Asian Imports.

Japanese cars, such as Hondas and Toyotas, are well-known worldwide for their reliability, and fuel efficiency. If you want to keep your Asian import on the road, you’ll want to follow proper maintenance guidelines. A.J.’s Import Garage of Topeka is here to help you do that in and around the capital.

Here are a few maintenance tips for your Asian import –

1.  ALWAYS keep the engine clean and lubricated.

2.  Pay particular attention to the engine belt.

3.  Have your tires checked once a month.

You need to find a garage where the mechanics are ASE certified and know their way around Japanese imports like yours. That place in Topeka is A.J.’s Import Garage located at 501 S.W. Harrison St. Whenever maintenance is needed, contact A.J.’s Import Garage at (785) 233-1000 and visit the website at ajsimportgarage.com.

ABS Warning Sign.

ABS stands for antilock braking system. If the ABS warning light is illuminated on your car’s cluster of gauges that means the antilock system has been deactivated because of a malfunction. 

While your car’s regular brakes could be working fine, the antilock feature that prevents wheels from locking up during braking will not work.

Here is what may be happening to your ABS system –

1. There is simply a blown fuse in the system.
2. A wheel-speed sensor has been damaged.
3. There is a broken wire.
4. The ABS controller has, for whatever reason, stopped working.

Don’t waste time waiting for it to heal! Make an appointment with ABS brake experts A.J.’s Import Garage. They are the guardians of your car’s health in Topeka regardless if it is foreign or domestic. At the first sign of a light on your dashboard call A.J.’s Import Garage located at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka. Just call (785) 233-1000.

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.

Foreign SUVs.

When people think of cars and SUVs made in the United States, they think of the usual Chevy, Ford and GM products.  However, today several foreign automakers manufacture SUVs in the United States as well, such as Acura, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru and Volkswagen.  They are manufactured at various plants around our country.

You can research some of the great foreign vehicles that are popping up in the US.  ALL of them will need maintenance and the manufacturer will charge more and probably make you wait longer for much-needed maintenance and repair.  In today’s busy world that is not always best for you…the consumer.

When you commit to owning a new or used foreign vehicle you should look into your options for service.  That will become just as or even more important over time than the buying decision itself.  Why not utilize our expertise?  We are A.J.’s Import Garage serving all of the Topeka area’s foreign car service needs for many years.  Just call ahead at (785) 233-1000.

A Used Car…one of Life’s Best Choices.

You can say that the 2008 collapse of the economy made it a necessity.  You could also make the claim that because new cars are made to last longer used cars have become a greater value in the 2nd half of the 2nd decade of the 21st century.  It’s true, it makes more and more sense these days to buy pre-owned automobiles.

If those vehicles happen to be German or Asian the value is even greater.  These models are built to last and it is common that you will be driving yours past the 200,000-mile mark.  Do your research and choose the best pre-owned car possible, but look toward the foreign imports for the greatest value.

When you have decided which foreign used car to purchase, the next choice is easy.  In the Topeka area always have it serviced by A.J.’s Import Garage.  Why trust your beauty to anyone else in the Topeka metro?  A.J.’s is located at 501 SW Harrison.  Come on in and get to know them or call ahead at (785) 233-1000.

They Know How to Manufacture a Car on the Other Side of the World.

Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, Hyundai, and Kia.  What do they all have in common?  Well, they are obviously some of the world’s top selling automobile brands.  They are built to last and engineered in a way that few cars worldwide are.  The care and continued efficiency of your ride from Asia is something you need to keep in mind.

Within these Asian imports are things like starters and chargers, climate control (the heat and the a/c), the exhaust system and catalytic converters.  In many ways, it does not differ from your standard Ford or Chevy, but in many others these makes and models are unique in their own and very special way.

When your Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Honda, Nissan, or Toyota needs regular maintenance or emergency service it is nice to know that your car has a best friend.  That is Topeka’s Asian import repair specialist A.J.’s Import Garage.  They are located at 501 SW Harrison in Topeka.  Come in or call ahead at (785) 233-1000.

Type Approval.

Say what?  Yeah, type approval.  Did you know that in Europe cars get something known as type approval?  Here is what that means.  The manufacturer has one car tested to see if it complies with all the rules and regulations that apply for this type of vehicle.  When this one passes, all subsequent cars of this type are considered “road-worthy”.

This rigorous testing includes emission standards that, without a catalytic converter, are impossible to comply with.  Any modification to a car that would violate type approval rules is illegal (at least in Europe).  So, if you drive a European car, you can take comfort in the knowledge that it has passed what is known as type approval.

What if you drive a European-made vehicle in the Topeka, KS area?  Well, you are pretty darn lucky because you can count on A.J.’s Import Garage for all of your maintenance and repair needs.  They have been located at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka for many years.  Just give them a call for a service appointment at (785) 233-1000.

Owning an Asian Import.

You might be one of the millions of Americans who drive a vehicle imported from the Asian continent.  The numbers continue to grow even in the Topeka area.  Among the most popular are Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, Hyundai, and Kia.  They all have their special needs when it comes to maintenance.

For instance, why does Toyota have a higher market share in the US than Honda?  Here is a case in point…Toyota has many more models than Honda, and they have perfected the use of common platforms to produce a wide variety of vehicle types with common engines and other components.

Whatever Asian import you drive you know that maintenance of that vehicle has a best friend.  It is Topeka area Asian import repair specialist A.J.’s Import Garage.  Please visit our new website at ajsimportgarage.com to discover all that we do for your foreign or domestic car.  We are located at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka.  Call ahead (785) 233-1000.

Our ASE’s are Aces.

Just what does ASE stand for?  It is short for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Since the year 1972 this well-respected independent non-profit organization has worked to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals throughout the land.

How does an individual become a certified ASE mechanic?

1.  It starts by creating an account on their official website.

2.  You choose the proper tests to take.

3.  Then, of course you must arrange to take those tests.

4.  Find a test center nearest to you.

5.  Schedule a time to roll up your sleeves and take the tests.

Obviously, the longer that you have been certified as an ASE mechanic the better.  How about the people at A.J.’s Import Garage Topeka’s certified automotive service excellence center?  Their master mechanics have logged over 30 years of experience as ASE certified mechanics.  You can’t do better than calling or stopping in at A.J.’s Import Garage located at 501 S.W. Harrison or calling (785) 233-1000.

Why Get a Tune-Up.

Today's cars are computer controlled.  Because of that, the definition of a tune up has really changed. On most cars the only parts that can really be replaced are the Spark Plugs, Spark Plug Wires, Fuel Filters, Air Filters and Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valves.  These days, how can you tell when your vehicle needs one?

Here are some signs that a tune-up should be done soon –

1.  Keep an eye on the dashboard for warning lights.

2.  Does your car ever stall at intersections?

3.  Your vehicle is hard to start in the morning.

4.  Poorer gas mileage.

5.  Sluggish acceleration or even loss of power.

Don’t hide your head in the sand!  You know when your vehicle is not behaving the way it used to.  If it’s time, then immediately make an appointment at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka KS.  That the is the home of Topeka tune up and auto maintenance experts A.J.’s import garage.  The number to call is (785) 233-1000.

Why Buy New?

There is nothing quite like a new car be it foreign or domestic.  Getting behind the wheel of your brand-new vehicle is a special feeling.  However, that euphoria can quickly turn to financial frustration month-after-month for the next 5 years as you make that car payment.  Have you paid off your current car?

If you are free and clear of vehicle payments in 2018 why not consider keeping it that way and pocket that car-payment money each month or use it for some other household expense.  The first thing to do is assess how much needs to be put into your current ride to keep it road-worthy.  If you believe that cost is far less than a new car payment, then opt. for maintenance instead.

Now, as it pertains to German and domestic vehicle maintenance in the Topeka area, the answer is always A.J.’s Import Garage.  A.J.’s enters the New Year just as they closed the old one, as Topeka’s top spot for import auto repair and maintenance.  Call for an appointment at their 501 S.W. Harrison location at (785) 233-1000.

Auto Repair with an Accent.

If you are tooling around the Topeka area in an imported vehicle you may be wondering what happens if I need service?  I mean, Topeka is not Kansas City.  Is there a viable choice for foreign auto repair in our area?  It needs to be someone who will solve the problem both quickly and affordably.

Above all, the job must be done right the first time, or you will never want to be a return customer.  You also need to know that there is a staff of auto repair professionals ready to handle the work.  That work may range from engine repair, brakes, heating and air conditioning …whatever.

We are in luck!  Just such a shop is right here among us.  It is A.J.’s Import Garage.  For nearly 40 years A.J.’s has been a beacon of foreign and domestic auto repair serving all of the Topeka area.  Rest assured that A.J.’s Import Garage will be there when you need them at 501 S.W. Harrison St.  Give them a call at (785) 233-1000.