Kenvil & Lake Hopatcong Auto Repair

Introducing Brendan O'Connell as our newest Automotive Technician. He's a graduate of the Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) Automotive Program.  He brings to us over seven years of knowledge specializing in exhaust repairs and custom exhaust builds. He is dedicated to continuing his automotive education, always something new to learn and ways to better yourself. Originally from Hillsboro, he and his girlfriend Priscilla reside in Oak Ridge. They enjoy hiking and being in nature. They can always be spotted on hiking trails with their rescue dog Charlie, leading the way. He has a passion for high-quality audio and that is apparent in his eclectic collection of vinyl records.  

In the winter of 2021 Automotive magic will begin a new apprenticeship program. This program combines online learning through the National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) training center, Automotive Training Institute (ATI) and on the job learning at Automotive Magic.  Getting paid while learning at the same time is just one of the advantages of this program. This 18 to 24 month program has nine stages and occurs at no expense to the student. As the student progresses through the program at Automotive Magic, the student receives additional compensation as an incentive to progress from one stage to the next.      Automotive Magic’s apprentices will get tools needed to work in the trade in addition to getting paid. When the apprentice graduates from the program, they get to keep the provided tool kit that is required for any mechanic. This program is certified by the US Department of Labor and the graduate will receive a diploma-like certificate acknowled ... read more

We are excited to announce that Albert Stashluck has joined the Automotive Magic team as Service Consultant. He comes to us with 27 years of experience in the automotive repair industry. Albert started his career in the industry as an automotive technician, his skills under the hood combined with his ability to communicate with his customers in a way that would always make them feel comfortable and have an understanding of the hows and whys of the service recommendations was an incredible talent. The natural progression streamlined him into  Service Writer. For the next 11 years, he managed a team of 8 and oversaw the inner workings of and the growth of the company in the repair and auto body spectrum of the business.  He resides in Dingmans Ferry, Pa with his wife Stephany of 18 years. He is the proud father of three children 21, 17, 15 years old. Albert enjoys various outdoor activities including hunting and fishing. Come October you can count on him being in the woods o ... read more

Jodi Wesley has joined the Automotive Magic team as Service Support Administrator. Jodi comes with ten years of experience in automotive finance and is no stranger to the inner workings of the automotive industry. She’s also handled the logistical as well as customer service and sales roles at an international furniture dealership. Her ability to handle high volume and demanding workloads has proven to be an asset within the Automotive Magic service team. Her enthusiasm and high energy are contagious and our customers are delighted with her ability to address their needs and concerns in a way that is beneficial to all. She’s a native NewJerseyan, from Sussex County but resides in Port Jervis NY with her husband Dave of 34 years. She’s the mother of three grown children 31, 29 and 21. She enjoys beach time and RVing at the Jersey Shore, family time, and walks with her pup Carlo. We’re excited to have Jodi on our team and we are confident that you ... read more

Over Filling Your Gas TankYour vehicle is an essential part of your lifestyle. Making sure that you have fuel in your vehicle is not such a difficult subject to address. You know that you need gas to run your car, oil to lubricate your engine, and routinemaintenance to ensure that it performs at it’s best and will get you from point A to point B.   What you might not be aware of is that something that seems as innocent as over filling your fuel tank can actually cause more harm than good. It’s tempting whenyou are at the pump to round the meter to the next round dollar amount, particularly if you are paying with cash. Gas station attendants will sometimes try to do the same, avoiding having to give coins as change. Once the sensor clicks, they might go for just .40 more to make ... read more

My engine never overheats. Why should I get a cooling system service ?Automotive Magic Answer:There have been times when our customer's have questioned the need or a cooling system service for their vehicle. They don't quite see that there's a need, especially when they have never had a situation with their engine overheating. Well, that's a great question, and if you don't know the complete answer you may end up in a bit of trouble. It would seem that if our engine is running at the proper temperature that it must be fine.But the fact is that engine overheating is the most common cause of mechanical failure for drivers. So how do you get from everything is just fine to suddenly overheating and potential engine damage? ... read more

What to do? There are so many deals going on right now for new vehicles it’s pretty tempting to go ahead and make the plunge into buying a new vehicle.           The cash for clunkers offer seems to have reinvented itself in our area. Trying to convince those of us driving older vehicles to get them off the road and put the new ones on it.  Getting some cash in your pocket in return for them removing what seems to be a headache now may seem like a win/win situation.       Buying New Committing yourself to nearly a decade of payments for a new vehicle could be an option you are willing to make. There can be an uncomfortable amount of stress tied to either of these options. Getting some professional guidance along your journey might take some of the weight off of your shoulders. There are a lot of things to consider when you are making these decisions. The new car smell of the interior, the shiny new paint job. It&rsq ... read more

  WHO'S LOOKING OUT FOR  YOUR SAFETY WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR VEHICLE? So you were most likely taught to look both ways before you cross the road. Tie your shoes so you don’t trip. Your parents instilled in you the importance of safety, and warned you of the dangers that might fall upon you if you didn’t take precautions. VEHICLE SAFETY So here we are in 2020 relearning to wash our hands, cover our mouths and keep our distance. These are all steps to keep ourselves safe and they all seem a little deja vu-ish if you ask most people (mama told you so.) In New Jersey the state used to require safety regulations to enforce Mama’s fine and early teachings. They were imperative for you to be able to pass NJ state inspections.   If your vehicle fell short of the requirements they slapped a big red rejection sticker in your windshield..  Ever present are long lines as the ... read more

Where the rubber meets the road   For our customers, our family and our friends.  Your safety and your families safety is always our first and foremost priority.  Auto repairs can be inconvenient and costly and not always the top of your list of Have to’s - The safety portion well yes, they fall into the inconvenient and costly category, but it is absolutely our priority. Your well being is riding on it.  Yes, there is maintenance upkeep and investments in the long term care of your car, but the safety stuff, there’s no price that should be put on that.  So, as an absolute must, top of the list, no fooling around here are the basics:   Tires And Brakes Absolutely the top two, We can’t even say one is more important than the other.  Because if you have good tires and the brakes are shot.. Whamo! Bad news, and if your brakes are in excellent condition and your tires are bald.. Bad, just bad!    Tire ... read more

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE   Taking care of your car and getting routine maintenance and repairs on it is definitely like going to the doctors. In the respect that if you don’t take care of your body, it’s not going to work the way it should. Same for your vehicle.  DOCTORS FOR YOUR CAR   Choosing the right auto technician is like choosing a Dr. You want someone who is going to listen to your symptoms, make you stick out your tongue and say ahhh, notice if your blood work is where it should be, look, run test and understand what it is that you are experiencing and then, make a diagnosis and suggest a plan of action.    So, I’m taking the magician hat off for a minute and pulling out my charts and stethoscope on your vehicle and together with you, we will come up with a plan.   IT'S NO SECRET The super cool thing about your car, is that they guys who made it, gave you a little book, yup don’t believe me, look in ... read more