Making Coolant Testing a Priority for Autumn

Coolant is essential! It helps maintain optimal engine temperature, prevents overheating, and ensures the longevity of your vehicle for many miles. Given the complexities of electric motor and gasoline engines in hybrids, regular coolant testing is crucial.

To ensure your hybrid's optimal performance, coolant testing should be a regular part of your vehicle maintenance routine. Here's what to look for:

• Coolant level: Check your coolant reservoir for adequate fluid.
• Coolant color and condition: The coolant should be clear or slightly colored, without any signs of rust or debris.
• Coolant freezing point: Ensure your coolant has a sufficiently low freezing point to protect your engine during cold weather.
• Coolant boiling point: Your coolant should have a high boiling point to prevent overheating.

ArborMotion’s specialists technicians know what to look for and how to test to ensure optimal results for your specific vehicle.

Schedule Professional Coolant Testing for Your Toyota Prius Hybrid Today!

While you can check coolant levels yourself, professional coolant testing and service are recommended. A qualified technician can perform a comprehensive analysis and address any issues before they escalate. All our technicians are ASE certified and three have ASE Master Technician certifications. If you want a reputable technician who specializes in your brand of vehicle, schedule an appointment on your Toyota Prius Hybrid today!

Fall Drives You Don’t Want to Miss

Are you looking forward to experiencing the colors of autumn in Michigan? 

Planning a fall getaway? Let us help you plan your trip and perform a complimentary pre-trip inspection before you hit the road.

 

You don’t want to miss out on these beautiful drives in Michigan:

 

1. West Michigan Pike – US 31

This scenic drive includes some of Michigan’s best scenery as it passes through beach towns like St. Joseph, South Haven, Holland, Grand Haven and Muskegon. 

 

2. Historic Motor Tour – US 27

Drive this two-lane highway through gentle hills, thick forests, picturesque farmland and delightful small towns. It’s especially gorgeous during autumn months.

 

3. Black River National Forest Scenic Byway - CR 513

This road starts in the far western corner of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. CR 513 leads from the small town of Bessemer to the Lake Superior shore. The trees here turn color and the air grows crisp weeks earlier than Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. 

 

Schedule Seasonal Maintenance on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

 

Before your road trip and before cold weather creeps in, schedule maintenance today! We’ll make sure your battery is in good health, your oil is fresh, and we will visually inspect your brakes and tires to ensure you’re in good shape for your trip!

 

We’d love to be your go-to repair shop to help ensure you and your family are safe. Bring your vehicle to us and we’ll have it running in tip-top shape in no time! We care about your safety! No question is too big or small. Call for Asian and European auto repair at 734-761-1088  to schedule your appointment today!  

Did You Know We Love Your Asian Imports as much as European Imports?

There's a reason so many of us are rocking Subarus, Toyotas, and Hondas – these Asian imports are like the reliable, best friend of the car world. These brands are built to conquer your commute or weekend adventure without turning you into a damsel (or dude) in distress.

Asian Imports Won’t Leave You Stranded

 

Asian imports are renowned for their dependability, consistently ranked among the most reliable cars on the road today. Get from point A to point B without any worry, especially when you take your car for service at ArborMotion.

 

We Specialize in Asian & European Auto Repair in Ann Arbor

 

We have the specialist to prove it! When you bring your vehicle to us, we provide manufacturer-level service where your technician is trained and knowledgeable about your vehicle make and model. From oil changes, air conditioning and brakes, to timing belts and more, you’ll get the best service possible at competitive rates.

 

Why see a specialist for your car? Read our latest article “Don’t Settle for a Gearhead Generalist: Why Car Specialists Reign Supreme” here.

Schedule Service on Your European or Asian Vehicle Today!

We’d love to be your go-to repair shop. Bring your vehicle to us and we’ll have it running in tip-top shape in no time! No question is too big or small. Call us for Asian and European auto repair at 734-761-1088  to schedule your appointment today! 

Tackling Serpentine Belt Replacement: A Comprehensive Guide

The serpentine belt is a key component in modern engines, playing a vital role by driving the water pump, alternator, and power steering pump to work together. The serpentine belt can wear out over time, requiring replacement.  

In addition to the serpentine belt, you should also replace the tensioner, idler pulley, and decoupler. These parts work together to maintain proper belt tension and alignment, so addressing them during a belt change is a wise move to ensure optimal performance.

Steps We Take to Evaluate & Replace your Serpentine Belt

1. Access the Belt Drive: Depending on your vehicle, we may remove some components to gain access to the serpentine belt and its components. This might involve removing plastic underbody panels or engine shields. 
2. Release Belt Tension:  We’ll locate the tensioner pulley and loosen the belt. This might involve pushing on a release arm or using a belt tensioner tool. 
3. Replacing the Tensioner, Idler Pulley, and Decoupler: The process to replace these components typically involves unbolting the old part and installing the new one, tightening to the specified torque.
4. Installing the New Serpentine Belt: We’ll route the new serpentine belt around all the pulleys according to manufacturer standards.
5. Re-tensioning the Belt:  We’ll re-tension the belt according to manufacturer standards and double check the belt tension using a belt deflection tool and adjust as necessary.
6. Final Touches: Reinstall any previously removed components and reconnect the battery negative terminal.
7. Test it: We’ll start your engine and listen for any abnormal noises. Turn on the air conditioning and other accessories to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Take the vehicle for a short test drive to confirm proper operation.

Schedule Service at Ann Arbor’s Asian and European Auto Repair Shop

With our help, you’ll have a smooth-running engine with properly functioning accessories for miles to come. To successfully replace the serpentine belt, tensioner, idler pulley, and decoupler (if applicable), please contact us today!

We perform Asian and  European Auto Repair in Ann Arbor, where our top priority is getting you back on the road. Call 734-761-1088 to schedule your appointment today!

ArborMotion – Your One Stop Shop for all Your Car’s Needs!

Tired of running around to different mechanics for various car troubles? As Ann Arbor's largest independent auto repair shop, we offer a one-stop solution for all your vehicle's needs.

Here's why we should be your go-to auto shop:

• Convenience: Save time and hassle by bringing your car to a single location for everything from routine maintenance to major repairs.
• Complete Service History: Having your car serviced at one place allows mechanics to build a comprehensive service history of your vehicle. This knowledge helps them diagnose problems faster and more accurately, ultimately saving you money on unnecessary repairs.
• Expert Knowledge: With a team of certified technicians specializing in European and Asian cars, as well as all major brands,  we offer unparalleled expertise to address any concern your car throws your way. That mysterious new noise?  Our specialists have likely heard it before and know exactly how to fix it.

Why choose ArborMotion for your auto care? Read this

Schedule Service Today with European Auto Repair Specialists in Ann Arbor

 

Ditch the multi-shop runaround and experience the ease and expertise we offer. We specialize in European auto repair in Ann Arbor. All our technicians are ASE certified and three have ASE Master Technician certifications. If you want a reputable technician who specializes in your brand of vehicle, schedule an appointment with us today!

Understanding Your Auto Service Options: Mechanics, Technicians, and Specialists

Taking care of your car involves a variety of skilled professionals. Let's break down the differences between mechanics, technicians, and specialists to help you choose the right service provider.

What is a Mechanic?

A mechanic is someone that does the “nuts and bolts” work on a vehicle, but nothing else. Before cars became more integrated with computer technology, all work was strictly mechanical. Changing your brakes, oil, and spark plugs had no computer input and didn’t need any technological calibration when they were replaced or repaired. Older vehicles that still have these components can be serviced by any shop that is familiar with their year, make, and model. The Ann Arbor area still has a few strictly mechanical shops, but not very many given that most vehicles these days have some kind of computer “brain”. 

What is a Technician?

A technician is someone that has some working knowledge of both the mechanical and computer aspects of vehicles. Anyone training today in automotive repair will be trained as a technician. A technician needs to know how the computer components interact and assist the mechanical components to ensure accurate repairs are made. 

What is a Specialist?

We have a dedicated team of specialists to best serve our customers. A specialist is a technician that has advanced training and knowledge on a specific brand, automotive group, or type of vehicles. When you bring your vehicle to our specialists, it gives you incredible benefits! 

1.     Specialists can save you money and time. 

2.     A specialist can more readily diagnose issues because they’re familiar with your specific brand of vehicle. 

3.     They can also make repairs more quickly because they work on your brand every day and know precisely how things are meant to go together.

Why choose ArborMotion for your auto care? Read this

Schedule Service Today with European Auto Repair Specialists in Ann Arbor

We have dedicated specialists for Volvo, BMW/Mini, Audi/Volkswagen, and Hybrid vehicles. Our sister company, Rennstatt, has dedicated specialists for Porsche. We’re here to make your auto care easy with our dedicated team of specialists for your vehicle. If you want a reputable European auto repair technician who specializes in your brand of vehicle, schedule an appointment with us today!

Hidden Gems for Your Summer Road Trips in Michigan

Summer road trip season is upon us! Are you craving unique experiences beyond the usual tourist spots? Michigan offers a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be explored.  

These are some places you should discover this summer:

 

1.     Prehistoric Forest Amusement Park- The remains of an abandoned dinosaur theme park litter the woods just off the highway.

2.     Kitch-iti-kipi- This is a freshwater spring fills with 10,000 gallons of water every minute in Manistique.

3.     Hell, Michigan- Hell on earth is actually a small town in Michigan where anyone can be mayor for the day.

4.     Turnip Rock- This is an island just off the Michigan shore in Lake Huron. The unique shape is the result of thousands of years of erosion.

5.     St. Ignace Mystery Spot – Experience a place where “gravity does strange things” or a place where your brain does strange things as it tries to make sense of the situation.

6.     Motown Museum- Berry Gordy Jr.’s old home was the original headquarters of Motown Records Corporation. See where the Jackson Five, the Temptations, Smokey Robinson and many others recorded unforgettable hits.

7.     Petoskey State Park- This state park is on the shore of Lake Michigan that holds some of the only reminders that Michigan was once an ocean. When the earth’s tectonic plates shifted and created North America out of the watery ecosystem, some of the coral life residing there came for the ride. Pick up some coral fossils offering a connection to the past!

8.     Leland’s Historic Fishtown – Wooden shanties line a narrow canal in which charter boats and fish tugs float, undulating on Lake Michigan’s gentle swells.

 

These are just a taste of the unique adventures Michigan offers. Fuel up your car and embark on an unforgettable summer escape!

Schedule a Pre-Trip Inspection on Your European or Asian Vehicle Today!

If you’re planning a road trip, schedule a pre-trip inspection today! We’d love to be your go-to repair shop. Bring your vehicle to us and we’ll have it running in tip-top shape in no time for your summer adventures! Call us for Asian and European auto repair at 734-761-1088  to schedule your appointment today!