Grand Rapids Auto Repair

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

No matter how cool, how expensive, how big, how much it can haul, or how fast your vehicle is, there’s nothing more important than its ability to stop! It is, without a doubt, that your brakes are the most important part of being able to drive your vehicle. Have your vehicle’s brakes lost some of their stopping power? Do they even squeak or squeal or scrape metal on metal? The squeak is an early warning that it might be time to replace, at a minimum, the pads. If you’re hearing metal on metal grinding, then its definitely time to do so (quickly) and you could be into some rotor work as well. No vehicle will stop effectively with worn brake pads. Nobody wants to go through a wall or have an accident because it won’t stop. So it makes a lot more sense (and is way less scary) to be able to just lightly touch the brakes and have the vehicle do exactly what you intended. When you hit the brake pedal, brake pads press against the rotating disk rotors to slow them down an ... read more

What a great time of year this is for holiday gatherings, great food … and, ick, inclement weather. Nearly ninety percent of all driving decisions are based on a clear view of the road, which means good visibility is absolutely essential — especially during wet weather when vision may be obscured by water, road splash, sleet or snow on the windshield. Yet, wiper blades are one of the most neglected components on vehicles today. Many blades are cracked, split, torn, brittle, worn or otherwise in obvious need of replacement. Others may look okay, but do a lousy job of wiping when put to the test. Any blade that’s chattering, streaking or doing a lousy job of wiping is a blade that’s overdue for replacement. Most experts say wiper blades should be replaced every six to twelve months for optimum performance and driving visibility. This is why we suggest doing during our spring and fall specials. Exposure to sunlight and ozone causes the rubber to age, even if the ... read more

There are many more things that can go wrong with your vehicle than you have gauges for, so the car makers gave us the ever popular and informative ‘service engine’ dash warning light. It could be as simple as a burned out tail light, a failing sensor or something more serious. The good news is that Heritage Service Centre has the diagnostic tools to talk to your vehicles’ computer to determine the actual issue or problem