J and C Auto Service

04/10/2026

FOUND KEYS WITH A J&C KEYCHAIN:

These were found in Westmont near 59th and Cass Ave.

Give us a call. We have your keys.

J & C Auto
630-968-9827

04/03/2026

ARE YOU READY FOR APRIL SHOWERS?

Spring is finally here! April showers may bring May flowers, but they also bring slippery roads, reduced visibility, and possibility of pothole damage. Be sure your car is ready for the season ahead with a Spring check-up at J & C Auto.

Whether you need a tire check, brake inspection, or wiper replacement, our trusted automotive experts have you covered for Spring. Whether it's regular maintenance or complex repairs, our experienced technicians have the skills to handle all your automotive needs.

WHY IS APRIL RAIN TOUGH ON YOUR CAR?
Spring rain can create hazardous driving conditions, making it critical that your vehicle is performing in tip-top shape.
---Reduced Tire Traction: Wet roads increase stopping distances, and worn tires make it even harder to stay in control.
---Poor Visibility: Heavy rain and fog make it difficult to see, especially with old or streaky wiper blades.
---Hidden Potholes: Rain-filled potholes can damage your suspension, alignment, and tires.

SPRING AUTO MAINTENANCE
Maintaining routine auto maintenance ensures your car is prepared for rainy Spring conditions, keeping you safe and confident on the road. Don’t wait until April’s showers catch you off guard –be proactive and keep your car in its best condition:
---Check Tire Tread and Pressure: Your tires are your vehicle’s contact with the pavement and first line of defense. When the roads are wet and slippery, worn-out tread or low tire pressure will reduce traction and increase the risk of hydroplaning.
---Check Your Brakes: Brakes are always an important safety feature, but rainy roads require reliable brakes. If your brake pads are worn, stopping distances increase, putting you at greater risk of not being able to stop in an emergency. Listen for squeaking or grinding noises, or notice if the brake pedal feels spongy. If you notice these, schedule your service appointment right away.
---Check Your Wiper Blades: If your wiper blades are streaking, squeaking, skipping across the windshield, or you notice split or cracked damage to the blades, have them changed as soon as possible. Old or damaged wipers make it harder to see through heavy rain. Wiper blades should be replaced every 6-12 months to ensure a clear, streak-free windshield.
---Check Your Battery: Cold winter months can weaken your car battery, leading to unexpected failures. Don’t let a weak battery leave you stranded.
---Check Your Alignment: Spring potholes can easily throw off your car’s alignment and will cause uneven tire wear and steering issues. If your car pulls to one side or your steering wheel vibrates or is off-center, then have the alignment checked.

Let J & C Auto help you stay safe on the road this spring. Don’t let April’s showers catch you off guard. Give us a call to schedule your spring check-up.

J & C Auto Service
821 Ogden Ave
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630-968-9827

11/26/2025

11/13/2025

Hello J & C Nation,

This was found in front of our building. It is waiting patiently to be reunited with its rightful owner.

10/31/2025

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Did you know that Illinois produces more than 40% of the 485 million pounds of pumpkins grown annually throughout the United States? Many pumpkins are carved and decorated for the season, but the majority of pumpkins from Illinois are processed for canning.

Halloween can be dangerous on the roads with the kiddos out trick-or-treating as it is getting darker earlier. Here are some Halloween Safety Tips courtesy of NHTSA: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

Safety Tips for Drivers
• #1: Be alert for trick-or-treaters and other pedestrians.
• #2: Slow down and scan the road. Remember: Slower speeds save lives.
• #3: Watch for young trick-or-treaters in unexpected places. Children may be unaware of traffic and dart into the street unexpectedly.
• #4: If you see a drunk driver, contact law enforcement.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians
• #5: Before festivities begin, create a “buddy system” to get each other home safely and prevent walking alone.
• #6: Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
• #7: If possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.

For Halloween Parties:
Safety Tips for Attendees
• #8: Before drinking, choose a designated driver, or schedule a ridesharing, ride-hailing or taxi service.
• #9: If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability.
Safety Tips for Hosts
• #10: Be responsible and take action to make sure guests get home safely.
• #11: Prepare to call taxis rideshares, provide sleeping accommodations, or — if you’re sober — drive guests home yourself.
• #12: Collect car keys from guests who are drinking.
• #13: Provide non-alcoholic beverage options.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!

J & C Auto Service
821 Ogden Ave
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630-968-9827

05/23/2025

Memorial Day 2025

Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday in May, was established as a way for the country to set aside time to honor the men and women who have given their lives while serving in America’s military.

“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it." —Unknown Author

“May we never forget freedom isn't free." —Unknown Author

Please join us in remembering our fallen soldiers this weekend. Let the spirit of Memorial Day remind us of the cost of our freedom and inspire each of us to live with gratitude and compassion for those brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

--Gone but never forgotten--

We honor you not only today, but every day that we wake up free.

J & C Auto Service
821 Ogden Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630-968-9827

03/27/2025

Don’t Let Rust Eat Away at Your Car

Rust is that orangey coating that corrodes the metal exposed to a combination of air and water. Rust spots form on exposed surfaces first, but if left untreated will flake and continue to grow and expand, and will eventually eat through the metal.

Rust corrosion will weaken the integrity of the metal frame of the body of your car – the easily visible sections and the parts less visible. This can potentially leave the car unsafe to drive when rust attacks the main structure of your car.

Rust will affect the resale value on your car as well. Help your car age well by getting rust taken care of when it is first seen before it spreads and compromises the integrity of your car.

Tips to prevent rust from forming:
--- Check for new scratches and dents because this is where rust will usually form first.
--- Wash and wax your car regularly or least once a month. Exposure to salt speeds up the rusting process. Washing removes salt and debris that contribute to rust creation.
--- Clean the interior. Clean the carpets and mats. Your footwear carries substances like salt from parking lots and roadways, and will contact surfaces on your car like the rocker panel beneath the door that contribute to rusting.
--- Check for new rust spots in the wheel wells and undercarriage, near the sunroof trims and molding, around the door (inside and out – including the base piece you see when the door is open), and the area near the side mirrors.

J & C Auto can help you fight the battle against rust. Our body shop can handle your rust removal needs and keep your car looking beautiful for the life of your car. Don’t let rust make a meal of your car.

Call J & C Auto Body today. We can help.
1045 Zygmunt Circle
Westmont, IL 60559
630-487-9826

03/26/2025

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J & C Auto Service

02/13/2025

Tips For Getting a Car Unstuck From Snow

Weather forecast is calling for snow. Are you prepared? Is your vehicle ready for snowy travel? Before the storm arrives, make sure you have the right tires, in good condition, with plenty of quality tire tread, and have the air pressure checked. Keep a winter emergency kit available including a snow shovel in your vehicle in case of emergencies.

If you do have to go out and drive through snowy weather, what happens if your car gets stuck in the snow? There are some tips for handling your snowy predicament.

---Clear snow from around the tires. Use a shovel to remove snow around the tires, especially under the car's chassis. Remove any snow around the tires that’s higher than the ground clearance of the car. Dig out snow from under the front of your car. If you don’t have a shovel handy, try using a screwdriver, ice scraper or another tool to at least break up any ice that’s formed below the tires. A rougher surface area provides more traction. Also dig out the tailpipe before you start the engine. A blocked exhaust can cause a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide in the car while you run the engine trying to get the car to move.

---Add elements to increase traction. Sprinkle sand, use kitty litter, or even lay down cardboard, plywood or your vehicle’s floor mats near the tires to improve their traction.

---Turn the steering wheel. While gently accelerating, turn the steering wheel slightly from side to side to help the car find traction.

---Rock the car if possible. Gently alternate between forward and reverse gears to create momentum and help the car move.

---Use low gears. If your car has a manual transmission, engage a low gear for better control.

---Check your traction control. Depending on your car, it may be helpful to turn off traction control to allow for more wheel spin. Both drive wheels will need to have traction for you to get unstuck.

---Use Snow Chains if available. If you’re still stuck and you have snow chains, this is the time to use them. That almost always does the trick.

--- Let a little bit of air out of your tires. Slightly deflate your tires to increase the contact area with the snow. Use this as a last resort. Let a little air out from your tires, just enough so they look visibly lower. Only do this if you have a way to get them quickly refilled someplace close by. Driving on underinflated tires puts more rubber in contact with the ground and will give you better traction for a short distance. But driving this way isn’t safe and it could damage your tires if it’s a long way to the filling station. By making the tire slightly flat, you put more of the tire in contact with the road surface and create more traction. Get them re-inflated as soon as possible.

---Avoid spinning the wheels. Excessive wheel spin can dig the car deeper into the snow.

If you can't get your car out of the snow yourself, consider calling for roadside assistance.

If you successfully get your car unstuck and moving, find a safe place to stop and look at the wheels. The tires' spinning can build up snow or ice in the area around the wheel. That can wear on the tire surface, clog the treads, or make it hard to steer. Get a snow scraper and free any excessive ice or snow off the wheels. Turn your traction control back on, reset any other settings like all-wheel drive, and drive safely on your way.

After your car has been stuck in snow, you should have it checked for any issues. Check your battery, exhaust pipe for snow blockage, tire pressure, and overall condition of your tires; additionally, inspect for any damage caused by attempting to get unstuck. Look for any damage to your tires, including cuts or punctures, from trying to get unstuck. Check for any visible damage to the undercarriage from hitting snowdrifts or ice. Ensure all your lights and windshield wipers are working properly.

Always be prepared for a winter weather emergency with a winter emergency kit in your car. A kit would include:
---First aid kit
---Jumper cables
---Flashlight
---Emergency flares or reflectors
---Blankets, mittens, socks and hats
---Bottled water
---Ice scraper and snow brush
---Shovel
---Windshield cleaner
---Multi-tool
---Cell phone charger and rechargeable battery pack
---Snow chains
---Sand, kitty litter, gravel or road salt for traction

In an emergency, you should always let someone know about your travel plans.

Is your car ready for any weather situation? Give J & C Auto a call. We will thoroughly inspect your vehicle to be sure it is safely road worthy.

J & C Auto Service
821 Ogden Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630-968-9827

01/30/2025

WHEN SHOULD I HAVE MY BRAKES CHECKED?

A properly operating brake system is essential to any vehicle. Brakes are one of the most important components for safe driving. They are the primary safety system that enables drivers to maintain safe distances from other vehicles, enabling smooth deceleration and aid in avoiding collisions. Effective brakes are necessary for navigating tight spaces, making quick changes in direction, and providing drivers with a sense of security and control while driving.

Are Your Brakes Trying to Tell You Something? If your brakes are trying to tell you something, you should pay attention. No matter what your driving patterns may be, your vehicle’s brakes won’t last forever. Your mileage may vary, but eventually wear and tear will require your braking system to be checked and serviced to ensure you have a safe and dependable ride.

Know the key warning signs that your brakes may need to be inspected:

NOISE:
--- You hear noise when you apply the brakes. If you hear any screeching, squealing, grinding, clicking or other unusual noises may indicate worn and thinning brake pads or other problems in your brake system. These noises often indicate the brakes are metal-on-metal contact, which can be a dangerous situation.

PULLING:
--- Your car pulls to one side as you brake. This could signal uneven brake pad wear or issues with the brake calipers. This pulling can affect your ability to control your car safely while braking.

SPONGY OR SOFT BRAKE PEDAL:
--- The brake pedal nearly touches the floor before engaging. A spongy or soft brake pedal usually indicates a problem with brake fluid or air in the brake lines. This can make it difficult to stop your car effectively and requires immediate attention.

HARD PEDAL:
--- Your brake pedal isn’t as responsive as necessary and you must apply extreme pressure to the pedal before brakes engage. Less responsive brakes can compromise your safety and should be inspected.

GRABBING:
--- Grabbing or overly sensitive brakes that grab at the slightest touch to the pedal. This can be caused by worn brake pads, caliper issues, a bad master cylinder or a lack of lubrication.

VIBRATION:
--- You feel vibrations, pulsations or shuddering in the brake pedal or steering wheel when you come to a stop, even under normal braking conditions. This could indicate uneven brake pad wear, thinned or warped rotors, or other brake system issues.

SMELL:
--- There is a burning rubber smell. This is a strong indicator of overheated brakes caused by worn brake pads, faulty calipers or prolonged hard braking.

LIGHT:
--- Your brake warning light is illuminated on your vehicle’s dashboard. Don’t ignore what your car is trying to tell you. Even if things seem fine, an illuminated brake warning light is a clear sign that your brake system needs immediate attention. This could indicate low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or other issues within the braking system.

If you notice any of these signs or have any issues braking, then it is crucial to get your brakes checked to ensure your car's braking system is functioning properly and safely.

An annual brake inspection is a good way to ensure brake safety. A thorough inspection of the vehicle’s braking system includes examining brake lining wear, brake fluid level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses and brake lines, checking brake and dash warning lights.

Brakes are a normal wear item on any vehicle, they will eventually need to be replaced. Factors affecting brake wear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material. Avoid letting brakes get to the point of metal-on-metal because that can mean expensive rotor or drum replacement.

No matter the issue, J & C Auto Service is here to help. We will perform a full evaluation of your car’s braking system. Brakes are a crucial safety component. Don’t ignore warning signs like noises, vibrations or changes in braking performance. That can lead to serious safety issues, costly repairs and potentially accidents.

Watch for the warning signs and take prompt action to ensure your brakes are in good working order for your safety and the safety of others on the road. The service technicians at J & C Auto Service can help you with all your vehicle maintenance and repair needs. Give us a call. We can help.

J & C Auto Service
821 Ogden Ave
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630-968-9827

12/31/2024

Happy New Year to all! We hope your 2025 will be filled with all good things! Have a safe, healthy and happy new year.

From Your Friends at J & C Auto