The History of the Beetles.

Notice the spelling.  This is about the rich 65+ production run of the classic Volkswagen Beetle.  Do you proudly own one of these in the Topeka area?  More than 21 million were built world-wide!  Production began in 1946 and caught on like wildfire on the European Continent.  It took awhile for Americans to get bitten by “the bug”.

When the 15,007,034th car rolled off the line at Wolfsburg in 1972, the Volkswagen Beetle surpassed the Model-T Ford as the longest-running and most-manufactured car in history.  Subsequently, it has fallen a few notches to number four.  The Volkswagen has unique features and unique challenges to keep it humming along.

There is one shop in Topeka that specializes in Volkswagen repair and maintenance to keep your bug flying for years to come.  That place is A.J.’s Import Garage located at 501 S.W. Harrison in the Capitol City.  When Topeka drives German made vehicles, they know where to get them repaired in 2020.  That’s A.J.’s Import Garage.  Call (785) 233-1000.

More About our Capital City.

We are proud to be a business serving the greater Topeka area.  Downtown Topeka is the employment center of our region and has great potential.  Meanwhile, The City of Topeka is conducting a downtown parking survey to better understand the needs of our residents.  Yes, Topeka is a great place to call home!

Christmas in Kansas is very special.  From the beginning of settlers in the Kansas territory, there has been celebrations of Christmas in Kansas.  Diaries and letters written in the early prairie days of Kansas offer us a glimpse of Christmas in the hard times of our state’s early history.  This year will be no exception.

Serving the Topeka area with the highest quality of auto care foreign and domestic has been our sacred duty for many years.  We are AJ’s Import Garage found in the state capital city at 501 S.W. Harrison St.  Please visit us on the web at ajsimports@sbcglobal.net.  We hope that you and yours have a happy holiday season from all of us at AJs to all of you.

Dec 14th and Dec 21st - 2019 WinterFest Topeka

Dec 14th and Dec 21st - 2019 WinterFest Topeka

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WinterFest will be a holiday memory-maker for all! Enjoy live performances and ice sculptures. Visit with Santa. Experience reindeer and a sleigh ($5 selfie photos) on the first weekend and horse-drawn carriage rides along the avenue ($3 per person) all three weekends!

 

Click, Click, Click.

It is one of the worst sounds that you can hear this winter when you try to start your car and that is all you hear.  While a bad starter can look like other problems with your car, there are ways to tell if the starter has gone or is going bad.  Take some time to consider whether the starter is the problem, so you aren’t faced with being stranded in a Topeka winter.

How do you know if your starter is bad?

1.  You turn the key and simply hear a clicking sound…or nothing at all.

2.  It takes a bit for your car to crank up to a start.

3.  You hear a grinding noise.

Don’t get stranded out there this winter!  At the first sign of a starter going bad on your vehicle get into 501 S.W. Harrison.  That’s the home of A.J.’s Import Garage.  Don’t let the name fool you…the mechanics at A.J.’s take car of your vehicle be it an import or domestic.  Call for an appointment if you are able at (785) 233-1000.

What is a Rotor?

On all modern vehicles, the front brakes, and most often the rear brakes, make use of a rotor and pad design.  The pads tighten around the rotor (also known as a disc) when you push down on your brake pedal (at least they are supposed to!). The pressure comes from fluid in the master cylinder that activates the caliper housing each set of pads.

How do rotors eventually wear out?  Given the amount of stress they are under brake rotor replacement is not an uncommon repair.  Still, rotors hold up for tens of thousands of miles before they typically need to be swapped out.  But, inexorably over time, the metal material coating the disc simply wears away due to friction.

Don’t put your car (and more importantly your family) at risk!  Have your rotors checked periodically which will vary a great deal depending on your driving style.  The brake and rotor repair and replacement experts of the Topeka area are found at A.J.’s Import Garage located at 501 S.W. Harrison.  Call for an appointment at (785) 233-1000.    

Stay on Schedule.

That’s good advice for most of us.  By following your car’s maintenance schedule, you can help prevent major problems before they occur.  Not only that, but keeping a detailed record of your car's maintenance history can help improve its resale value, too.  Now we are talking hundreds of dollars at sale or trade-in time!

Many manufacturers use a simple 30-60-90 schedule, meaning certain items need to be inspected, or perhaps replaced at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles. But if you’re like most drivers, you may wonder if every suggested maintenance checkpoint in your car manual is essential for the health and well-being of your car.

If you own an import (or domestic) vehicle in the Topeka area you can count on A.J.’s Import Garage to “shoot you straight” on which scheduled maintenance is essential and when it should be done.  Trust the Master ASE Certified Mechanics at A.J.’s Import Garage located at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka.  They are your car’s 2nd best friend!  Just call (785) 233-1000.

Topeka Veterans Parade, Nov 9th @11am

Topeka Veterans Parade

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Sunflower Salute Topeka Veterans Parade
Saturday November 9, 2019

 

It’s All About Timing.

Ah, truer words were never spoken!  Timing IS everything…especially when it comes to your German car.  Don’t wait until you HAVE to replace your timing belt on your Audi, Mercedes, BMW or Porsche.  It may not be your first priority in keeping your import vehicle in tip-top shape, but the results of a failed timing belt can be catastrophic and costly.

The timing belt is crucial to the proper functioning of the engine.  The two internal engine parts, the crank and cam shafts, must work together in perfect rhythm.  The timing belt allows these two parts to operate in the perfect synchronicity.  If the timing belt fails, the damage to the engine can result in thousands of dollars in repairs!

You know the drill.  If you are the proud owner of a German-built car in the Topeka KS area have all of your routine maintenance and auto repairs done at 501 S.W. Harrison, your baby will last longer and run more efficiently.  That is the home of A.J.’s Import Garage.  Call ahead for an appointment at (785) 233-1000.

Zoo Boos and Brews Topeka - Oct 11th

Zoo Boos and Brew, Oct 11th 

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"Zoo Boos and Brews is coming to the Topeka Zoo on October eleventh! Previously known as Fright Fest this event features unlimited beer tastings from local and regional breweries, spooktacular mixed drinks, Halloween entertainment and DJ’s."

America Goes Electric.

In some ways it is like the turn of the 20th century.  America discovers the power and efficiency of electricity.  In this case, it is the continued sale of electric cars to aid the planet and produce a quieter drive.  Yes, electric cars are having their moment in the sun including the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 series.

Here are some tips for maintaining your electric car –

1.  An electric car’s motor needs to be regularly serviced just like combustion engines.

2.  Mind the battery…make sure that it has a long and healthy life.

3.  Watch the brakes.  Electric cars use something known as regenerative braking.

4.  Keep an eye on the tires.  The instant torque can be hard on them.

5.  Check the fluids…such as coolant levels and brake fluid.

We hope this helps.  If you are the proud owner of an electric car (especially a foreign electric model) please think of us for all of its routine maintenance.  We are the Topeka area’s foreign car repair specialists A.J.’s Import Garage serving you from our location at 501 S.W. Harrison here in the capital.  Just call for an appointment at (784) 233-1000.       

HOLY-FIELD Vineyard & Winery, Oct 12th

HOLY-FIELD Vineyard & Winery, Oct 12th

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Saturday, October 12th Noon to 4 pm

 

Temperature Rising.

Well, just the opposite is true these days in the Topeka area, but maybe not on the temperature gauge of your BMW.  There are two very important parts of the car: the radiator and thermostat. Without either part, your Beamer would not be able to function properly.  BMW’s tend to be a bit cranky about that!

Your thermostat works to regulate the amount of coolant that is brought to the radiator for cooling purposes.  When the engine gets too cold, the thermostat shuts down and that coolant is then directed back into the engine until it gets warmer.  As the coolant warms up, the thermostat opens back up and brings it through both the radiator and engine again.

Don’t worry, the master ASE certified mechanics at A.J.’s Import Garage are the best in the Topeka area at getting your BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, etc. back on the road when their radiators act up.  A.J.’s Import Garage is located at 501 S.W. Harrison.  If you’re able to call ahead for an appointment the number is (784) 233-1000.

The ABC’s of ABS.

What is the ABS braking system?  Well, it is not essential for the primary function of braking your vehicle.  Your car WILL stop without the ABS actually engaging.  Before you replace your anti-lock brakes, make sure that you have a mechanic or service center you can trust to do the job right every time! 

Here are the main benefits of an anti-lock system –

1.  It is much easier to stop on ice

2.  Your insurance should go down because of the addition of a safety device

3.  Your vehicle increases in value at trade-in time

4.  Each wheel has traction on the road

We turn your attention to that early point.  When you need someone to work on your ABS braking system you need to make sure that you have a service center you can trust.  That shop in Topeka should be A.J.’s Import Garage.  Especially, if you own a foreign car in the Topeka area you can trust A.J.’s Import Garage at 501 S.W. Harrison.  Call (784) 233-1000.       

Hawkinson House Concert, Sept 2nd

Hawkinson House Concert

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This is a concert in the Hawkinson's home, an evening of stories and songs with singer/songwriter Matthew Clark.  

Topeka Rodeo, Aug 16 - 17

Topeka Rodeo 

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The Big 94.5 Country’s Topeka Rodeo is coming to town August 16th & 17th, 2019!

 

The Amazing Porsche.

Please don’t call it a “Porsch”, it makes us cringe!  Just kidding (not really).  Your Porsche is your baby and you want to “baby it” when it comes to regular maintenance.  This entails things that the average car does not.  We surely don’t need to remind you that keeping up with your Porsche’s routine maintenance is tantamount to its longevity.

Whether it’s an oil change, tire rotation, or engine maintenance, it is vital toward keeping your vehicle performing at the highest level you expect from the Porsche name.  We think it’s imperative for owners to know of the service intervals recommended for their specific Porsche model.  By following those, you will get many years of high performance.

A.J.’s Import Garage takes great pride in servicing Porsches, BMWs, Mercedes, Audis, Volkswagens, etc.  Naturally we will take the utmost care in servicing your vehicle whatever make and model it may be.  A.J.’s Import Garage is located at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka.  Please call ahead for an appointment at (784) 233-1000.

The BMW Advanced Battery Charging System.

One of the best items of value in the BMW Aftermarket Parts catalog is the $69 Advanced Battery Charging System which comes with an astounding 10-year warranty.  If you are fortunate to have several cars or leave one parked for a long periods of time, one of these intelligent Battery Charging Systems can prolong the life of your BMW Battery.

The BMW Advanced Charging system is a 1.25 Amp battery charger and includes complex BTP microchip technology.  This technology tops off your BMW’s lead acid battery charge.  It then automatically maintains the battery through what is known as “float” voltage which eliminates sulfation which can destroy lead acid batteries.

Knowing how to repair and maintain your precious BMW and other foreign cars in the Topeka area is what A.J.’s Auto Imports is all about.  From their location at S.W. Harrison in Topeka they take care of your vehicle both foreign and domestic.  Give them a call for any auto maintenance issue at (784) 233-1000. 

Routine Maintenance 101.

It is simply THE most important thing that you can do for your vehicle.  Stay on top of its health as you would your own!  Routine maintenance is the way to do that.  Oil changes, battery checks, tires, windshield wipers, the cabin filter, and other filters as well.  It all adds up to peace of mind and a greater trade-in value.

Here are some routine maintenance tips –

1.  Know your owner’s manual.

2.  Always change your oil and filter on time.

3.  Check your tires every month.

4.  Have all other fluids checked.

5.  Examine your belts and hoses.

That is why we are here.  A.J.’s Import Garage checks all of the boxes.  Routine maintenance should be considered mandatory regular maintenance if you are serious about keeping your car for many years.  Don’t get lazy!  Schedule your vehicle’s maintenance appointments with us.  That’s A.J.’s Import Garage at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka.  Call (784) 233-1000.

That Was A Beautiful Drive.

You might hear a golf commentator say this.  In this particular case, we want you to have a beautiful and safe summer vacation by car as you head out of Topeka.  So many of us in the area are planning long drives this summer (after all, we are right in the middle of America, so every drive is pretty much a long one!).

Here are some tips for long-distance vehicle travel –

1.  Get plenty of sleep before you travel.

2.  You need plenty of fuel…just like your car.

3.  Always remain hydrated.

4.  Plan your stops ahead of time.

5.  Sit up straight (OK, mom!).

6.  Have your vehicle thoroughly checked.

We’ve got that one.  Before you head out for a memorable summer vacation make an appointment at A.J.’s Import Garage.  Here at A.J.’s we check and repair any possible impediments to your driving safety on your long trip from Topeka to points in any direction.  Make an appointment at 501 S.W. Harrison.  Just call (784) 233-1000.

The Light that No One Wants to See.

We are referring to that dreaded Check Engine Light.  It is part of your car’s so-called onboard diagnostics system.  Over time, computers increasingly have controlled and monitored vehicle performance, regulating such variables as engine speed, fuel mixture, and ignition timing.  These days a computer also tells the automatic transmission when to shift.

If you haven’t experienced it yet, when it finds a problem in the electronic-control system that it can’t correct, a computer turns on a yellow warning indicator labeled “check engine,” or “service engine soon”.  The light may be nothing more than a picture of an engine, perhaps with the word “check”.  Consider yourself lucky if you have never seen it in your vehicle!

A.J.’s Auto Import Garage knows all about the check engine light and what to look for when it goes off on the dashboard of your domestic or foreign car.  You see, A.J’s Import Garage may have import cars in their name, but they service all makes and models.  Make an appointment at their location 501 S.W. Harrison by calling (784) 233-1000.

What is a Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter converts (duh!) the harmful exhaust gases produced by the engine into much less harmful emissions before they leave the vehicle's exhaust system.  It looks similar to a muffler and it typically consists of a stainless steel housing with a ceramic honeycomb inside that is full of platinum, palladium and rhodium.

How does a catalytic converter work?  The catalytic converter has multiple sections, commonly referred to as beds.  Each one of these “beds” contains specific catalyst elements that work at a temperature of at least 400 degrees F to promote specific chemical reactions.  That makes less noxious gasses expel from your exhaust pipe.

Repairing a catalytic converter is often done as part of a larger project.  Whatever the case may be, if you own an import car and are driving around the Topeka area you should call on the expertise of A.J.’s Auto Import Garage located at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka Kansas.  For catalytic converter repair, or any other maintenance call them at (784) 233-1000.  

The Timing May be Right.

Or it may be wrong…the timing belt in your Mercedes, we mean.  Mercedes Benz equips their many different vehicles with something called a timing chain for added durability and reliability.  A timing chain links the revolutions of the block with that of the heads to ensure a synchronized opening and closing of your valve train.

Timing chain issues can creep up slowly.  Here is what to look (listen) for –

1.  A harsh noise when you start up your Mercedes

2.  Heavily worn and discolored chain guides

3.  A squealing tensioner

4.  The engine is running roughly

These are all signs that it may be time to check your timing…your Mercedes timing belt.  The best place for that in the Topeka area is A.J.’s Auto Import Garage.  They treat your Mercedes as if it were their own.  Trust your prized possession to A.J.’s Auto Import Garage located at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka.  Just call for an appointment at (784) 233-1000.

This is NOT the Time to Suspend Belief.

That’s rather cryptic, isn’t it?  In this case it refers to your German car’s suspension system especially after driving over those many Topeka area rough roads.  For this tutorial we will concentrate on the ever-popular Audi that so many Americans have fallen in love with.  What about the suspension in your Audi?

Over time and high mileage, your Audi’s key suspension components such as control arm bushings, tie rods, ball joints, sway bar links and wheel bearings begin to wear and lose their effectiveness.  If you are an Audi owner, you may begin to notice front-end vibrations or shimmying.  Watch out for that pothole!

A.J.’s Auto Import Garage understands your German car (especially your Audi) as well as anyone.  The master mechanics at A.J.’s know exactly what to look for when troubleshooting and repairing your vehicle’s suspension system.  Trust the maintenance and repair of your German car to A.J.’s Auto Import Garage at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka.  Just call ahead for an appointment at (784) 233-1000.      

Hot Weather is Coming.

I know it seems a long way away after a long winter, but soon temperatures in the Topeka area will top 80 and even 90 degrees.  It’s no fun being stuck without air conditioning on a hot summer day.  A/C is more than just comfort; it’s a safety issue too. In fact, one of the most dangerous places for someone to be during a heat wave is inside of their car without A/C.

Here are some common issues with your car’s air conditioning system –

1.  The refrigerant is leaking

2.  The condenser is clogged

3.  Electrical issues

4.  The cooling fans are faulty

5.  The compressor is going bad

It does not matter to A.J.’s Import Garage if your vehicle is foreign or domestic.  They are Topeka area experts at troubleshooting and repairing your car’s air conditioning system.  Get ahead of the game and have your a/c checked by the experts before the weather changes.  Call A.J’s Import Garage at (784) 233-1000 or stop by 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka.

Timing is Everything.

Isn’t that the truth?  It is especially true with your vehicle’s timing belt.  You have probably heard of it, but what exactly is a timing belt?  A timing belt is a belt that controls the camshafts in your engine.  Its function is to open and close the valves at just the right moment to ensure smooth operation.

Some cars and trucks use timing chains or gears, which are more durable.  Those particular timing belts are made of a rubber compound.  They are quieter and more efficient.  They also don't need lube to work.  Beware, on some engines, if the timing belt fails, valves will be held open when they should not be and will be struck by the pistons, causing major damage!

Timing belts and their related parts are just another of the many items that demand your attention.  In Topeka Kansas, A.J.’s Auto Imports pays attention to all of your foreign or domestic car’s parts.  A.J.’s serves the Topeka area with repair and maintenance from their location at 501 S.W. Harrison.  Set up an appointment by calling (784) 233-1000.

Maintaining your Audi.

Maybe you are contemplating purchasing this amazing vehicle or, perhaps you already own one.  Either way, you will want to know that maintaining an Audi does NOT present any extraordinary maintenance challenges.  However, Audi's can be more expensive to repair.  The most expensive Audi to repair is the A8 model.

The bottom line is to keep your prized possession running as an Audi should.  You need to find someone who does everything from routine maintenance up to and including major repairs.  You bought a high-performance car because you expect it to last longer than most.  How can you have that expectation if you don’t take care of the baby?

Finding the right location for Audi maintenance repair and maintenance in the Topeka area is easy.  The answer is always A.J.’s Import Garage.  You do not need to drive to Kansas City for quality foreign car repair!  Count on A.J.’s Import Garage every time located at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka.  Call ahead at (784) 233-1000.

Topeka's Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade - Sat, Mar 16th

Topeka's Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade - Sat, Mar 16th

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Come down and join us for the Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade! The 2019 events will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019 kicked off by the parade at high noon!

Replacing A Catalytic Converter.

It sends shutters down the spine…doesn’t it?  This one is a biggie!  What does replacing a catalytic converter mean?  Well, it takes about an hour or so to do it professionally.  According to Car MD it is the third most common car repair related to the check engine light.  And…it can cost $3000 or more to replace.

Gulp…talk about sticker shock!  Even the average cost of a catalytic converter replacement is over a thousand dollars.  Of course, these factors are all dependent on certain variables.  Do you have a dual CC or a three-way one?  If you have an older model car it may be less expensive because their construction was simpler.

Either way, you may be overwhelmed by the estimates that you get.  Why not come by 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka, KS.  There you will meet the ASE certified mechanics from A.J.’s Import Garage.  You will get a fair and honest estimate and they will do the best job possible in replacing your catalytic converter.  Call for an appointment at (784) 233-1000.

What is an ASE Certified Mechanic?

That’s a fair question.  Unless you get an affirmative answer to the question, "Do you have ASE certified mechanics on the premises?", you might want to look elsewhere for auto and truck service.  In order to earn Master Technician status, you must have received certification in EVERY area of testing!

Master Technician status is not a lifetime entitlement.  You must keep each one of those certifications current in order to maintain it.  If your Master Technician status is lost because one or more of the required certifications has lapsed, it can be reinstated.  When you meet one with all the credentials you have met someone you can trust to work on your vehicle.

At A.J.’s Import Garage they are proud to feature ASE Certified Mechanics with over 30 years of experience.  This entails not only domestic cars and trucks, but foreign vehicles as well.  Whenever you need the very best in auto service in 2019 count on A.J.’s Import Garage located at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka.  Call (785) 233-1000.

Check Engine Light 101.

The dreaded CEL is on and you can’t escape seeing it on your dashboard.  It has become a necessary evil in today’s vehicles.  For many of us this light is a mystery and hints at some unseen danger in the guts of your car. Others ignore it until it goes away, or just let it stay on.  I doubt that anyone would recommend the latter!

The check engine light (or malfunction indicator light as it is sometimes known) is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma to paraphrase Winston Churchill.  One misconception is that a code reader will reveal the exact problem.  It is only one piece of information, a single symptom of a possibly larger problem.

One thing is certain, unless you have the equipment and expertise to troubleshoot a check engine light then you need a trained mechanic to do so.  We here at A.J.’s Import Garage have seen thousands of them and may be able to help you stay on the road in safety when yours shines bright.  Come into our shop at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka or call us at (785) 233-1000.

Find the Many Things that Topeka has to Offer.

Topeka offers many things to do.

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"Check out some of the many things to do below, and start planning your visit to Topeka."

 

Why is My Car’s Heater Blowing Cold Air?

If your car heater is suddenly blowing out cold air instead of heat in the middle of a bitterly cold Topeka area winter, you have a good reason to be frustrated!  We don’t have to tell you that unreliable car heaters can make the cold winter months practically unbearable.  There are many components working together to heat your vehicle.

One or more of these issues may be the problem –

1.  The engine is low on or out of coolant

2.  The heater core has problems

3.  Broken heating controls

4.  Water leaks in the system

Don’t make the winter any more unpleasant than it already is.  Make sure whenever you turn on your foreign or domestic car that you can crank up the heat with confidence.  If your vehicle’s heater is acting up call us immediately at (785) 233-1000.  We are Topeka’s foreign and American car heating specialists A.J.’s Import Garage located at 501 S.W. Harrison.

Kansas Day at the Museum 2019

Kansas Day at the Museum 2019

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"Happy 158th birthday Kansas!"  

Come celebrate Kansas Day

Kansas Museum of History

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Free Admission