Kearny German Auto Repair

The present state of the country has left many people financially burdened. Some drivers may feel like they don’t have the resources or time to address their mechanical issues and repairs. Ignoring some car repairs may save you money in the short term, but can lead to major costly repairs and fix-it tickets in the long run. Below are common mechanical issues you should address right away to avoid an unexpected traffic ticket or repair bill: A cracked windshield If your windshield has a small chip in it, get it repaired as soon as you notice it. Small chips are relatively inexpensive to repair and saves the windshield from needing a full-on replacement. If the chip turns into a crack that obstructs your view, you could be looking at a costly replacement bill and a fix-it ticket if pulled over. Broken tail lights, headlights, or turn signals It’s essential to regularly check all lights on your vehicle to ensure that they’re all proper ... read more

Before the boom of Ford, there was C.R. Patterson. Many may not be familiar with his name, but he’s made significant contributions to the automotive industry. Born enslaved in 1833, Charles Richard Patterson was the first and only African American automaker who carved very substantial contributions to the automotive industry today. Patterson escaped the slave plantation and traveled to Greenfield, Ohio, to begin a new life. While in Ohio, he dedicated himself to learning blacksmithing skills and went to work for a carriage-making business. With time dedicated to the industry, he developed a professional partnership with J.P. Lowe, another local carriage manufacturer. Together, they ran a crafted horse-drawn carriage company for over 20 years. Patterson eventually bought out Lowe and was the sole proprietor, naming the business C.R. Patterson & Sons. Patterson’s carriages were top of the line, with exclusive carriages having sliding doors for their storm buggies. This innovative design ... read more

The parking brake is sometimes called a handbrake or an emergency brake, depending on who you’re talking to. It’s no wonder some drivers become confused about its function and when to use it. The method of how you use it will change depending on whether you have an automatic transmission or a manual. All parking brakes are not made equal across the board. Some vehicles may have a hand brake, a switch brake, or a foot brake depending on its make and model. The parking brake has a mechanical system that bypasses the hydraulic braking system. This system stops the car in an emergency or keeps it in place when it’s parked. Knowing the proper time to use your parking brake is vital in operating your vehicle and is often overlooked. Below is a list of tips for when it may be best to use your parking brake. For everyday parking, you should use your parking brake before shifting your car into the park gear. Using the parking brake before putting the vehicle into park limits the stress placed ... read more

Paying attention to the way your car smells can help you detect when there is an issue brewing. There are certain distinct smells which can arise that can indicate there might be something wrong with a component in your vehicle. If the scent is persistence and happens every time that you drive, you may want to get your vehicle inspected as soon as you can.  Being aware of vehicle issues before they progress further can help you avoid having to deal with a car breakdown or added repairs. Some scents can indicate more serious issues, while others are repairs that are needed but not as severe. Here are some of the smells to look out for and what they can indicate:  Burnt Rubber - burnt rubber typically indicates an issue with a belt or drive pulley. This should be inspected quickly because a belt issue can quickly turn into a vehicle that won't run.    Gasoline - a smell of gasoline can point to a gas leak in the fuel system, such as a fuel injector line or the ... read more

Your vehicle’s brakes should always be in top working condition. If you ever notice a problem with your brakes, an inspection is recommended as soon as you can to avoid brake failure. One component of your vehicle’s brake system is the brake pads, which have the important job of helping the calipers make contact with the rotors, and therefore stopping or slowing down your vehicle.  The brake pads will eventually wear down over time due to friction, which is why they need to be replaced at certain intervals. If your vehicle’s brake pads need to be replaced, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:  A squealing or screeching noise can indicate that the brake pads need to be replaced. This can signify that there is metal to metal contact happening with the brakes.   A clicking noise can also mean that your brake pads need to be inspected. A clicking noise while braking is usually an indication that the brake pads are loose.    ... read more