Call, then roll in.
The quickest way to get your car looked at is a phone call. Describe what is happening, ask for Joe, and arrange a time to bring the car to 396 West Side Avenue.
Call during opening hours. Describe the symptoms (noises, warning lights, smells, when it happens) so the shop can tell you what to expect.
Jersey City, NJ 07305 · near Claremont Avenue and the West Side Avenue Light Rail station.
Getting here
Directions & parking
By car: the shop is on West Side Avenue near the Claremont Avenue intersection, a few blocks south of Communipaw Avenue. Coming from Route 440, head east toward West Side Avenue; from Journal Square or JFK Boulevard, take West Side Avenue south past Communipaw. Street parking in the area varies with the time of day, so allow a few extra minutes when you drop off.
By light rail: the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail's West Side Avenue station is a short walk away, which makes it easy to leave your car and get to work or back home while the repair is done. Several bus routes also run along West Side Avenue.
Finding the door: look for the garage on West Side Avenue near the Claremont Avenue intersection. If you are not sure you are in the right place, call (201) 451-6739 from outside and someone will point you in. When you arrive, let the team know your name and what you discussed on the phone so they can pick up right where the conversation left off.
Planning around the hours: the shop is open five days a week, Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM, and closed all weekend. If a problem shows up on a Friday evening or over the weekend, call first thing Monday morning to get the car on the schedule. For longer jobs, an early drop-off gives the team the full day to diagnose, quote and, once you approve it, start the repair.
Nearby: New Jersey City University, Greenville and Bergen-Lafayette are all within a few minutes, so the shop is convenient for much of the south and west side of Jersey City.
Your visit
What to bring & what to expect
A little preparation makes the drop-off quick and helps the shop get to the bottom of the problem sooner, so you can get back on the road.
Your keys & details
All keys and locking wheel nut keys, plus a note of the symptoms: when they started, and whether they happen cold, hot, at speed or when braking.
Your own parts
If you are supplying a part, bring it with the box and receipt, and call first so the shop can confirm it fits your car.
An explanation
You'll hear what was found and the possible solutions, plus a quote before work begins, then updates while the car is in.
On the phone
What to have ready when you call
A good description of the problem helps the shop give you a useful answer on the first call. Before you dial, note your car's year, make, model and rough mileage, and think about when the problem happens. Is it only on a cold start, after a long drive, when you brake, when you turn, or when the AC is on? Is there a warning light, and is it steady or flashing? Any noise, smell or vibration is worth mentioning, too.
If you already know what part you need and want to bring it yourself, have the part number handy so the fit can be checked. And if your car has been worked on recently somewhere else, say so; it can help narrow things down.
Don't wait
When to call right away
Some symptoms mean you should stop driving and call before going any further: a flashing check-engine light, a temperature gauge in the red or steam from under the hood, brakes that suddenly feel soft or grind loudly, and a strong smell of fuel. In those cases, pull over somewhere safe, switch off the engine and phone (201) 451-6739 to talk through the safest next step.
Quick answers
Before you visit
Are you open on weekends?
No. West Side Automotive is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM, and closed Saturday and Sunday.
Can I get a price on the phone?
Call for a quote. For most problems the car needs to be looked at first so the quote reflects the real cause.
Can I drop the car off early and pick it up after work?
The shop opens at 8 AM and closes at 6 PM on weekdays, so a morning drop-off and an evening pickup usually works. Mention your timing when you call.
Who should I ask for?
Ask for Joe. Reviewers describe him as the owner and the person who explains repairs to customers.
How do I know the shop can fix my problem?
Call and describe it. You'll get an honest answer on whether it's a job for the shop and what the first step should be.
See you on West Side Ave.
396 West Side Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07305. Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM.
Call (201) 451-6739