Auto Care Basics Workshop - Our Day at the Suwanee Library
November 30, 2025
Team Ryan Automotive brought expert car care and community connection to the Suwanee Library.
Team Ryan Automotive was proud to partner with the Suwanee Library to host a free Car Maintenance & Safety Workshop, designed to help drivers of all experience levels feel more confident behind the wheel.
Led by Dan Ryan, co-owner of Team Ryan Automotive and a 25-year ASE Certified Master Technician, the program combined education, live demonstrations, and hands-on learning for our Buford and Cumming communities.
Before the event began, Liam and Aidan welcomed families outside the library, handing out toy cars and inviting children and parents to join in the fun. The Suwanee Library staff treated us to a special behind-the-scenes tour, including a peek at the famous bouncy book drop bins that keep returned books safe from damage!
What We Covered
Participants gained practical knowledge and real-world tips, including how to:
- Select the right engine oil for their vehicle
- Use a dipstick to check oil levels accurately
- Change a tire safely and keep the right tools on hand
- Assemble a vehicle emergency kit for road safety
- Identify the qualities of a trustworthy auto repair shop and what to expect from professional service.
Continuing the Mission
At Team Ryan Automotive, we believe that knowledge empowers drivers and strengthens our community. This event was a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do, educating, supporting, and serving our neighbors with honest, reliable auto care.
Thanks to everyone who came to the event! We’re excited to share that the library has already invited us back for another session soon. Keep an eye on our website and social channels for details on the next community car care workshop in Suwanee!
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As we head into the new year, we are kicking things off with exciting news for the Sugar Hill and Suwanee community, because Team Ryan Automotive is officially in town! Since opening our doors in 2015, Team Ryan Automotive has proudly delivered exceptional service and trustworthy repairs in Buford, GA (Gwinnett County) and Cumming, GA (Forsyth County). Today, we are excited to bring that same level of care, expertise, and community commitment to drivers in Sugar Hill and Suwanee with our newest location at 820 Brogdon Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024. Did you know that it's possible to be in Sugar Hill city limits while having a Suwanee address? That's exactly where our Team Ryan Automotive Sugar Hill / Suwanee location is positioned. A Meaningful Transition This new location represents a special passing of the torch. After 26 years in Gwinnett County, John and Lori of J & L Automotive are retiring and entrusting their previous customers to be taken care of into 2026 and beyond by Team Ryan. As a husband and wife team, John and Lori built their business on trust and care. Those same values continue with husband and wife team Dan and Shara of Team Ryan Automotive, making this transition a natural fit and a continuation of a strong local legacy. Who Is Team Ryan Automotive? Team Ryan Automotive is anything but a typical repair shop. We put people first because while car trouble is inconvenient, the real stress is usually what it interrupts: rushing to a meeting, getting your kids to practice, or making it to an appointment on time. When you call Team Ryan, you’re not just getting a repair, you’re getting support. From ensuring your safety to helping coordinate a tow, to setting you up with a loaner car or Lyft, we’re here to keep your day moving, no matter what’s going on under the hood. Family Owned and Operated Team Ryan Automotive began in 2015, when Dan and Shara Ryan, saw a need to do things differently. They opened their first shop in Buford with a simple mission: deliver honest, high-quality repairs with integrity at the center. With many drivers from Sugar Hill and Suwanee already traveling to our Buford and Cumming locations, the Ryans knew the community deserved a dedicated location of its own. Customers were asking for a trusted, family-owned shop closer to home, and we listened. Opening this new location is our way of meeting demand and bringing dependable, high quality auto repair right to the heart of Sugar Hill and Suwanee. Community Driven Community has always been at the core of Team Ryan. Whether in Buford, Cumming, or now Sugar Hill / Suwanee, we are committed to giving back and helping our neighborhoods thrive. Over the years, we have proudly supported local organizations and causes including the Suwanee Library, Toys for Tots drives, and Compassion in Action projects. We have also sponsored North Gwinnett High School athletics for years, including soccer and softball, supporting student athletes right here in the Sugar Hill and Suwanee area just as we have long supported schools near our Buford location. As we expand into this community, we look forward to deepening these connections and continuing to support the people and places that make this area special. Lifetime Warranty Every technician who works on your vehicle meets ASE’s highest standards, ensuring your car receives the best care possible. And to give you even more peace of mind, Team Ryan Automotive offers a Lifetime Warranty on many repairs. This warranty is the first of its kind in the Buford and Cumming areas and we hope that it gives every driver peace of mind knowing that they and their vehicle are protected.
Auto Repair You Can Trust for Every Driver Every driver has different needs, but whet her you’re commuting in a family SUV, managing a fleet truck, driving your first car, or serving the community as a first responder, you deserve an auto repair shop that puts honesty, safety, and expert care first. At Team Ryan Automotive, serving Buford, Cumming, and Sugar Hill / Suwanee, our family-owned shop is built on one promise: Your car. Your needs. Our expertise. For Parents & Family Drivers Your vehicle carries the most important passengers in your life. From school drop-offs to weekend errands, we help keep your car safe and reliable with: Oil changes and fluid checks Brake repairs Tire rotations and alignments AC repairs and multi-point inspections At Team Ryan Automotive, we believe trust starts with transparency. That’s why we never hesitate to walk you out to the shop and show you exactly what’s going on with your vehicle. Seeing an issue firsthand helps ensure clear communication and confident decision-making. We also use Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) to keep you fully informed. Each inspection includes: Photos of your actual vehicle Clear descriptions of any recommended maintenance or repairs Honest explanations—no pressure, no surprises You’ll always know what your car needs and why. For Young & New Drivers A first car should come with confidence. We offer: Clear explanations Honest recommendations ASE-certified diagnostics No pressure. No confusion. Just a trusted mechanic you can rely on. For Contractors & Fleet Drivers When your truck is your business, downtime isn’t an option. We provide: Fast diagnostics Brake and suspension repairs Tire services and alignments Routine fleet maintenance We help keep your workday running smoothly. For First Responders & Essential Workers We're honored to support our community heroes with dependable, transparent auto repair you can count on, every visit, every time. Our team has the experience and equipment to service a wide range of vehicles, including: Vehicles up to 15,000 pounds Sprinter vans Emergency and service vehicles Dually trucks and work vehicles Why Drivers Choose Team Ryan Automotive? Family-owned and operated ASE-certified technicians Honest diagnostics, no upsells High-quality parts and repairs Lifetime Warranty on most services Convenient online scheduling Whether you’re searching for auto repair near me, oil change in Buford, or brake repair in Cumming, Team Ryan Automotive is here for you.
What to Watch for Before a Small Issue Becomes a Major Problem When it comes to car trouble, most problems do not happen overnight. Your vehicle usually sends out subtle signals when something is not working as it should. The key is to notice these warning signs early, before they lead to bigger issues, unexpected breakdowns, or costly repairs. At Team Ryan Automotive in Cumming , we believe that an informed driver is a safer driver. That is why we are sharing the eight most common signs that your car needs professional attention. If you recognize any of these symptoms, it is time to schedule an inspection and get ahead of the problem. Why Paying Attention to Warning Signs Matters Ignoring early warning signs often leads to more expensive repairs and puts your safety at risk. Small issues like a low fluid level or worn brake pads can quickly snowball into engine damage, grinding brake rotors, or system failure if left unaddressed. Paying attention to changes in how your vehicle sounds, feels, smells, or performs gives you the opportunity to resolve the issue quickly and avoid future stress. If you are in Cumming and you are unsure whether a small issue is worth checking out, Team Ryan Automotive is here to help. We offer honest diagnostics, clear communication, and quality service so you can drive with confidence. 1. Check Engine Light Is On The check engine light is one of the most common and most misunderstood warning indicators. It can mean something minor, such as a loose gas cap, or something more serious like engine misfiring or catalytic converter failure. Do not ignore this light. Bring your vehicle to a certified technician who can read the diagnostic trouble codes using advanced scan tools. At Team Ryan Automotive, we will pinpoint the exact issue and explain what it means in simple terms. Common causes of the check engine light include: Faulty oxygen sensors Failing ignition coils Loose or damaged gas cap Catalytic converter issues Spark plug or wire problems Even if your car still seems to drive fine, it is best to have the issue diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. 2. Unusual Noises Strange sounds are often the first sign that something is not right. Over time, you become familiar with how your car normally sounds. When new or unexpected noises appear, they should not be ignored. Listen for: Grinding when braking Knocking or pinging from the engine Hissing from under the hood Clicking when turning Whining or howling from the transmission or differential Each sound points to a different issue, and early detection can help you avoid severe component damage. 3. Fluid Leaks Any puddle or stain under your vehicle is a sign that something is leaking. While some condensation from the air conditioner is normal, other fluids should never leak. Look out for: Red fluid, which may indicate a transmission or power steering leak Green or orange fluid, often coolant Dark brown or black fluid, which may be engine oil Clear fluid with a slippery feel, likely brake fluid Fluid leaks can reduce system pressure, cause overheating, or damage sensitive components. If you see or smell any kind of leak, schedule a repair as soon as possible. 4. Vibrations or Shaking If your car shakes while idling, braking, or accelerating, something is out of alignment, worn out, or damaged. Vibrations may come from the suspension, brakes, tires, or drivetrain. Common causes include: Warped brake rotors Uneven tire wear or balance Worn suspension components Loose or damaged engine mounts At Team Ryan Automotive, we perform a full road test and visual inspection to locate the source and restore smooth, safe performance. 5. Burning Smell or Smoke Unusual smells from your vehicle are a strong indicator that a system is overheating or fluid is leaking. If you ever smell something burning or see smoke, stop the vehicle immediately and turn off the engine. Possible causes of burning smells include: Oil leaking onto hot engine parts Electrical wires overheating Brake pads overheating or dragging Transmission fluid overheating Do not try to ignore smells or mask them with air fresheners. Get the vehicle to a professional repair shop in Cumming for a diagnosis. 6. Poor Fuel Efficiency If you are visiting the gas pump more frequently than usual, it could be a sign that your engine is not operating efficiently. A sudden drop in miles per gallon means something is forcing your car to work harder. Possible reasons include: Dirty air filters Malfunctioning oxygen sensors Worn spark plugs Underinflated tires Fuel system clogs Restoring fuel efficiency helps you save money and reduce wear on your engine. 7. Difficulty Starting the Engine If your car takes longer than usual to start, makes multiple attempts, or requires several turns of the key, the issue could be with the battery, starter, ignition switch, or fuel delivery system. This is especially common during seasonal temperature changes in Cumming. Ignoring this sign may eventually leave you stranded. Visit Team Ryan Automotive for a full starting system inspection, which includes: Battery and charging system testing Starter motor diagnostics and testing Fuel pressure and volume testing Ignition component check 8. Warning Lights Other Than Check Engine Most vehicles have additional dashboard lights to alert you to specific system issues. These include: Red Brake system warning light Anit-Lock Brake (ABS) warning light Battery/Charging System warning light Coolant temperature warning Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light Transmission temperature light Each of these should be taken seriously. If any light turns on and stays on, bring your vehicle to a trusted local technician for a detailed inspection. Why Team Ryan Automotive in Cumming Is the Right Choice Catching these eight warning signs early helps protect your vehicle and your budget. At Team Ryan Automotive, we go beyond simply fixing the issue. We explain what is happening, why it matters, and how to prevent future problems. Our customers in Cumming choose us because: We provide ASE certified diagnostics and repairs We never perform work without approval We offer honest recommendations and competitive pricing We treat your car like it is our own We stand behind our repairs with warranties and support Whether you are hearing a noise, seeing a warning light, or just have a feeling something is off, we are here to help you stay safe and stress free on the road. Schedule Your Inspection Today Do not wait for a small issue to become a major repair. If your vehicle is showing any of the eight signs above, contact Team Ryan Automotive in Cumming for a professional inspection. We will take the time to explain what is going on and help you make the best decision for your vehicle and your budget. Our mission is to keep you and your vehicle moving forward with confidence. Call or schedule online today . Let our expert team take care of your car the right way.
