Michigan Auto Repair

Items To Keep in Your Car During Winter Since winter is on the way, it’s a good idea to check if you have the right winter supplies in your car. Assuming you already arranged for the winter tires, here are some of the small items to keep in the vehicle, in case of  winter emergency: Kitty Litter or Sandbags – can be used for getting the extra traction if your vehicle is stuck in an icy spot. Ice Scraper – didn’t need it in the summer. Hopefully it’s somewhere in the car. Shovel – A foldable or compact shovel in the trunk can come in handy should you slide into a snowbank.   Portable Cell Phone Charger -  keep one or two of these in the car, and make sure they are charged. You cannot count on the cigarette lighter or USB ports – if the battery runs down, there will be no power to either. Something to Drink and Snacks– ... read more

What Is Power Steering Fluid? If your vehicle has power steering, it relies on power steering fluid. Power steering fluid is what powers the hydraulic link between your vehicle's steering wheel and its front tires. When you turn your steering wheel with ease, that's thanks to power steering fluid. There are three types of power steering fluid: Universal Power Steering Fluid, which is suitable for most kinds of vehicles. Some manufacturers require special additives, so it's important to consult the manual or a knowledgeable automotive expert. ATF Transmission Fluid, which is not specifically for power steering but can be used as such in some vehicles. Again, an automotive expert can help you determine if this is the right choice for your car. Synthetic-based Hydraulic Fluid, which is commonly used in European and Japanese vehicles. How Can I Tell If My Vehicle Needs a Power Steering Flush Your vehicle needs a power steering flush every 40,000-80,000 miles, depending on ... read more

Have you ever driven your car and felt extreme instability? Your car is veering one way or another, and your car experiences the shakes. These signs are often related to wheel misalignment. While wear and tear can gradually shift your vehicle’s wheels out of alignment, it is usually disastrous accidents that cause your car’s wheels to knock out of alignment.   When you run over potholes, jam into a curb, or hit another car or object with heavy impact, you’re due for an alignment problem. Misaligned wheels may not seem obvious at first, but the symptoms worsen over time. Furthermore, the damage can spread to your suspension.   Experts and automakers recommend having your car’s alignment checked at least once a year just for safety measures. Wheel alignment involves the angles of your tires, also known as the toe and camber. We invite you to Westside Service for all your vehicle alignment needs/ Signs That Indicate Misaligned Wheels Drifting Left o ... read more

The timing belt of your vehicle plays a pivotal role in the mechanics of your automobile. It ensures that the engine cam and crankshaft rotate in sync. This results in perfection when the car's cylinders fire. You will find the timing belt near the front of the engine. Timing Belt and Timing Chain Some automobiles have timing chains instead of timing belts. This however, does not mean they are very different. Both the timing belt and chain perform the same function and have just a few differences. The obvious reason being that the timing belt is made of rubber and the timing chain is made of a metallic chain. Timing belts became a fun-favorite when they were introduced in the 60s. This was mainly because they were less noisy and lighter compared to the timing chain. Thanks to advances in technology and mechanical skills, most modern cars are now going back to using timing chains mainly because they tend to last longer before they need to be replaced. How to tell that your Tim ... read more

Your vehicle’s exhaust system has a major component called the catalytic converter. This big metallic piece is an integral part that is responsible for limiting emissions and transforming engine byproducts. These glasses are then let out the back of your car.  Catalytic converters typically last for the life of your vehicle. However, they can get clogged, broken, and even stolen. When your catalytic converter is no longer working, you may notice the following symptoms: Poor Engine Performance When your catalytic converter doesn’t do its job, it can hurt your engine performance. When the catalytic converter is clogged, it can cause weak or slow acceleration. Sulfur or Rotten Egg Smell Your catalytic converter is supposed to transform hydrogen sulfide from combustion into sulfur dioxide, a safer gas. When the converter isn't working, it won’t be able to make the chemical changes. As a result, you may catch the stinky smell of rotten eggs.  Illuminate ... read more

A long road trip with family and friends is something that many people value the most. It means freedom from the boring stays at home or work routines. However, you do not want those beautiful moments to be ruined by malfunctioning parts of your car. Therefore, it is paramount that you have your vehicle checked before hitting the road. The following are the things that your mechanic should check before you embark on long trips: Fluid Levels. For the efficiency and safety of your car, the mechanic should check the level of your car's engine oil, brake and transmission fluid, coolant and windshield washer. It will ensure you avoid issues like overheating your engine due to an improper cooling system. Long road trips mean that you are far away from your regular mechanic, and finding one you can trust in a new place might be a hassle. Car Battery One of the scariest issues in a car is having a flat battery, especially in the wild where there is no mechanic to help you out. Therefor ... read more

Brake rotors are an essential component of your vehicle's braking system, and over time, they can become warped or damaged. While brake rotors can be repaired in some cases, it is often necessary to replace them. What are brake rotors? Brake rotors are the large metal discs that your vehicle's brake pads clamp down on to stop the wheels from turning. Over time, the constant friction from the brake pads can cause the rotors to warp or become damaged. What causes brake rotors to warp? There are several factors that can contribute to warped brake rotors, including: 1. Excessive heat: When brakes are used excessively or for too long, they can get extremely hot. This can cause the brake rotors to warp. 2. Incorrect installation: If brake rotors are not installed correctly, they can become warped. 3. Improper maintenance: Brake rotors need to be cleaned and inspected regularly to prevent warping. How can I tell if my brake rotors are warped? There are several signs that you ... read more

If you asked Michigan drivers, "what is a driveline", they'll probably tell you they don't know what it is. It's understandable that the average person might've never heard of this term before. Fortunately, we're here to break down everything you need to know about the vehicle's driveline.   The driveline is the part of your car that carries the engine power to your move wheels. It comprises the axles, driveshaft, wheels, joints, and differentials. However, the parts can vary slightly depending on whether the vehicle is a front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive. It handles the full power of your vehicle, and without it, you can't go anywhere!   When it comes to services, drivers may typically need front and rear differential flushes and transfer case flushes. Over extended periods of time, the fluids that flow throughout these components can deteriorate. They may become cont ... read more

Why is changing your motor oil so important? And does it matter when and how often you do it? Yes, read on to find out!  All car owners have the ultimate responsibility to change their oil on time to keep their car and its engine running properly. Although it is a frequent maintenance service, an oil change service opens the opportunity to have other important vehicle systems checked. Some of these parts may include your belts, hoses, filters, tire pressure, fluid levels, and more. So whether you're driving a brand new vehicle or a vintage one, you can never doubt the power of regular oil changes. 5 Benefits of Regular Oil Changes Keeps Your Engine Clean - Changing your motor oil and replacing your filters per your manufacturer's recommendations will eliminate any contaminants from your engine before they can harm its components. Extend Engine Life - Oil lubricates and protects your engine from wear and tear. So if you continue to run with dirty oil, it can cause exces ... read more

Vehicle batteries may seem like they last a lifetime, but just like any other batteries, they grow weaker and lose their charge quicker over time. Most mechanics suggest that you should replace your car battery every few years (5 years max.) so that you can continue to obtain reliability and peak performance out of it. Besides time, you can also look at the signs that may warrant a need for a new battery.  Signs That You Need A Car Battery Replacement If you're not experienced with automobiles, you probably can't pinpoint exactly when your battery may need to be replaced. Weak batteries rarely show signs of issues early on. However, your battery will need to be replaced if it demonstrates the following symptoms: Car Takes Longer to Start This is almost always a telling sign that the battery needs to be replaced soon. Sometimes, extremely cold weather (or hot) can make it more difficult to start your car. However, if the battery is nearly drained, you will have to face ... read more