5 Common Mistakes Drivers Make When Following Mileage Intervals

Keeping up with mileage-based maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your vehicle—but all of us can miss checkpoints from time to time, leading to unnecessary wear or costly repairs. We often see the same five avoidable mistakes, such as:

1. Ignoring the Owner’s Manual
   Relying on general advice instead of the specific intervals recommended in your owner’s manual can lead to premature issues—especially with high-performance European models.
2. Delaying Oil Changes
   It’s easy to stretch oil changes a few hundred miles past the due date, but consistently delaying this basic service can damage your engine over time. Synthetic oil in European vehicles should still be changed regularly, even if it lasts longer.
3. Skipping Inspections Between Services
   Mileage intervals focus on what to replace, but they don’t always catch developing problems. Regular inspections can help detect leaks, worn belts, or brake issues before they become a problem.
4. Not Adjusting for Driving Conditions
   Stop-and-go traffic, short trips, or extreme weather can all justify more frequent maintenance. If you drive in tough conditions, your standard mileage schedule may not be enough.
5. Assuming All Fluids Last Forever
   Transmission, brake, and coolant fluids often get overlooked. Even if there’s no warning light, these fluids degrade over time and can lead to serious repairs if neglected.

 Weighing the risks of DIY mileage-based maintenance? Learn more about when to call in the pros here!

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

 

For drivers who want to protect their investment and ensure peak performance, working with experienced technicians makes all the difference. Schedule your next checkup today and let us take care of all your mileage-based maintenance needs. Call us for Asian and European auto repair at 734-761-1088 to schedule your appointment today!

 

Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Fall Driving

As leaves change color and temperatures drop, it's the perfect time to get your vehicle ready for cooler months ahead. Fall maintenance not only prevents costly repairs but ensures that your car runs safely and efficiently through Michigan’s unpredictable weather. 

Here are a few essential fall maintenance tips to keep in mind:

 

1. Check Your Battery: Colder temperatures can reduce battery performance. Have your battery tested to ensure it’s holding a charge—and replace it if necessary.
2. Inspect Brakes and Tires: Wet leaves and slick roads demand reliable stopping power. Check brake pads for wear and make sure your tires have enough tread and proper pressure.
3. Replace Wiper Blades and Top Off Fluids: Visibility is so important on rainy fall days. Replace worn wipers and ensure washer fluid, coolant, and brake fluid are topped off.
4. Schedule a Full Inspection: Fall is a great time for a comprehensive checkup. We specialize in European Auto Repair in Ann Arbor and can perform a complimentary seasonal inspection tailored to your vehicle’s make and model.

 Weighing the risks of DIY mileage-based maintenance? Learn more about when to call in the pros here!

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

 

By taking care of these small maintenance tasks now, you can avoid bigger problems later—and stay safer on the road as winter approaches. Looking for expert service? 

 

Schedule your next service appointment today and let us take care of your seasonal maintenance needs. Call us for Asian and European auto repair at 734-761-1088 to schedule your appointment today!

All the Components of Your Suspension: What You Need to Know

Your suspension does more than provide a smooth ride—it’s essential for handling, safety, and tire longevity. If you drive a European vehicle like a BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, or Volvo, understanding the components of your suspension is critical to keeping your car performing at its best.

Let’s break down all the key components of your vehicle’s suspension system and why they matter:

 

1. Springs

Springs support the weight of your vehicle and absorb bumps down the road. Most European vehicles use coil springs because they’re durable and compact. However, some high-end models use air suspension systems for a smoother ride. Over time, springs can sag or break, especially if you frequently drive over rough terrain.

 

2. Shock Absorbers 

Shock absorbers control the bounce and rebound of the springs to prevent excessive movement, while struts help support your suspension system. Worn shocks or struts can make your car bounce or cause uneven tire wear.

 

3. Control Arms

Control arms connect the chassis to the wheel. They allow up-and-down movements while maintaining proper wheel alignment. Upper and lower control arms help keep your tires in contact with the road.

 

4. Ball Joints

Ball joints connect the control arms to the steering knuckles, allowing your wheels to move up and down and turn left or right. If they wear out, you may hear clunking noises or feel vibrations in your steering wheel.

 

5. Sway Bars 

Sway bars help reduce body roll during turns by distributing weight evenly across all four tires. Faulty sway bar links or bushings can lead to excessive body roll or poor cornering.

 

6. Bushings

Bushings are rubber or polyurethane cushions that reduce friction and absorb vibrations. Over time, bushings can crack or deteriorate, leading to a bumpier drive and more noise.

 

7. Steering Rack and Tie Rods

The steering rack and tie rods work closely with the suspension to keep your wheels aligned and responsive. Worn tie rods can cause your steering to feel loose or cause uneven tire wear.

 

Why Suspension Maintenance Matters for European Vehicles

 

European cars are known for their precision handling and luxury ride quality—both depend on a healthy suspension system. Small issues can lead to major problems if left unchecked. For example, worn struts can affect braking performance and tire wear, while damaged bushings can impact ride comfort and stability.

 

Our experts for European auto repair recommend having your suspension inspected during regular service intervals or if you notice symptoms like:

• A rough or bouncy ride
• Nose-diving when braking
• Excessive body roll when turning
• Uneven or rapid tire wear
• Steering that feels loose or unresponsive

 Learn more about essential milage-based maintenance services here.

Trust the Local Experts in European Auto Repair in Ann Arbor

 

Your suspension system is complex, but you don’t have to navigate repairs alone. Our technicians are trained and equipped to diagnose and service all types of European suspensions—from standard coil spring setups to advanced adaptive air suspensions.

If you’re experiencing handling issues or just want peace of mind, schedule a suspension inspection with our experienced team. We provide trusted, transparent, and expert European auto repair in Ann Arbor. 

 

Need a suspension checkup or repair for your European vehicle? Contact us today to schedule service and experience the difference specialized care makes.

 

Mileage vs. Time-Based Maintenance: Which One Should You Follow?

Should you follow mileage-based or time-based maintenance schedules? Many car owners assume that as long as they haven't hit the next mileage milestone, they’re in the clear. That’s not always the case.

We remind customers that time can be just as critical as mileage when it comes to preventative maintenance. Fluids degrade, rubber components crack, and filters clog—even if the car spends more time in the garage than on the road.

 

Mileage-based maintenance is ideal for items that wear down with use, such as brake pads, tires, and spark plugs. If you drive a lot or commute far, following your vehicle’s mileage intervals is essential.

 

Time-based maintenance ensures that oil, coolant, and transmission fluid are still performing effectively—regardless of how many miles you've driven. For example, even if you've only driven 3,000 miles in a year, a year-old oil filter could still compromise your engine’s health.

Learn about other essential milage-based services here.

 

For expert guidance tailored to your specific vehicle, trust the professionals in European auto repair in Ann Arbor. We’ll help you develop a maintenance plan that protects your investment—whether it’s based on the odometer or the calendar.

What Are Spark Plugs Anyway?

If you've ever had your car serviced, you've probably heard the term “spark plugs”. But what exactly are they—and why should you care?

Spark plugs are small but essential components of your car’s engine. Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, which starts the engine and keeps it running. Without functioning spark plugs, your car won’t start, idle smoothly, or run efficiently. Over time, spark plugs wear and can cause rough starts, poor fuel economy, and engine misfires.

 

This is especially important if you drive a European vehicle, which often requires precision parts and specialized care. At our shop specializing in European Auto Repair in Ann Arbor, we frequently replace spark plugs as part of routine maintenance for brands like BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen.

 

Not sure when your spark plugs were last changed? We keep tabs on all of your maintenance needs to keep your European vehicle running at peak performance. 

Learn more why timely replacement is essential for modern cars here. 

 

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

 

Schedule your next service appointment with ArborMotion today and let us take care of your spark plugs and all your vehicle's maintenance needs. Call us for Asian and European auto repair at 734-761-1088  to schedule your appointment today!

The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Your Vehicle’s Mileage Milestones

Staying on top of your vehicle’s mileage milestones can help you protect your investment. For European car owners, skipping scheduled maintenance can lead to unexpected and expensive consequences.

Every make and model have manufacturer-recommended service intervals—typically every 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles. Milestones are designed to catch problems before they become major issues. Ignoring milestones could result in missed oil changes, delayed timing belt replacements, or overlooked brake inspections leading to costly repairs.

 

Our experienced European auto repair technicians understand the specific needs of brands like BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. We follow factory schedules and use OEM parts to ensure your vehicle stays in peak performance.

 

You should prioritize mileage milestones and work with experts at ArborMotion who know your car inside and out. It’s the smartest way to ensure your Asian or European vehicle stays running smoothly.

What about your brakes milestones? Learn more on why timely replacement is essential for modern cars here.

 

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

Professional European Auto Repair in Ann Arbor can perform thorough diagnostics to catch issues early. Let us take care of all your vehicle's maintenance and repair needs. Don’t wait for your car to breakdown—schedule a routine check-up and keep your vehicle running at peak performance! Call us at 734-761-1088 to schedule your appointment today!

Start/Stop Technology: Good News—It’s Easier on Your Engine Than You Think!

If you've recently driven a newer vehicle, you've likely encountered start/stop technology—this feature turns your engine off when you’re stopped at a red light and restarts it when you hit the gas. While it’s designed to boost fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, it often leaves drivers wondering: Is this constant stopping and starting bad for my engine?

The short answer? No, not at all! In fact, it’s a lot gentler on your engine than you might think. Let’s clear up some common concerns and explain why this smart tech is nothing to worry about.

 

Start/Stop Myths—Busted

 

Myth #1: “All that stopping and starting must wear out the engine faster.”
This is probably the most common concern, and we totally get it. It seems intuitive that more starts = more wear. But vehicles equipped with start/stop systems are built for this. They use reinforced starters, upgraded batteries, and advanced lubricants to handle the load. 

 

Myth #2: “It’s annoying and can’t be good for my driving experience.”
The first few times you feel your engine shut off at a red light, it might catch you off guard. But modern European cars execute start/stop transitions smoothly, making it virtually seamless. In many cases, you won’t even notice it. It gives your engine a short break—like a quick breather—saving you fuel.

 

Myth #3: “It probably doesn’t help much anyway.”
This technology can improve fuel economy with city driving by 5-10% and significantly reduce idling emissions. That’s good for your wallet and the environment!

 

Proper Maintenance is Key!

Just like any part of your car, the key to a healthy start/stop system is routine maintenance—especially for European vehicles with finely tuned systems. That’s where we come in.

Learn more about the components of your engine and what every driver should know here.

 
Schedule Routine Maintenance for Your European Car in Ann Arbor

 

At our shop for European auto repair in Ann Arbor, we specialize in keeping these advanced systems running like clockwork. Whether you're driving a Mercedes, VW, or Land Rover, we know the ins and outs of your car’s technology and how to keep it in peak condition.

 

Don’t stress about start/stop. Your vehicle was designed for it! If you have questions or just want peace of mind, we’re here for you! Call us to schedule your appointment today!