Posted on 6/1/2018
We are almost finished with spring, which means it is time to start planning for summer break, and our team at Ponder Auto Repair is here to help. We have compiled a list of the best spring break vacations within driving distance of Johnson City, TN. If you are interested in planning a family-friendly, memorable spring break, keep reading. Blackberry Farm: This picturesque farm, complete with 9,200 acres of beautiful landscape, is entirely the getaway. Stay at one of the idyllic cottages on this property and enjoy the farm-to-the-table cuisine. Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel: This fun, family-friendly hotel is located at the old Terminal Station and includes many activities of the same theme, including Chattanooga Choo Choo trolley and 48 authentic Victorian train cars. Deer Ridge Mountain Resort: This resort offers the best of both worlds: stunning landscape and outdoors located in Great Smoky National Park, along with lovely and secluded cottages. Gatlinburg: If you are searchin ... read more
Posted on 5/1/2018
Summer is here! The kids are out of school and everyone is itching to get outside. We all want to get that summer body: toned and strong for such adventures as rafting, fishing, or a game of catch with the kids. Here at Ponder Auto Repair in Johnson City, TN, we’ll help you get your car’s body ready for summer as well! Get your car in shape for summer by taking a look at your tires and brakes. Tires and brakes may need to be replaced after the long winter months so that they’ll serve you well on those weekend fishing trips or the drive to see the baseball game. You wouldn’t hit the hiking trails in old flip flops with holes in them, so why take a road trip with bald tires and brakes that haven’t had any attention since Christmas? Long trips in hot weather can quickly lead to an overheat. Don’t get caught with your coolant down! Your car works hard to keep you and your family cool in the hot days, so treat it to the best by making sure the coolant ... read more
Posted on 4/1/2018
Spring is here, which means it is time for spring cleaning. And our team at Ponder Auto Repair doesn’t want you to forget about your vehicle. After dealing with the dredges of winter, it is the perfect time to reward your car with a little extra TLC. Here are a few quick tips on how to spring clean your vehicle: Toss the junk. During the winter time, we tend to go into hibernation mode and stock our car with winter supplies. Use this time to get rid of all that unnecessary stuff. Vacuum every nook and cranny in your vehicle to eliminate all those crumbs, dirt, and fur. Wash the exterior. Get the exterior of your vehicle sparkling in that spring sun. n Brighten up those headlights. Headlights are one of your first defenses against mother nature, and they can grow hazy with dirt and debris. Scrub off any grime. Have you ever heard of the saying “April showers bring May flowers?” If you have, then you know there are some spring storms in store for ... read more
Posted on 2/1/2018
If you want to protect the ones you love, you do your best to remove or reduce their safety risks, right? Well, what about showing some love to your vehicle, too? If you love your car, truck, SUV, van, or fleet vehicle, give it some tender loving care with preventative maintenance. When you service your personal and fleet vehicles with preventive maintenance, they can operate their best, help you and your passengers travel with less risk, and reliably transport you for many years to come. Here are ten benefits of preventive auto maintenance: With preventive maintenance, you lower your overall maintenance costs. You protect your investment and tend to have higher resale rates when buyers know you took exceptional care of your vehicle. Preventative maintenance reduces the risk of breakdowns that could cause you to miss work, miss an important meeting, or be late seeing your child’s sports or musical performance. By providing preventive maintenance on y ... read more
Posted on 1/1/2018
Happy 2018 Everyone! Most of us have already put together our list of New Year’s resolutions, but how many of you mentioned something about your vehicle? The Ponder Auto Repair team doesn't want you to forget about your dependable sidekick. We have put together a list of New Year’s resolutions for you and your car: Get maintenance done on time: Most of our clients know that their car requires preventative maintenance, but it can challenge to get each service performed at the appropriate interval. With Ponder Auto Repair, we can develop an easy-to-follow schedule tailored to your driving habits and the make and model of your car. Set up an automotive savings account: Your vehicle is your second largest investment, right behind your home. It seems like a no-brainer that we should have money set aside for something so valuable. If you have a savings account set-up, you won’t have to worry if you are suddenly strapped with an expensive repair or needing a ... read more
Posted on 12/1/2017
Do you know someone who just can’t get enough of cars, even down to their stocking stuffers and gifts under the tree? If this sounds familiar, then we think you have an automotive-enthusiast on your hands. To help make holiday shopping just a little bit easier, we have some gift ideas for the car lover on your shopping list: Car Speedometer Gage Cufflinks $26 Steering Wheel Cover $16 Ponder Auto Repair Preventative Maintenance Inspection Prices vary Car Seat Protectors for Pets $30 Anker Roav Dash Cam ... read more
Posted on 11/17/2017
In Johnson City, TN, and the Tri-Cities area holiday weather can include severe storms with thunder, lightning, high winds, hail, tornadoes, snow and icy roads. Wow! Driving in those conditions can be a challenge for the best of us. In addition to taking care of your family and vehicle, your safety depends on your ability to watch out for other drivers, too. Here are some ideas about preparing yourself and your vehicle for the holiday travel season. Check The Essentials Make sure the basic safety features of your vehicle are in top form. Make sure all your fluids are topped off. Change your oil if it’s been over 5000 miles since the last oil change. Check your tires to make certain they’re in good shape and fill with the correct amount of air. Look at your air filters and see if they’re clean enough. Replace old windshield wiper blades. Make sure your lights and brakes are working properly. There’s a lot to consider, but a quick walk around your vehicl ... read more
Posted on 11/17/2017
Autumn is here and you want to be sure your vehicle is ready. When it comes to road trips, the best way to ensure your safety and the safety of those you love is to bring in your vehicle to Ponder Auto Repair in Johnson City, TN, for preventative maintenance. Think of it as a physical check-up for your car. You don’t want to wait and find out you have a problem late some evening in the middle of nowhere. At Ponder Auto Repair, a thorough preventative maintenance checkup includes inspection of your vehicle’s: Battery Tire pressure and tread ... read more
Posted on 11/17/2017
September is National Disaster Preparedness Month. The Federal Emergency Management Administration, National Weather Service, and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency recommend that you learn about the kind of disasters that can affect your part of the country and make plans accordingly. In Johnson City, TN, and the Tri-Cities area that means severe storms with thunder, lightning, high winds, hail, tornadoes, snow, and icy roads. In addition to securing your home and stocking up on water, canned goods and other non-perishables, you want to be sure your car is safe and in good working order. The short checklist includes: Checking the tread and air levels on your tires to be sure they can properly maneuver in severe weather Replacing your windshield wipers and topping off your window washing fluid to ensure you can see where you’re going Checking your engine oil and steering fl ... read more