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

(Click the link above for more information)

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!