First Choice Auto Repair

We’re Here To Help You With Your Car.

Walk-ins are always welcome.
Located at: 1014 Route 37 West Toms River, NJ 08755
Or Schedule Service Now 732-300-4524

First-Choice-Auto-Repair-Toms-River-NJ-mechanic

Sometimes it can be difficult to know when your car needs automotive repair. But taking the bull by the horns when you notice something a little out of sorts can save you both time and money. We suggest that you take your vehicle to a trusted automotive repair shop for early diagnosis. At First Choice, our mechanics are here to assist you by diagnosing your vehicle to avoid any future malfunctions down the road. And, if you need a tow to our shop, we have qualified tow truck operators standing by.

What’s wrong with my car?
Below are a few things you can look for to help you determine if your vehicle needs to be brought in for mechanical diagnosis. These should help you to determine whether or not you should bring your car in for an inspection.

Does anything feel out of sorts?
Sometimes things just don’t feel right. If you feel something like these bring your vehicle in for service.
* Front-End Shimmy
* Steering Wheel Shake
* Unusual Vibration
* Grinding Noises
* Hard To Steer

Do you hear unusual sounds?
Some common sounds that may require a visit to your mechanic are:
* Clunk or Clunking
* Noises When Turning Steering Wheel
* Clacking
* Clicking
* Back-Fire
* Squeak or Squeaking
* Leaking Air Sound

What do you see that’s not right?
Some common car problems you might see are:
* Unusual lights
* Leaking
* Flickering
* Sparks
* Something hanging under your car
* Puddle of Coolant

Is your car emitting a funny smell?
Some common smells that may mean your car should go to the repair shop are:
* Gas
* Oil
* Burning
* Electrical
* Burning Rubber

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To keep your cars and trucks in top shape and running as they should at all times, we offer a number of auto repair services here in the Toms River, NJ area. All automotive repair services are provided by our certified, expert auto service and auto shop repair technicians. Our technicians have over 75 combined years of experience. We can perform everything from tire repairs, oil changes, regular maintenance to a complete engine replacement or overhaul. Avoid being stuck on the side of the road waiting for help. Call First Choice Auto for mechanic services.

We use state-of-the-art automotive diagnostic equipment to guarantee your family’s vehicle is repaired and/or serviced the right way on the first go-around. And, we only use the highest quality replacement parts, filters, oils, and automotive components when it comes to your car.

Our services include:

General Services
Car & Truck Care
Undercar Services
Brakes
Tires
Towing

Engine Repair
Transmission Repair
Electrical Services
Miscellaneous Services
Air Conditioning Repair

Alignments
Air Filters
Alternator Replacement
Batteries
Belts & Hoses

Muffler & Exhaust
Suspension Repair
Electronics
Tune Ups
Tire Balancing
Roadside Assistance

Schedule Service Now 732-300-4524

Auto Repair Experts

General Vehicle Maintenance

Does Your Vehicle Need A Tune-Up?
1014 Route 37 West Toms River, NJ 08755

First-Choice-Auto-Repair-Toms-River-NJ-Vehicle-Maintenance

One of the biggest challenges in today’s automotive repair industry is what exactly does a “tune-up” consist of. If you ask 100 car owners their opinion of what a tune-up actually is will vary widely. Although opinions may differ on what a “tune-up” really is, the need for tune-ups still exist today. Today’s modern cars, trucks, and SUV’s still need tune-ups to keep them operating above par.

It’s a little known fact that the car tune-up was historically associated with the replacement of key ignition system parts like spark plugs and ignition points. Other components needed adjusted in order to help “tune” the engine. But technology and the desire for fuel economy, coupled with a governmental driver to lower exhaust emissions drove car manufacturers to begin incorporating electronics and do away with ignition points. Soon after, the carburetor also became a thing of the past, eliminating the necessity of to replace and adjust a large number of ignition and fuel system parts.

And, as technology advanced, the mechanical procedures necessary to provide a standard tune-up changed greatly. These outdated engine components were replaced with very innovative ignition and fuel systems, using onboard computers to track and report critical engine and drivetrain functions. What was once adjusted by an auto repair technician is now controlled electronically through the widespread use of onboard computer technology.

Due to the fact that vehicles have changed so much, the Car Care Council has introduced the 21st Century Tune-up. This program was designed to re-define and educate vehicle owners as to what a tune-up really is with today’s modern vehicles.

Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. says, “There is a misconception that today’s modern vehicles don’t need tune-ups because they never break down, but that simply is not true. If you’re at work and your computer goes down, you can’t get any more work done. It’s the same with your vehicle. If the vehicle isn’t being properly maintained, you’re not going to get where you want to go, and you might even need to call for a tow truck.”

The 21st Century Tune-up on today’s modern vehicles suggests that the following systems be inspected:

Battery, charging and starting
Engine mechanical
Powertrain control (including onboard diagnostic checks)
Fuel
Ignition
Emissions

Motorists ask for tune-ups for a variety of reasons, including improving performance, maintaining reliability, planning a vacation, preparing for winter/summer or because they’re giving a vehicle to a friend or family member.

To help ensure good performance for your car, the Car Care Council suggests that vehicle owners take time to become familiar with their cars from all angles. Locate and read the owner’s manual, so you become thoroughly acquainted with your car’s systems..

Brake Service and Replacement

Auto Repair Shop Toms River

Do You Have Squeaky Brakes?
1014 Route 37 West Toms River, NJ 08755

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At First Choice Auto Towing, we always want our customers to feel warm and fuzzy about the services we provide. We want you to leave our shop happy that you came in. We want you to feel comfortable with our services and leave the repairs to our technicians. But, please don’t think twice about asking us questions about our automotive repair services. In particular, if you don’t understand why a specific automotive repair service is needed, or even how it happened, don’t hesitate to ask. Call us anytime at 732-349-5534, and we’ll answer all your questions.

When it comes to your braking system, there are certain issues you need to be concerned with. Below, we discuss the components of your braking system and what you should look for to avoid costly repairs.

Brake Pads & Brake Shoe Replacement

Most brake pad issues can quickly be identified if you hear your brakes squealing. When your brake pads have worn down to the metal completely, you’ll begin to hear metal grinding on metal. It will start as a faint squeal but as the pad wears it will soon turn into an obnoxious grinding noise when braking. If you let it go too long you risk damage to your rotors or drums. Don’t take chances with your brake pads, seek the repair services of a professional as soon as you hear your brakes squealing while braking.

Resurfacing Brake Rotors

When your brake pads grip the rotor while braking they use friction to slow your vehicle and finally bring it to a stop. This friction can cause grooves and cracks on the surface of your rotors. Resurfacing brake rotors will bring them back to their once pristine condition, although each time you resurface your brake rotors a small amount of the metal is removed. First Choice Auto professionals will thoroughly inspect your rotors and discuss with you what’s required to keep your vehicle’s braking system in top condition.

Brake Caliper Replacement

Your vehicle’s brake caliper holds your brake pads and fits around the brake rotor, when the brake pedal is depressed the caliper presses the pads against the rotor when you brake, so you can stop. A faulty or damaged brake caliper could cause uneven braking, causing your vehicle to lunge forward when the brake pedal is depressed. Having a faulty brake caliper can even cause your care to lose control in rainy or snowy conditions. We suggest that you contact First Choice Auto today to have your brakes checked as soon as possible.

Brake Lines & Hoses

A brake line or hose is a metal tube that runs along the undercarriage of your vehicle. It carries pressurized brake fluid from the master cylinder, located in your engine compartment, to the individual brakes. A crimped or punctured brake line can deplete the brake fluid and cause your brake pedal to go to the floor when braking. Long story short, a faulty brake line can cause your entire braking system to fail. Avoid accidents and stay safe on the roads by having your brakes lines checked once every 6 months or so.

Brake Fluid Flush

Did you know that brake fluid can absorb water from the humidity in the air? Over time, water in your brake fluid can cause the entire braking system to become week and ineffective. The corrosive nature of water can can be detrimental to the braking system, that’s why we suggest that you have your brake fluid flushed regularly. Talk to the techs down at First Choice Auto about a brake fluid flush for your car.

Anti-Lock Brakes

An anti-lock brake system (ABS) is designed to prevent your car from skidding or losing control when braking at high speeds. It ensures that your car’s wheels don’t stop completely during the braking process. If you see your ABS light come on on your vehicle’s dashboard the first thing you should do is contact First Choice Auto. We’ll quickly diagnose and fix whatever braking system problems you may have.

Transmission Repair and Service

Automotive Repair Services Toms River

Does your transmission need service?
1014 Route 37 West Toms River, NJ 08755

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From manual to automatic transmission services and repair, First Choice Auto in Toms River, NJ 08755 can fix any transmission challenges you encounter. Our knowledgeable auto experts will diagnose the situation and help you make the proper decision for your vehicle. Don’t attempt this stuff at home, leave the dirty work to the professionals!

Transmission Warranty

Transmission, is warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Manual transmission & transfer cases are warranted for 12 months against defect in materials or workmanship. Commercial applications are warranted for 12 months/as, 12,000 miles whichever comes first. Transmission 12 month/ 12,000 mile Limited Warranty does not apply to failure caused by customer abuse, accident or alterations or reimbursement of consequential damages. Your Warranty is null and void if the covered vehicle is converted from a passenger vehicle to a commercial, racing or offroad vehicle. Electronic components are covered for a 90-day period, if the specific component repaired or replaced by FCA fails, FCA will repair or replace the electronic component at no cost to you. If however, any other electronic components fail during or after that same 90-day period, the warranty coverage does not extend to those components or to any damage they may cause to the transmission.

Our transmission services include:

Automatic Transmission

Automatic Transmissions shift between gears automatically to optimize driving, and changes gears based on the driver’s throttle pedal, vehicle speed, engine speed, and vehicle load. Typical automatic transmissions have 4-5 forward gear ratios, a Reverse, Park, and Neutral gear. Shifting gears occur automatically once the car is in Drive and there is no need for a clutch pedal or gear shift like there is in a Manual Transmission. Automatic transmission repair is complicated based on all the components that make it up, and you need to have any automatic transmission issues properly assessed by auto mechanics. Call 732-349-5534 to talk to the mechanics of First Choice Auto about your transmission problems.

Clutches

There are clutches in both automatic and manual transmission cars, and different types of clutches. When shifting gears, the clutch engages and disengages from the flywheel and transfers the torque through the transmission. Clutches should help your vehicle start and shift gears smoothly. The clutch in your car receives a lot of wear and can eventually wear out. If your clutch begins slipping irregularly or is making noises that are raising suspicion, contact First Choice Auto to see if clutch replacement is necessary.

Four-Wheel Drive Transmission

A four-wheel (4×4) drive vehicle has differential gears, both front and rear axles, and a transfer case attached to the transmission. Four-wheel drive vehicles demand maintenance on the transfer case, front differentials, rear differentials, and transmission fluids. Visit us on 1014 Route 37 West for service on your four-wheel drive transmission services.

Front-Wheel Drive Transmission

If your vehicle has Front-wheel drive, the engine drives the front wheels only. The power is routed through the transmission to the final drive where it is split and sent to the two front wheels through the drive axles. The engine, transmission, and additional hardware is all located in the front of the car. If you are in need, First Choice Auto of Toms River, NJ will gladly repair front-wheel drive transmission vehicles.

Manual Transmission

Driving a vehicle with a Manual Transmission requires using the clutch pedal and gear shift to manually shift gears based on the speed of the vehicle. Manual transmissions have been built with anywhere from two to eight gears. Front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive are the two main configurations for manual transmissions. Typically, manual transmissions require less maintenance then automatic transmissions. At First Choice Auto, our auto mechanics can diagnose your vehicle and then recommend the transmission repair or transmission service you need to ensure safety and improve the lifetime of your vehicle.