Michigan Auto Repair

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

Road trips are not just a lot of work for the traveler; they take a toll on your car. If you're wondering whether or not you should get your car checked before a long trip, the answer is almost always yes. Here's why. What Can Go Wrong? When you're driving for long periods of time, your car is more susceptible to potential damages and incidents. Here are the most common car issues that arise during road trips: Tire blowouts Leaks Brake problems Inability to start the car Low fluid levels Malfunctioning lights Clogged filter or air conditioner Not only do these problems slow down your car and inconvenience you during a trip, but they're downright dangerous. In the best-case scenario, a worn-down brake pad, an old car battery or a broken light could result in a ticket. In a worst-case scenario, these things could lead to a car accident. Elements like a clogged air filter or broken air conditioner will make the environment within the car less comfortable, and comf ... read more

If you are a car owner, you have most likely been told that changing the oil regularly is important because it ensures that your engine is always running efficiently, which can improve the lifespan of your car. But is this claim factual or just another industry hype? For us to answer this question, we need to understand what oil does. Engine oil is responsible for cooling the engine and lubricating the moving components of the engine. Therefore, if your engine oil is inadequate or degraded, you can expect the engine to overheat and its moving parts to wear out more rapidly, which will consequently shorten the life of your car. Below are some of the ways in which regular oil change can benefit your car. Improved Lubrication The engine has so many moving parts. These parts need to be properly lubricated for the engine to perform efficiently. Poor lubrication causes more friction, which causes the moving parts to wear out more quickly, and consequently cost you more in repairs. The fast ... read more