Auto repair tips, body shop advice, and car care guides from the AutoBlast team.
In New Jersey a car is a total loss when the repair costs as much as the car was worth the day of the crash. Many insurers call it at about 80%. Here is how the math works, what the state says you are owed, the 30-day rules most drivers never hear about, and when a second repair estimate changes the answer.
Fan running, vents blowing cold, windshield fogging on the White Horse Pike. Here is how to tell a coolant top-off from a $1,200 heater core job by the symptom you already have, what each repair costs in Camden County, and when it is not safe to keep driving.
New Jersey gave valid inspection stickers expiring April through July 2026 three extra months. Match the month on your sticker to its exact deadline, then use the correct state-inspection or failed-inspection next step.
If your car AC is blowing hot air in NJ summer traffic, do not keep adding refrigerant and hoping it lasts. Here are the most likely causes, what you can safely check first, and what each repair usually costs.
Brake fluid flush cost usually runs $90 to $180 at an independent South Jersey shop, with dealer, European, ABS, and contamination issues pushing the service higher.
Serpentine belt replacement usually costs $150 to $350 installed for a straightforward belt-only job in South Jersey, but tensioner, pulley, A/C, alternator, water pump, and rust issues can push the repair higher.
Car door dent repair cost in 2026 runs about $75 to $150 for a small paintless ding and $400 to $1,500+ for a creased or through-the-paint dent that needs a body shop. Here is the price by dent size and method for South Jersey drivers, plus when PDR beats a repaint and whether to use insurance.
How long does collision repair take? Minor repairs run 1-3 days, moderate damage 1-2 weeks, and major or frame work 3-5+ weeks. Here is the real stage-by-stage timeline, what actually causes delays, and how rental coverage fits in — from AutoBlast in Audubon, NJ.
Code P0420 means "Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)" — your catalytic converter is no longer cleaning exhaust the way it should. It is also an automatic NJ inspection failure. Here is what causes it, ranked by likelihood, what each fix costs, and why clearing the code will not get you a sticker.
Control arm replacement usually costs $350 to $1,100 per arm installed in South Jersey, depending on vehicle type, rust, ball joint design, bushings, labor time, and alignment needs.
CV axle replacement usually costs $350 to $950 per axle installed in South Jersey. See parts, labor, one-axle vs both-axle ranges, symptoms, and vehicle-specific estimate notes.
Car window stuck down, moving slowly, or making a grinding noise? Learn what causes power window failure, what repairs usually cost, and when AutoBlast can repair the regulator, motor, switch, or glass track in Audubon, NJ.
Wheel bearing replacement usually costs $250 to $850 per wheel in South Jersey, depending on bearing type, vehicle, labor time, corrosion, and whether the hub assembly or ABS sensor is involved.
TPMS sensor replacement usually costs $80 to $180 per sensor installed in South Jersey, including sensor, valve service, programming, and relearn. Learn when one sensor is enough and when all four make sense.
Head gasket repair cost usually runs $1,500 to $5,000+ in South Jersey depending on engine layout, machine-shop work, and overheating damage. See fair Camden County pricing, warning signs, diagnosis steps, and when AutoBlast in Audubon recommends repair versus engine replacement.
If your car shakes when you hit the gas — but not when you brake — the cause is in your engine, transmission, or drivetrain, not your brakes. Here are the seven real causes, how an NJ mechanic figures out which one you have, and what each repair actually costs in 2026.
Car battery replacement cost usually runs $150 to $650 installed in Camden County. Compare NJ price ranges, warning signs, AGM coding, and same-day battery testing at AutoBlast in Audubon.
Car AC repair costs range from $150 for a basic recharge to $1,200 or more for a compressor replacement. Here is a full breakdown of what affects AC repair cost so NJ drivers know what to expect before visiting the shop.
Ball joint replacement cost usually runs $200 to $500 per joint in Camden County, with trucks, SUVs, pressed-in joints, and alignment needs raising the total. See fair 2026 pricing, warning signs, and when AutoBlast in Audubon recommends towing instead of driving.
Fuel pump replacement cost depends on your vehicle, the type of pump, and where you go for service. Here is a complete 2026 price guide covering parts, labor, symptoms, and how to get the best value at a shop you can trust.
Oxygen sensor replacement cost depends on the sensor type, your vehicle, and where you go for service. Here is a complete 2026 price guide covering upstream vs downstream sensors, parts, labor, symptoms, and how to get the best value.
Tie rod replacement costs depend on whether you need inner or outer ends, your vehicle type, and whether you include the mandatory alignment. Here is a complete guide to tie rod pricing, warning signs, and what South Jersey drivers should expect.
An oil change typically takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on where you go and what is included. Here is a complete breakdown of timeframes by shop type, what affects duration, and what a proper oil change should include.
Transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles depending on your transmission type and driving conditions. Here is a complete guide covering automatic, manual, CVT, and dual-clutch intervals plus what happens when you wait too long.
A quality car wrap lasts 5 to 7 years with proper care, but NJ weather, material quality, and maintenance habits all affect lifespan. Here is everything you need to know about how long wraps last and how to make yours last longer.
A car vibrating at highway speeds is usually caused by tire balance, alignment, warped rotors, or worn suspension. Here is a complete guide to every cause, how to diagnose each one, and when vibration signals something dangerous.
Transmission problems rarely appear overnight. Here are all the warning signs of a failing transmission — slipping, rough shifting, delayed engagement, fluid leaks, burning smell, and more — plus what to do when you notice them.
Car paint job cost depends on the type of paint, the level of prep work, your vehicle's size, and the quality of the shop. Here is a complete guide to every type of paint job, how the process works, paint vs wrap, and how to choose the right body shop.
Transmission repair cost depends on the type of repair — minor fixes, rebuilds, and full replacements are very different jobs. Here is a complete guide to what causes transmission failure, automatic vs manual vs CVT differences, warning signs, and how to extend your transmission's life.
Your check engine light can mean anything from a loose gas cap to a failing catalytic converter. Here is a complete guide to the most common causes, what steady vs flashing means, whether you can keep driving, the diagnostic process, and what NJ drivers need to know about emissions.
Brake lifespan depends on the component, your driving habits, and your vehicle. Here is a complete guide to how long brake pads, rotors, calipers, and fluid last, what shortens their life, how to make them last longer, and when to get them inspected.
A car shaking when braking is usually caused by warped rotors, but worn pads, stuck calipers, suspension problems, and wheel bearing issues can also be the culprit. Here is a complete guide to every cause, how to diagnose the problem, whether it is safe to drive, and how to prevent it.
Water pump replacement cost depends on your vehicle and whether it is done alongside a timing belt — which saves significantly on labor. Here is a full guide to water pump failure signs, the timing belt combo deal, electric vs mechanical pumps, and why NJ summer heat makes this repair even more critical.
CV joint replacement cost depends on whether you replace the joint, the boot, or the full axle. Here is a full guide to CV joint vs CV axle replacement, the warning sounds you should never ignore, inner vs outer joints, and how NJ potholes accelerate wear.
Collision repair costs depend on damage severity, which parts need replacing, and whether insurance is involved. Here is a full guide to damage types, insurance tips, NJ driver rights, and how to choose the right body shop.
Windshield replacement cost depends on your vehicle, glass type, and whether ADAS recalibration is needed. Here is a full breakdown of what affects pricing, insurance coverage, and what NJ drivers should expect.
Bumper repair cost depends on damage type, bumper material, and whether repair or replacement is needed. Here is a complete guide to bumper damage types, repair vs replacement, insurance tips, and what NJ drivers should know.
Everything New Jersey drivers need to know about car inspection — requirements, what gets checked, common fail reasons, repair costs, Audubon/Camden County inspection help, and what to do if you fail.
Wondering what a vehicle wrap costs? Pricing depends on wrap type, vehicle size, and vinyl quality. Here is a complete guide to wrap types, longevity, maintenance, and how wraps compare to a traditional paint job — plus how to get a free estimate.
A car that will not start can be caused by anything from a dead battery to a seized engine. Here are the 8 most common reasons ranked by likelihood, with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair costs for each.
Car scratch repair cost depends on how deep the scratch is, the repair method used, and the size of the damaged area. Here is a full guide covering scratch depth, repair methods, DIY vs professional, insurance tips, and what NJ drivers need to know.
Timing belt replacement cost depends on your vehicle type, engine size, and whether you replace the water pump at the same time. Here is a full breakdown of what affects pricing, what happens if a timing belt breaks, when to replace it, warning signs, and why this is not a DIY job.
Alternator replacement cost depends on your vehicle type, whether you choose new or remanufactured, and labor complexity. Here is a complete breakdown of what an alternator does, how to tell if yours is failing, new vs remanufactured options, and what to expect at the shop.
Everything you need to know about Intoxalock ignition interlock device installation in New Jersey — who needs one, how much it costs, how installation works, and how to live with an IID after a DUI/DWI conviction.
Suspension repair cost depends on which component failed, your vehicle type, and the extent of the damage. Here is a full breakdown by component, warning signs, front vs rear differences, NJ pothole damage, and what to expect at the shop.
Hail damage repair cost depends on severity, the repair method used, and your vehicle type. Here is a full guide covering damage levels, PDR vs traditional repair, insurance claim strategy, and what NJ drivers should do immediately after a hail storm.
A car overheating can cause catastrophic engine damage if you keep driving. Here are the 8 most common causes, exactly what to do when your temp gauge spikes, what affects repair costs, and why NJ summers make this worse.
A grinding noise from your car could mean worn brake pads, a failing CV joint, a bad wheel bearing, or a transmission problem. Here are the 7 most common causes, what affects repair costs, and how to tell which one you are dealing with.
OEM parts come from the original manufacturer and cost more. Aftermarket parts come from third parties and can be equal, better, or worse. Here is a complete guide to choosing the right parts for your vehicle, your budget, and your situation — plus what NJ insurance law says about your rights.
Rust repair cost depends on severity, location on the vehicle, and the repair method needed. Here is a complete guide covering rust types, repair methods, why NJ cars rust faster than anywhere else, and when rust repair is worth the money.
A shaking steering wheel can mean anything from unbalanced tires to worn motor mounts. Here is every cause organized by when it happens — highway speed, braking, low speed, idle — plus what affects costs, safety info, and why NJ potholes make this worse.
Car batteries last 3 to 5 years on average, but NJ weather, short trips, and parasitic drain can shorten that. Here are 7 signs your battery is dying, what replacement costs, how to test it yourself, and which battery type is right for your vehicle.
A complete car maintenance schedule organized by mileage interval — from oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles to major services at 100,000 miles and beyond. Includes seasonal maintenance tips for NJ drivers, cost comparisons, and what happens when you skip services.
Tires last 25,000 to 75,000 miles depending on the type, driving habits, and road conditions. Learn the 6 warning signs you need new tires, how to check tread depth, NJ inspection requirements, and what affects replacement cost.
New Jersey emissions testing catches thousands of drivers off guard every year. Here is everything you need to know about what the test checks, which vehicles are exempt, how to prepare, common fail reasons, and what to do if you fail.
Dealer service carries a premium over independent shops — but price is only part of the story. Here is a complete breakdown of when the dealer makes sense, when an independent wins, the warranty myth most drivers still believe, and how to find the right shop for your situation.
Exhaust repair costs vary widely depending on the component — from a simple hanger fix to a full catalytic converter replacement. Here is a complete guide to exhaust system repairs, signs you need exhaust work, and what NJ drivers need to know about emissions and catalytic converter theft.
Radiator repair cost usually runs $200 to $400 for leak repair and $850 to $1,400+ for replacement at Camden County independent shops. See repair-vs-replace rules, warning signs, coolant service pricing, and AutoBlast Audubon inspection options.
Starter replacement cost depends on your vehicle type and how accessible the starter is. Here is a full guide to what a starter motor does, the warning signs of failure, how to tell the difference between a bad starter, battery, and alternator, and what factors affect the repair cost.
Your check engine light just came on. Before you panic, here are the 10 most common OBD-II codes, what they mean in plain English, whether you can keep driving, and what to do next.
Power steering repair costs vary widely depending on the component — from a simple fluid flush to a full rack and pinion replacement. Here is a complete guide by repair type, signs of failure, hydraulic vs electric systems, and what NJ winter does to your power steering.
Spark plug replacement cost depends on your engine type and plug material. Here is a full guide to warning signs, plug types, replacement intervals, and whether you should DIY or go to a shop.
Catalytic converter replacement is one of the most expensive auto repairs — and one of the most common theft targets. Learn why they cost so much, how to prevent theft, signs of failure, NJ emissions implications, and what AutoBlast can do for your exhaust system.
Oil change prices depend on oil type, vehicle, and where you go. Here is a full breakdown of what affects your cost and how to get the best value.
Brake repair costs depend on the type of repair, your vehicle, and where you go. Here is a detailed breakdown of what affects every type of brake repair cost so you know what to expect.
Transmission fluid change costs depend on service type, vehicle, and where you go. Here is a full breakdown of drain-and-fill vs flush, when you need the service, and how to get the best value.
Choosing the right body shop matters. Here is what to look for when selecting an auto body shop in Camden County, NJ for collision repair or cosmetic work.
A check engine light can mean anything from a loose gas cap to a serious engine problem. Here is what the most common causes are and how to handle it.
Not sure which dent repair method is right for your vehicle? Here is a breakdown of paintless dent repair versus traditional methods and when each one makes sense.
The old rule was every 3,000 miles, but modern vehicles and synthetic oils have changed the game. Here is what you actually need to know about oil change intervals.
A step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident in New Jersey, from exchanging information to filing an insurance claim and getting your vehicle repaired.
Squealing, grinding, or a soft pedal? Here are five warning signs that your brakes need professional attention before they become a safety hazard.