Johnson City Auto Repair

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

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

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we are fortunate that Johnson City is home to many romantic locations -- perfect for a date with your loved one. To save you some time, we have put together a list of the most romantic locations in and around Johnson City, but before you embark on your journey, bring your vehicle to the technicians at Ponder Auto Repair. We don’t want you to experience any unexpected surprises on your night out! Yee Haw Brewing Co. Tweetsie TrailWinged Deer Park ... 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