Grand Rapids Auto Repair

Most of us think shocks and struts are simply a ride comfort item… something that insulates us from the potholes and washboard roads we use. But what about safety and longevity? Did you know that they also can improve steering control, braking distance and reduce tire wear? In fact, they can help you stop up to 10 feet sooner! Shocks and Struts help keep your vehicle’s tires in contact with the road. A few of the vital functions they perform include: Control spring and suspension movement and weight transfer Reduce tire bounce, vehicle roll and sway – plus brake dive and acceleration squat Help to maintain consistent handling and braking Maintain wheel alignment, and reduce wear on tires and other suspension components Brakes help you stop, but Shocks and Struts help you stop sooner. Just one (of four) 50% degraded shock can increase stopping distances by up to 10 feet under certain driving conditions (Actual distance var ... read more

So how do you like your drinking water – Clean or mixed with dirt and metal shavings? Clean, right? Your vehicle engine would answer the EXACT same way about its oil. Similar to your home water filter, an oil filter’s job is to remove oil contaminants. It sifts out the solid particles while allowing the oil to flow unrestricted through the engine. Likewise, over time the oil filter can become full or “clogged,” and the oil and contaminants will flow around the filter. As a safety mechanism, the bypass is allowed because as far as your engine is concerned, dirty oil is better than none at all. However, when this occurs, the contaminants (dirt and metal shavings) head straight for the engine where they can eventually cause permanent damage. Studies also show that fuel economy and emissions are adversely affected during by-passing. Ok, so then which do you prefer to breathe – fresh or stale, polluted air? Similar to the oil filter, your engine’s air filter cap ... read more

Think about this: Most vehicle belts fail without warning. Now think about yourself stranded on the side of the road. Not a pretty picture, is it? Belts and hoses are integral parts in the proper functioning of the engine. But it’s not easy to know the true condition of a belt or hose by its outward appearance, because most belts and hoses fail from the inside out. Because of that, owners are urged to replace belts, radiator and heater hoses at specific recommended intervals to prevent your car from breaking down. Most newer vehicles use a single serpentine belt to turn the water pump, alternator, power steering and air-conditioning compressor. If a belt snaps, everything is lost and you may be stranded. Many older vehicles use individual V-belts for each device. Belts also break down with heat, mileage and age. Every time a belt passes around a pulley, it bends. Flexing produces heat that causes the rubber to harden over time. In addition, if the belt is loose or slips ... read more

When most of us think about vehicle safety we usually think about brakes first and tires second. However, there is a third and just as important safety item on your vehicle that is often overlooked… shocks and struts. While some people think that a vehicles shocks and struts are not safety items, we beg to differ. In order for your brakes, tires, anti-lock braking system, vehicle stabilization system and any other electronic assist or computer safety system to work as intended, the tires must be in CONSTANT CONTACT with the ROAD! When the tire is bouncing or distribution of the weight of the vehicle is “off” these systems do not work properly and can lead to a safety or handling issue. Stopping distances are increased with these worn components and occasionally the driver may even notice the vehicle darts left or right when hitting pot-holes and other rough road surfaces. Worn struts and shocks can also cause other suspension components and tires to wear prematurely, co ... read more

Determining when you need to replace your battery can be really simple. One of the easiest (and most frustrating) ways is if your car won’t start and when you attempt to re-charge it, the battery won’t hold a charge. This makes it pretty obvious that you need a new battery. The next most reliable way is if you find that you are having difficulty starting your vehicle in the morning. This usually happens more frequently in the winter, but hot climates can also shorten battery life. If your vehicle starter is sounding more sluggish, it might just be time for a new battery. Although these symptoms suggest a failing battery, they are not conclusive. It is possible that the connections have become corroded over time and just need to be cleaned or it might be that one of the two battery cables has come loose or needs replacement. You might have a short in the electrical system that is draining power overnight. It is also possible that the alternator is not re-charging the bat ... read more