Grand Rapids Auto Repair

My vehicle won’t start, now what? Believe it or not, the first tool you need to use is your ears and you don’t necessarily need to even get out and raise the hood. If you initially hear a clicking sound, that’s your starter trying to turn over the engine without receiving enough power from the battery. It could be something simple like dirty terminal connections. If the terminals are dirty inside it might not transfer enough power to start the engine. It will allow the dash lights and radio to work, but not enough power to start the engine. If you don’t hear clicking, but instead hear a high-speed whine, it could be your starter getting enough power but not engaging the engine. If you don’t hear a clicking or a whirring, then it could be that the battery has lost its charge. Did you leave the headlights on or a door open for an extended period of time and drain the battery? If this is not a one-time thing and you find the battery frequently dead, it ... read more

This question usually relates to the brake pads. The lifespan of any given set of brake pads is dependent on a very wide set of variables ranging from how you drive to ‘science-y things’ like physics. Mechanics and manufacturers have a loosely agreed upon mileage range from around 30,000 to 70,000 miles, but stories of pads lasting a mere 100 miles to an amazing 100,000 miles exist too. So, why the wide range? Brake pads come in many types and compositions – from composite to metallic to ceramic – and are attached to an even more confusing array of brake systems drums and rotors, all of which affect the life of the pad. Add to that the mix of heat, pressure and friction in amounts that would surprise you and it becomes easy to see that the brakes, especially the pads, are some of the hardest working components in your car. Pads generally come in four types: organic, semimetallic, metallic, and synthetic. Each of these types has their own characteristics that must b ... read more

For most us, we would quickly answer ONE, the air filter. Some might think a bit longer and respond w/TWO, the air filter AND the oil filter. Did you know that many vehicles have four or more filters? All that need changing periodically AND some that require special tool OR that are hidden? Most newer vehicles have TWO air filters. The one we recall in the engine compartment AND the one conveniently hidden, often behind the glovebox, the cabin air filter. Having an old engine air filter can reduce engine power, increase engine wear and decrease throttle response when you push on the gas pedal. Fresh air coming in to gets optimum combustion. That combustion explosion is what makes the car go. Not changing it would be like trying to run with a clogged up nose and duct tape over your mouth. Often forgotten, when a dirty cabin air filter is shown to customers they are surprised to learn they’ve been breathing that air when they drive. Most newer vehicles will have ... read more

If you think of the belts under your hood like the chain on a bicycle transferring your leg energy to where it’s needed at the wheels. Now think of your vehicle’s hoses are like arteries, responsible for carrying life-sustaining coolant to the places that need it. Without proper maintenance, your engine could overheat and the risk of a breakdown becomes very real. Belts and hoses degrade over time and can crack, split, swell or burst. It is important to check them at the regular intervals recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer to avoid a breakdown from a broken belt or hose failure. A system is only as good as its weakest link and hoses are a vital cooling system component requiring regular service. Replacing the radiator hoses before they begin to leak can prevent an inconvenient breakdown and the potential for expensive related repairs. When cracks are visible or the hose swells or feels soft, it is a likely sign that the hoses are near the end of their life. Ofte ... read more

How often should they be replaced: Well, obviously when lights dim or burn out. For maximum driving safety, it is very important to keep a close eye on how your car lights are functioning. If a light goes out, follow these steps to replace it and continue driving safely. In general, there are two kinds of headlamps—sealed beam and composite. Sealed beam lights are common in older cars, while composite lights are found in newer models and contain special housing with a removable halogen or xenon bulb or capsules. More often than not, if not caused by an accident, headlights and/or capsules should be replaced in pairs. Why? Because they’re usually of the same age, so when one goes the other it also likely to go out too. With newer composite lights, dimming can also be caused by oxidation of the outer lens – similar to cataracts in people. Replacing the entire composite assembly can be an expensive option. However, we may have less expensive opti ... read more