Michigan Auto Repair

The timing belt plays a crucial part in your car's engine that you may have never even heard of. If you have, you might not know how it works. Nevertheless, just like your tires and fluids, over time, they should get replaced. We will give you a complete rundown of your timing belt, how it works, and what symptoms look out for when it is overworn.   What Is a Timing Belt? In summary, the timing belt regulates the movement of parts in the vehicle engine for precise timing and optimal performance. Metaphorically speaking, the system of parts operates like an analog clock with lots of gears — it can be pretty complex.   How Does a Timing Belt Work? To be more precise, the timing belt connects the crankshaft and camshaft, and it synchronizes their movement and the engine's valves and pistons to prevent failure. The crankshaft converts power generated by the pistons' linear movement to turn the wheels. The camshaft then opens and closes the engine's val ... read more

Have you ever heard the term wake up and smell the roses? Well, the same can be said of your vehicle and the various scents that come from it. These are smells that are worth noting when they occur. They can be the sign something is wrong. 1. Does Your Car Smell Like Gas? A gas smell can indicate a leak within the fuel system, which can lead to issues if ignored. Fuel injectors could be leaking, which can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and poor engine performance.  2. Is There an Exhaust Smell in the Cabin? Exhaust fumes can indicate a leak within the exhaust system, which usually happens behind the catalytic converter. It could be caused by a damaged muffler or exhaust pipe. You may also notice a rattling sound coming from under your vehicle around the muffler as well.  3. Does it Smell Like Rotten Eggs? A rotten egg smell is a sign that your catalytic converter is failing. The catalytic converter is crucial to your vehicle's exhaust system and ensures that harm ... read more

There is no better time to give your car some extra attention than April, the National Car Care Month. Regular maintenance ensures your vehicle is reliable, you spend less money on repairs, and you're safe on the road. Research from recent car care events shows that drivers are neglecting their vehicles. The Car Care Council advises vehicle owners to take their vehicles for professional service in preparation for spring and summer. Here are some of the basic maintenance procedures the Car Care Council recommends: The engine brake system should be checked yearly. Also, the rotors, brake linings, and drums need to be inspected at every oil change.   The oil, fluids, and filters should be checked. The oil should be changed based on the owner's manual recommended intervals, while the coolant, brake, power steering, and transmission fluids should be checked regularly.   The hoses should be inspected at every oil change and be replaced if they are brittle, leaking, ru ... read more

At one time or another, every car owner has noticed a light flashing on the dashboard and had no idea what it means or what is happening with his or her car. Well, while each of these lights points to specific issues, some are more crucial than others. All the same, knowing exactly what each light means will save you preventable downtimes as well as costly damages. Also known as the Coolant Temperature Low Indication Light, the blue light on your dashboard indicates that coolant temperature is extremely low. Once you turn the ignition key, the warning light illuminates for one to two minutes (until the engine is at optimal operative temperature) then goes off automatically. If it's one of those chilly winter mornings, the engine might longer to warm up, and the light equally takes longer to go out. However, if the blue light does not go out even after startup, it might be a red flag that there is a problem with the coolant temperature or its fluid level. Is it Safe to Drive while ... read more

When you buy a vehicle, you aren't looking into the future, hoping to buy another one any time soon. You want that car to last as long as possible--200,000 miles, even. But you have to do certain things in order to ensure that your vehicle will last that long, and in good condition at the same time. Here are some tips to help your existing vehicle move through the miles without too many issues and repair bills. 1. Keep Up With Oil Changes The oil change is the single most important piece of maintenance you can do on your vehicle. It's important to keep the engine in good condition if you want your vehicle to run effectively and efficiently for thousands of miles. Vehicles generally need oil changes every 5,000 miles or so, but it's best to go by your owner's manual in your vehicle to judge the mileage between changes. 2. Regular Tune-Ups There are lots of other working parts in your vehicle and some need to be tightened, tweaked and replaced over time. When you have ... read more