Kearny German Auto Repair

We're sure many of you have some road adventures coming up as we approach the spring and summer. And what is a road trip without the essential snacks! Whether salty or sweet, there's a go-to that you can pack for everyone. Plus, you don't worry about paying for snacks at gas-station prices. Here are some snacks you should bring on your next road trip!   Granola/Protein Bars If you're a foodie, you know that snack bars can be tricky. Some are marketed to be healthy but include high amounts of sugar and unknown chemicals. The best bars have natural ingredients like oats, nuts, natural sugars, etc. If chosen correctly, they'll provide you with enough energy without having an energy crash.   Fresh Fruit When you're on the road and hungry, take some fresh-cut fruit with you. You don't have to feel guilty for overindulging in them as you would with chips or candy.   Beef Jerky Snacking on something high in protein, like jerky, is a great wa ... read more

It doesn't take a car enthusiast to know that oil changes are the most important maintenance item. Your vehicle needs fresh and clean engine oil to reduce the friction and heat within the engine compartments. Without it, your engine parts will wear down so much quicker and overheat. Furthermore, it also has anti-corrosive properties.  Over time, motor oil picks up debris and dirt and gets contaminated, making it less effective at its job and hurting its mechanical parts. If you leave your oil unchanged long enough, it will start to leak.    How Do Oil Leaks Happen? Blown Head Gasket - If you own a vehicle with old age that is prone to overheat, the head gasket will likely get blown. When this happens, your motor oil will leak out. Clogged Oil Filter - Neglecting an oil change also means skipping out on a filter change. When the filter gets old, the condition and flow of the motor oil can be compromised, leading to potential leaks and engine damage. Damaged Oil ... read more

During this cold time of year, the weather can become unpredictable. It can be dry and bitter one day and snowy or icy the next. The horrible weather is a massive contributor to vehicle accidents in the winter. So to stay prepared and safe this winter, we recommend stocking up on these must-have winter essentials: Portable phone charger While this doesn't directly impact your car's performance, you never know when your phone might shut off. If the vehicle breaks down and you have a dead phone battery, how would you ask for help? Flashlight A flashlight can help if you need to pull off to the side and check out things under the hood. It can also come in handy when you need to signal help from other drivers. Foldable shovel A collapsible or compact shovel is an ideal item to have on hand, just in case you get stuck in a pile of snow. Ice scraper and snow brush An ice scraper and snow brush can save you tons of time if you've got a windshield covered in snow or ice. Yo ... read more

An alternator recharges your vehicle's electrical systems by providing your battery with a consistent charge. A faulty alternator may have a number of consequences for your car. Here are several warning symptoms to look out for that may suggest that there is a problem with your alternator: Weak or Dead Battery If your battery seems too weak or dies too often, it is possible that the alternator may be the culprit. It is typically too difficult to tell whether your battery, alternator, or both are affected, so it's best to take your car to an electrical auto expert.  Blinking or Dimming Headlights Dimming headlights is a huge red flag when it comes to a malfunctioning alternator. If the lights seem to change according to your vehicle speed, it's most likely your alternator. You may notice that your dashboard is dimly lit as well. Flickering and fading lights are both signs that your alternator is becoming ineffective at providing your car with power. Electric Failur ... read more

If you have an old or damaged vehicle, you may or may not have heard the word engine overhaul thrown out by your mechanic at some point. If you're unsure what it means, you're in luck! We will be going over what exactly an engine overhaul service entails.   When a vehicle's motor starts to make strange noises or produces weird smells, then you should have a professional check it out. The noise might come with an obnoxious amount of exhaust smoke, which can be a major sign of severe engine damage. It can be difficult to know for sure without a proper check-up from a certified technician. In some circumstances, the mechanic may tell you that the engine damage on your hands is too far done and requires an engine overhaul. This requires the expert knowledge and skills to remove your engine, break it apart, clean it up, replace any damaged engine parts or seals necessary, and then reassemble the engine back together again.     Some engine overhauls are mo ... read more