The following components are inspected. Their condition is recorded and compared to the manufacturer's specs. We then make recommendations based on the Motorist Assurance Program Uniform Inspection Guidelines.

The brake system is actually composed of two kinds of systems: hydraulics and friction materials. Here's what happens within these systems between the time your foot hits the brake pedal and your car stops.

Your car's engine is the power source for both the heating and air conditioning systems. The systems also share other components, as the diagram below shows. Here's what happens when you flip on the heat or the air conditioner.

Chances are the engine is the most expensive component of your vehicle, so it makes good sense to take care of it. Fortunately, that’s very easy to do. Simply by having your oil and oil filter changed on a regular basis you can protect your engine’s inner parts and maximize its service life. (The oil and filter should be replaced as often as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. You’ll find that suggested interval in your owner’s manual.)

You can do so much good by doing something so simple: taking your used motor oil to Smalley Automotive for recycling. 

New Jersey's Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery estimates that, each year, up to 50 million gallons of used motor oil are discarded improperly - and illegally - in the state’s storm sewers, rivers, lakes, garbage cans, even directly onto the ground. This dumping adds dangerous chemicals to our soil and waterways, including lead, zinc, chromium, arsenic, chlorides, cadmium, and chlorinated compounds.

The primary function of your vehicle's suspension and steering systems is to allow the wheels to move independently of the car, while keeping it "suspended" and stable. Any play or uncontrolled motion in these systems can result in a deterioration of handling and accelerated tire wear. Vehicle alignment is closely tied to the condition of the suspension and steering systems.

Tire alignment is a term that refers to the position of each tire and/or wheel relative to your car and all your other tires. When properly aligned, your tires point in precisely the same direction, moving your vehicle over the road as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

What is tire balancing and why is it necessary? When an object spins as quickly as a tire does, even a slight difference in weight on some part of the object (a heavy spot) can affect its operation. In fact, it takes only a quarter of an ounce of extra weight on any part of a tire to throw it out of balance!

It's easy to forget about your tires, until one of them needs repair. Here are a few important things you should know about tire repair and extending the service life of your tires.

For many drivers, a new set of tires represents a sizeable investment. Fortunately, regularly scheduled maintenance can maximize your return on that investment. When it comes to your new set of Goodyear, Cooper, Kelly or Dunlop tires, the maintenance is very simple, very effective, and very affordable, if not free! It’s called tire rotation.

Vehicles with automatic transmissions require transmission fluid. It protects the transmission from running too hot, especially during strenuous conditions such as towing or driving up steep hills. If you will be putting more driving stress than normal on your car, it's important to have the vehicle inspected and serviced to prevent the transmission from overheating. Completely flushing and replenishing your transmission fluid requires a specially designed machine.