taxi service is back in business! Make sure your kiddos can get to their soccer games and ballet practice on time by preparing your car for the fall. Grab that iced coffee and read on for tips... First, check the tires! Get your tire alignment checked, and have the tires rotated if necessary. Have the guys at Ponder Auto Repair check for any slow leaks, screws or nails, and inspect the overall health of your tires. This is especially important to do as the rainy and snow seasons approach. Next, get your oil changed. Oil changes need to occur every 3,000 miles, and the average American drives about 1,000 miles a month. That means that if you got your oil changed in June and took a summer roadtrip...you’re due, home skillet! But don’t stop there--have your oil filters changed as well. Is your engine jerking? Does it have reduced power ... read more