Getting to the Heart of the Matter.

Your car’s engine…your heart.  In many ways, your vehicle depends on a smooth-running engine as much as you need a healthy ticker.  Just as most of us get a warning when our heart is about to go bad, your vehicle has a mechanism to alert you when its vital engine is just about to go bad.  It’s the check engine light.

To get to the “heart” of the matter before that occurs consider these preventative measures –

1.  Have the engine fully diagnosed.

2.  The computer may need to be reprogrammed.

3.  Air suspension is a matter to be considered.

4.  Have the source of that menacing light investigated.

The A-Team knows all about the potential future dangers that your car may face.  That is why they offer a myriad of engine checks to keep you on the roadways of the Kansas City area.  Able Auto Service has plenty of engine experts.  Drive into Able Auto Service at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS…or call ahead (913) 321-1030.

Kansas City Holiday Events & Activities 2019

Kansas City Holiday Events & Activities 2019

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Here’s a list of 2019 Kansas City holiday events and activities.

Some of these events are fun for kids; others are for adults or all ages.

 

 

What’s That…I Can’t Hear you Over the Muffler.

There aren’t many sounds more annoying than this one.  While proactive vehicle maintenance is always a plus, there are few components where this is truer than with your vehicle’s muffler.  Waiting too long to get your muffler serviced will almost always mean costly repair bills in your immediate future.

Here are a few warning signs that it is time –

1.  Loud noises emanating from your muffler

2.  Your MPG keeps going down and down

3.  Bad smells…this is usually the sign of some really bad things coming

A good auto mechanic should be your next call.  One of the very best shops in the Kansas City area is Able Auto Service.  The A-Team will take care of all your vehicle repair and maintenance needs this KC winter.  Just drive in to 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS or give them a call for an appointment at (913) 321-1030.

Smoke ‘Em if You Got ‘Em.

It’s an old phrase from a bygone era and when it applies to your car’s engine it is always an antiquated pronouncement.  What is a smoke leak test for your vehicle?  Leaks can present troubles for vehicle owners.  Some leaks can be gas or air leaks.  Unmeasured air flow through your engine throws off the fuel to air ratio.  This can lead to poor engine performance.

A smoke leak test is a series of tests that will provide information on possible leaks present under the hood of your car in the vacuum systems. The vacuum system will be tested using a smoke leak test.  This test can determine if any piping in the system of your engine has a leak. A vacuum system controls the airflow in and out of the engine of your car.

It is an important piece of the puzzle as you prepare your vehicle for the challenges of winter driving.  The A-Team is standing by to help you through the next six months of driving around the roads of Kansas City.  The A-Team are the professional mechanics at Able Auto Service located at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.  Call ahead if you wish at (913) 321-1030.

It’s Not Warming up any Time Soon.

No one experiences that more than your vehicle’s battery.  It is one of the most important parts of your car.  Without it, you won’t go anywhere!  Your battery will eventually let you down and leave you stranded if you don’t take care of it.  There are a lot of things that can cause your battery to fail, and many of them are so gradual and so easy to miss.

Most battery manufacturers will tell you that you should get your car’s battery checked twice a year.  Just before the onset of another tough winter in Kansas City is an excellent time to do just that.  Almost everyone knows that extreme hot or cold weather are the most common things that wear your car battery down.

When was the last time that you had your vehicle’s battery checked to see if it is ready for winter?  What better time and better place to have it done in Kansas City than Able Auto Service?  The A-Team will quickly check your battery and anything else if you wish.  Just call (913) 321-1030 and make an appointment or drive in to 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.   

Veterans Day Weekend | 2019

Veterans Day Weekend | 2019

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Honor veterans with special activities, free public ceremonies on the grounds and free general admission for veterans and active duty military to the Museum and Memorial, Friday, Nov. 8 through Monday, Nov. 11, 2019.

 

Let’s Get to the Core of the Problem.

Are you having car trouble?  Did someone mention that it could be your heater core?  You might be wondering what the heck a heater core is, what it does, and what can happen to your vehicle if and when it breaks.  Not to worry, these are common questions and we’re about to give you some quick and easy answers.

1.  What does the heater core do?  It is a smaller version of your radiator.

2.  Where is it located?  It is behind the dashboard and usually buried beneath other things.

3.  How do you know that it has gone bad?  A fog develops, there is a sweet smell, you are using too much coolant, the heater just stops working.

It’s Kansas City, already…we can’t drive around without heat in our cars for the next six months!  The answer to the core of your car’s problems is found at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.  That’s the home of the A-Team… Able Auto Service.  Count on them to keep the inside of your car warm this winter.  Just call (913) 321-1030. 

Kansas City Halloween Parades, Parties & Other Happenings for Kids

Kansas City Halloween Parades, Parties & Other Happenings for Kids

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"Here’s a list of 2019 Kansas City Halloween parades, parties and other events for kids. This roundup of family-friendly Halloween activities focuses on fun, candy and cute costumes."

The Light You NEVER Want to See.

It’s the dreaded check engine light.  No one wants to see it, and NO ONE should ignore it!  The first thing you should think of is a serious problem that requires your immediate attention.  Check the dashboard for additional lights to see if the engine is overheating.  If so, pull over to the side of the road and put on your flashers as soon as possible.

The most common causes for a check engine light are –

1.  A loose gas cap

2.  The oxygen sensor

3.  A spark plug issue

4.  The catalytic converter

If and when the check engine lights comes on in your vehicle it should be treated the same way as if you or a loved one had a medical emergency.  Quickly and calmly address the problem with the A-Team.  They are Kansas City’s top auto repair professionals at Able Auto Service.  They are located at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.  Call for an appointment at (913) 321-1030.

KC Oktoberfest 2019, Oct 4-5

KC Oktoberfest 2019, Oct 4-5

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Presented by Kansas City Bier Company, Kansas City's largest locally-owned brewery, KC Oktoberfest takes place October 4-5, 2019 at Crown Center.

 

It’s About the Future of the Planet.

You don’t need Al Gore to tell you that in an urban area such as Kansas City the personal automobile is the single greatest polluter, as emissions from driving a private car are a typical citizen's most air polluting activity. The negative effects of automotive emissions are at their maximum when you sit in traffic surrounded by other vehicles with their engines idling.

Gasoline and diesel fuels are mixtures of hydrocarbons, which are burned by combining oxygen with nitrogen and sulfur that burn to produce gases. Attempts to reduce exhaust emissions from gasoline and diesel engines have been compromised by limitations of testing, inherent flaws in the design and inadequate maintenance of emission control devices.

That last part is where we come in.  There is no excuse for inadequate care and maintenance of your emission system which can eventually contribute to the demise of us all.  In the Kansas City area, the A-Team will keep your car’s emission system in tip-top condition.  Just give us a call at Able Auto Service (the home of the A-Team) at 837 Osage Ave - (913) 321-1030.     

There’s No Alternative to your Alternator.

People may believe that the battery powers all of the electric functions in your car, but that's not the case.  The battery does provide electricity needed for the electric starter motor to start the car.  However, when the car is running, it is the alternator that generates energy to feed the electrical system and charge the battery.

It used to be called a generator, and it works in the same way. In this case, a car's gas engine spins wheels under the hood which crank a wheel on the alternator and generates energy.  In principle, this is the same as water falling over a hydroelectric dam and spinning wheels along the way generates energy.

You may ask whom in the Kansas City area offers a lifetime guarantee on nearly all of its alternators?  That answer is simple…Able Auto Service at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.  When you buy an alternator from them and have one of their A-Team install it you know you are good to go!  Call Able Auto Service at (913) 321-1030.

Novel Restaurant Labor Day Party - Sept 2nd

Labor Day Party - Sept 2nd

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Join Novel Restaurant for the last party of the summer!

All you can eat and drink from 1pm-4pm.

Start and Stop…Start and Stop.

It sounds like basic training at Fort Leavenworth, doesn’t it?  In fact, it concerns all of the starting and stopping you have done with your car this summer.  Have you put some heavy miles on the family car these last few months?  It may be time to check that most important safety device located on your vehicle…your brakes!

Here are some signs that the brakes need attention –

1.  That good ole’ trusty brake light stays on

2.  Squealing or grinding noises

3.  Vibration or wobbling when you apply the brakes

4.  Fluid leaking from the bottom of your vehicle

5.  Any type of burning smell when you are driving

Limp on in and see us.  We are the A-Team at Able Auto Service…the Kansas City area’s vehicle brake specialists.  You can count on us to keep you safely on the road as the seasons change.  Able Auto Service is located at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.  Give us a call for a brake inspection at (913) 321-1030.

Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Kansas City

Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Kansas City

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2019 Best Places for Kids in the Kansas City region!

Join Our Team - We're HIRING!!

Join our Team!  Able Auto Service is now hiring!  

Call 913-321-1030 today!

Excuse Me…I Can’t Hear you Over the Muffler.

A bad muffler is not only a hinderance, but downright annoying as well!  While consistent vehicle maintenance is always a plus, there are few components where this is more vital than with your muffler.  If you wait too long to get your muffler serviced it will probably mean costly repair bills, and often a small problem easily turns into a much larger one.

Here are some of warning signs of a muffler going bad –

1.  Noise…you have heard that sound in other vehicles if not your own before.

2.  Lower MPG…pay attention when you fill up.

3.  Putrid smells…the fumes can be stuck in your car and that’s dangerous.

As they used to say about kids…well-working exhaust systems should be seen and NOT heard!  Common sense tells us that your muffler and your vehicle’s exhaust system need to be checked and serviced when necessary.  For that job, call the A-Team…the Kansas City area car repair professionals at Able Auto Service at 837 Osage Ave.  Call ahead at (913) 321-1030. 

Kansas City Taste - Saturday, Aug 17th

Kansas City Taste - Saturday, Aug 17th

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"Don’t miss Kansas City Taste, brought to you by Carrier, Bryant and Stella Artois! A food and music festival in downtown Kansas City at Crown Center on Saturday August 17th. Kansas City Taste will feature more than 30 restaurants showing off their most creative dishes."

Tighten Your Belt.

That’s good advice for dieters and managers of money.  It is GREAT advice for car owners!  This is no small point.  A belt or hose failure can cause an overheated engine, loss of power steering, and loss of the electrical charging system.  If a hose leaks coolant or the belt turning the water pump snaps, the cooling system becomes inoperable. 

Here are some basic maintenance tips –

1.  Check the white coolant-recovery tank to ensure proper levels.

2.  Squeeze the hoses to feel if it’s mushy…make sure it’s cool!

3.  Inspect for cracks and nicks while the engine is hot.

4.  Flush and replace the coolant in conjunction with your owner’s manual.

Experts recommend that that all hoses be replaced at least every four years or, obviously when one fails.  Have your hoses and belts checked professionally by the A-Team.  That’s the team of auto mechanics at Able Auto Service.  The Kansas City area has counted on their expertise for many, many years.  Call (913) 321-1030 or stop in at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City, KS.

On the Road Again.

Drivers of the Kansas City area are celebrating summer by heading out on traditional family summer vacations by car.  And, let’s face it, because we are smack-dab in the middle of America almost every road trip this summer is a multi-day excursion.  Is your vehicle ready for extended summer travel?

Here are some tips before you head out –

1.  Have all of the fluids checked and topped off before heading out.

2.  Make sure all of your car’s lights are fully functional.

3.  Are your wipers in tip-top shape?

4.  How are the brake pads?

5.  Your tires…duh!

At Able Auto Service they check all of the boxes that are important to extended summer vacation driving.  Whatever type of vehicle you drive, make sure it is fully checked and serviced by the A-Team.  That’s Able Auto Service.  KC’s last stop before hitting the road.  Call (913) 321-1030 to make an appointment at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.

A Ding Becomes a Spider.

It sounds like a line from a Dr. Seuss book, but if you are driving the highways of the Kansas City area this summer it can be all too real.  When that stray pebble hits your windshield, it may start out as a tiny hole.  Before you know it, your vision may be obscured by a growing “spider” expanding its way across the glass.

Can a cracked windshield shatter?  The short answer is YES!  Windshields are held in place with strong urethane adhesives, which prevent leaks, noise and movement of the glass.  Because the glass is laminated, the entire windshield generally won’t separate from the frame.  That does not mean it is safe.  Your windshield’s structural integrity has been compromised.

Don’t tempt fate!  Make an appointment to have your car’s windshield replaced by the A-Team.  That’s the team of auto care professionals at Able Auto Service.  They are one of the top places in the KC Metro for car repair, etc.  Able Auto Service is located at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.  Call ahead for a convenient appointment at (913) 321-1030.

Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog

Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog

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Transport yourself to the world of Clifford, Emily Elizabeth and all the residents of Birdwell Island in this exciting, interactive and FREE exhibit.  

June 8 - Sept 22nd

 

Reprogramming your Engine Computer.

Flashing — or erasing and reprogramming — your engine’s computer is a legitimate and legal way to keep a car’s engine control modules (ECMs) up to date.  If your vehicle is from 1996 or newer this will ensure that the microprocessors in such areas as the power train and fuel injectors are regulating their systems properly.

How exactly does the process work?  When reprogramming an engine computer, a scanner is attached to the diagnostic port in a car, which is typically inside the car, beneath the steering wheel.  Then, old programming is erased and replaced with the most up-to-date software provided by the auto manufacturer.  With progress comes responsibility.

To stay on track, call the A-Team for an appointment to have your car’s engine computer reprogrammed.  They are the auto repair and maintenance professionals at Able Auto Service.  You simply can’t do better for auto care in the Kansas City area.  Able Auto Service is located at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.  Call for an appointment at (913) 321-1030.   

Father's Day at the Kansas City Zoo!

The Zoo is honoring fathers with a day just for them, and their cubs of course!

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Celebrate the king of your jungle with a relaxing day at the Kansas City Zoo!

 

Mounting and Balancing Tires.

What does that really mean?  We hear the term all the time, but what does it mean to mount and balance?  It might be a little easier to understand if you were a gymnast!  The mounting part seems pretty simple, but the balancing is a bit more complicated.  And just like the proverbial chicken and the egg…you can’t have one without the other.

A wheel is considered to be in balance when the center of gravity is identical to the axis of rotation – in other words, when the mass of the wheel and the tire are evenly distributed around the axle, so there’s absolutely no vibration when the tire spins.  Our installers use special equipment to analyze the tires and wheels and find any heavy spots that could cause them to vibrate when spinning.

It is all about attention to detail.  That is why we hope you will trust us to provide not only the tires themselves, but the important parts of mounting and balancing as well.  We are the A-Team…a team of auto mechanics at Able Auto Service located at 837 Osage Ave in Kansas City, KS.  Make an appointment for tire mounting and balancing by calling (913) 321-1030.     

Folks, It’s NOT an Appendix.

An appendix was put into our body for some unknown reason, and when it goes bad it has to be removed.  Do we really need an appendix?  Well, some might ask…does our car really need a muffler?  It IS necessary because the gas coming from the combustion in the pistons of the engine would generate an extremely loud noise if it were sent directly through the exhaust.

Dual exhausts have two mufflers and are normally used for high-performance cars.  One of the most obvious signs that your muffler needs to be looked at is that your vehicle is very loud while it is running. Should this occur, take your vehicle to a mechanic right away.  Eventually, it could damage other areas of your vehicle.

As to the subject of where to take it…why not trust the muffler repair and replacement professionals at Able Auto Service?  It’s just another reason why they are known as the Kansas City area’s A-Team.  They are a truly gifted group of professional auto mechanics located at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.  Just give ‘em a call at (913) 321-1030.   

There's no place like Kansas!

There's no place like Kansas!

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Check out the wide variety of special events taking place year-round - celebrating arts, culture, athletics and more.

 

Remember Last Summer?

It may seem like a distant memory right now, but the average high temperature in the Kansas City area, even in the month of May, is 75 degrees…and you know where it goes from there!  One of the most dangerous places for someone to be during a heat wave is inside of their car without A/C since temperatures can spike to dangerous levels.

What are some early warning signs that your vehicle’s a/c needs servicing?

1.  The condenser is blocked.  It could even be broken altogether.

2.  Somewhere along the line the refrigerant is leaking.

3.  There is an electrical issue which may be difficult to diagnose.

4.  The compressor has gone bad and the refrigerant can’t circulate.

Call the A-Team!  What’s that?  The A-Team is Kansas City’s answer to most every auto repair and maintenance problem.  They are officially Able Auto Service located at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.  It may not seem like air conditioning season now, but it will soon.  Give Able Auto Service a call at (913) 321-1030.

Your Car Should NOT be a Bouncy Castle.

Have you ever seen a big ole’ car bouncing up and down the road?  Sometimes they may even make a right turn and it seems like they are going to actually topple over.  Is that you?  Those are two common signs that a shock or strut in your suspension system has gone bad.  Costly repairs may be just around the corner!

Here are some warning signs to watch for –

1.  Your ride quality has changed.

2.  Nose diving when you hit the brakes.

3.  “Body roll”…there is a leaning when you turn.

4.  When you hit the accelerator the momentum is transferred to the rear end.

5.  Look for any visible damage including dents and leaks.

When all is said and done The A-Team just wants to maintain your suspension system and keep you on the road without (hopefully) any major repairs.  The A-Team is the amazing group of mechanics at Able Auto Service located at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.  Give them a call for any and all auto repairs at (913) 321-1030.

It’s Oil Change Time.

Springtime and a young person’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of…an oil change!  Well, it is a bit of a stretch on the old metaphor.  It does, however, have merit.  If you make your car’s oil changes stick to a three-month oil change and check-up schedule it simply stands to reason that your ride will last longer and have greater trade-in value.

It may be time to fulfill one of those New Year’s Resolutions that you made a couple of months ago.  That is…taking better care of your car unless you plan on trading it in every year.  If you can’t seem to remember when you had your last oil change, but you are pretty sure it was not this year, then now is the time to get AND STAY on schedule.

We are here to help.  We are Able Auto Service.  The A-Team as we are known, has been here for all your auto maintenance needs in the Kansas City area for many years.  Able Auto Service is conveniently located at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.  Call ahead for an appointment at your convenience at (913) 321-1030.

Everything You Need to Know About St. Patrick’s Day in KC

Everything You Need to Know About St. Patrick’s Day in KC

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"Leprechauns stroll alongside marching bands and elaborate floats in morning parades while in the afternoon, green beverages line bar tops at local watering holes throughout the city. Wherever you look there’s a party to be had, no matter the time of day or day of the week. It’s St. Patrick’s Day season in Kansas City: part celebration of the city’s rich Irish heritage, part full day of fun for many in the metro."

Don’t Be Exhausted.

Your vehicle’s exhaust system consists of piping that guides gases away from a controlled combustion inside of the engine.  It includes one or more exhaust pipes.  An exhaust pipe must be carefully designed because it must carry toxic or noxious gases away from the people inside of your vehicle.

The exhaust gas may flow through one or more of the following –

1.  The cylinder head

2.  The turbocharger

3.  A catalytic converter that reduces pollution

4.  A muffler to reduce noise

Repairing an exhaust system is the job of a trained auto mechanic.  The right place to repair the exhaust system in your ride is Able Auto Service.  They serve the entire Kansas City area with any and all automotive repair services from their location at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS.  Call the A-Team for an appointment at (913) 321-1030.

The Dreaded CEL.

It seems as if everything is reduced to an acronym these days.  In your vehicle CEL stands for Check Engine Light.  When it illuminates you can’t escape seeing it on your dashboard.  It is a necessary evil in today’s vehicles.  This light is a mystery and hints at some unseen danger in the guts of your car. Some ignore it hoping it goes away, or just let it stay on. 

The check engine light is a riddle for most of us in that we have no clue as to what it means until it is properly diagnosed by a certified auto mechanic.  A popular misconception is that a code reader will reveal the exact problem.  It is only a single piece of information, a mere symptom of a possibly larger problem.

Unless you have the equipment and expertise to troubleshoot a check engine light then you need a trained mechanic to do so.  The A-Team at Able Auto Service has seen thousands of them and may be able to help you stay on the road safely when your CEL shines bright.  Come into our shop at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS or call us at (913) 321-1030.

The Alternative is Not Pretty.

A properly functioning alternator is essential for the continued performance of your vehicle.  What does the alternator do?  Well, it recharges your battery, using engine power, and it also delivers power to your car’s electrical components.  Essentially, it keeps the battery from losing charge, and of course if your battery dies, your car is no more than an expensive paperweight.

In the past, your alternator didn’t have to do much more than just power your headlights, and a few accessories like your radio. Think about all the accessories your car comes with today…entertainment systems use up a lot of power, and then you may have on-board navigation, power windows, power mirrors, and perhaps even heated seats.

Alternators, batteries, mufflers, heaters, engines…oh my!  So much can go wrong with your vehicle this winter.  To prevent being stranded on the side of the road visit Able Auto Service.  The A-Team will troubleshoot any and all potential problems.  Call ahead for an appointment at their 837 Osage Ave. shop in Kansas City KS at (913) 321-1030.

KC Events Jan 31 - Feb 5th

KC events Jan. 31-Feb. 5: T.K. Kirkland, Iliza Shlesinger, ‘Cabaret,’ ‘Evita’ Read more here: https://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/article225207575.html#storylink=cpy

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Make plans for your upcoming weekend in Kansas City! 

Read more here: https://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/article225207575.html#storylink=cpy

Frost on the Windshield.

America wistfully celebrates frost on the pumpkin in the fall, but this time of year frost is the real deal and can affect your vehicle’s windshield.  For most of us that reside in Kansas City it’s almost second nature to make the necessary changes for winter driving and maintain our cars accordingly.  That just makes sense.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of motorists who are just too lazy to spend two minutes to remove the hazardous frost from the windshield before getting on the road.  As a result, they put everyone in jeopardy of being in an accident.  Frost in one’s field of vision is extremely dangerous because a driver cannot see other vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles and animals clearly.

If you have been one of the unlucky ones to have your windshield crack this time of year, we are here for you.  We are Kansas City’s full service vehicle repair center…Able Auto Service.  The A-Team is always ready to serve your winter driving needs.  Just drive into 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS or call ahead at (913) 321-1030.

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