How to Winterize your Car

Winter is coming! Cold air, the holidays, snow…it’s all fantastic. But for your vehicle, it could be a nightmare. You take care of yourself during the winter, and you should be doing the same with your vehicle. Making sure it’s all wrapped up snug and warm (for your seasonal car). For your everyday car, you need to make sure that it’s ready for whatever winter throws its way. 

The first thing you should do is check your battery. When the weather gets very cold, your battery won’t store power as well as in warm weather. At the same time, your engine requires more power from your battery than normal in cold temperatures. This could lead to waking up one cold morning to a vehicle that doesn’t start! Before the nasty cold weather hits, take your vehicle to ArborMotion and have our technicians run a battery load test to see if your current battery needs to be replaced. 

Next, change your wiper blades and refill your washer fluid. With all the salt on the roads, your windshield wipers can get a buildup that interferes with their ability to wipe your windshield clean. Having clean new wiper blades with fresh washer fluid makes it easier to wipe away any grime and salt.

Many people have summer and winter tires. Living in Michigan means that at some point we’ll be getting a foot of snow, and most of us need tires we can rely on to get to work or school. Winter tires are made with softer rubber than all-season tires, allowing them to retain flexibility below 45 degrees which is where the all-seasons lose theirs. This means that the winter tires have much better traction and stopping ability than their counterparts. Winter tires really do transform your vehicle, even ones with all-wheel drive. Winter tires have tread patterns on them that are specifically designed to grip in snow and ice so while they won’t magically make your car avoid all slips and slides, they do provide much better traction and stopping ability. 

If you chose not to replace your tires with winter tires, make sure to check your tire pressure. Cold weather causes air pressure to drop. When there’s a ten degree drop in the temperature, your tire pressure will drop 1psi. Having your tires inflated properly helps them connect better to the road. 

If your vehicle has all-wheel drive, make sure to bring it to ArborMotion to have our technicians make sure that it’s working correctly. This will help you maintain better traction in ice and snow. 

Checking your anti-freeze is a big help when it comes to winterizing your car. Anti-freeze makes sure that your coolant stays in great shape. Anti-freeze keeps your radiator from freezing in low temperatures in the winter and from overheating in the summer.

Make sure you top off your windshield washer fluid to prevent a buildup of salt, dirt and grime on your windshield. This is something that you’ll want to check periodically throughout the winter to make sure you don’t run out! 

Be sure to stock your vehicle with emergency supplies! You never know when a big storm is going to hit or when black ice will appear. Include blankets, boots, flashlights, jumper cables, roadside flares, non-perishable foods (i.e. granola bars, protein bars), ice scraper, first aid kit, water bottles, shovel and any other items that could come in handy! 

Make sure to get your oil changed regularly and to have the technicians at ArborMotion check your belts and hoses. You want everything in your vehicle running in tip-top shape. Our service advisers would be happy to chat with you about winterizing your vehicle. They’ll be happy to help make sure that you and your vehicle stay safe this winter season.

Schedule your appointment online today!

Hitting the Apex!

Nick Pott, Shop Operations Manager at ArborMotion

By: Nick Pott, Shop Operations Manager at ArborMotion

Ah, fall. It’s that time of year where people talk about the colors of the foliage, drink something called PSL and start thinking about moving to a southern state of their choosing to escape this frozen tundra known as “The Midwest in October.” For those of you playing along at home who are asking yourselves, "Why is he calling it a frozen tundra in October? It’s going to get a lot colder."

This time of year is when people start to throw on layers and forget that 50 degrees is not winter. This is the time of year when my two favorite passions - auto racing and college football - start to conflict on the calendar. I have many memories of Frank Beckman calling a University of Michigan football game while I was in the paddock at the race track, or at the shop working on a race car. The sounds of race engines and crowds roaring after a score and marching bands playing are my preferred soundtrack to life, and the smells of Saturday grilling and race fuel are my perfumes of choice. 

Believe me, nothing is better than the smell of burned race fuel and brats on the grill. Nothing. It’s a fact! 

This is the time of year that I would also love to see people take some initiative and make sure their cars are good to go for winter. Too often people tend to put off basic maintenance, and then get stranded or have an issue come up during the first real cold snap. I know it’s a super busy time right now. Do it sooner rather than later, folks! It’s never fun to have a dead battery or no heat, especially when it’s below 30 degrees. 

Schedule a Service Today with Foreign Car Repair Specialists in Ann Arbor

At ArborMotion, we specialize in foreign car 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!

Mercedes Service in Ann Arbor

When you’re looking to get your Mercedes Benz serviced, look no further! ArborMotion has been servicing Mercedes Benz for more than 30 years. On top of that, our technicians are trained to use the up to date Mercedes Benz specific scan tool technology to diagnose and repair your vehicle. 

ArborMotion only uses Mercedes Benz OE and equivalent parts. That means we can warranty all repairs for 2 years with unlimited miles! 

When you choose ArborMotion to repair your Mercedes Benz you’ll receive – 

• 2- year unlimited mile warranty on all repairs
• Certified Mercedes Benz technicians
• Mercedes Benz and OE parts
• Complimentary Mercedes exclusive inspection
• Complimentary hand car wash with every service
• Complimentary daily door to door shuttle service
• Complimentary loaner vehicle by appointment
• Convenient Mercedes Benz service A & B 

ArborMotion Goes Above & Beyond When it Comes to Mercedes Service in Ann Arbor!

ArborMotion has technicians and service advisers who go above and beyond to make sure that your vehicle leaves running better than when it came in, and our work on Mercedes Benz is no exception. When you bring your luxury vehicle to ArborMotion, we’ll make sure to give it the treatment it deserves. You can count on technicians who care about every vehicle that comes through. Next time you need service, don’t hesitate to call or email. Feel free to talk to our Service Advisers about all the great things that come with a Mercedes Benz service appointment.

Department of the Month – Technicians

This month we’re going to focus on the people who make this shop run. Without them, there would be no ArborMotion. These people are our Technicians. They’re dedicated to not only making sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape, but that it’s also safe for you to drive. 

Our technicians are highly certified and experts in their field. No problem is too big or too small, because working on cars is their passion. We want passionate people working on your vehicles. 

I know many of our longtime clients are already familiar with some of our technicians (thank you!), but for those of you who don’t know, let us introduce you to our team. 

Quinn Lamb grew up around cars thanks to his dad who owned many American muscle cars and spent time at the Milan Dragway. His first job in the automotive business was lube tech at Victory Lane. From there he moved up to Crew Chief. Quinn has been a technician for five years and holds State certifications in engine repair, suspension and steering, brakes and HVAV systems. He also has an ASE Certification in Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling. Quinn is determined to not only find the problem that brought your vehicle in but to fix any issues to prevent the problem from coming back! When Quinn isn’t at ArborMotion you can find him spending time with his family, working on his Jeep, wood working or breeding fish for his aquarium.

Quinn Lamb

When Kyle Brodie was fourteen, he bought a 1971 VW Beetle. From that day till the day he got his license, Kyle dismantled the car and customized it. His first job was through his co-op class his senior year of high school. He got a part-time job at a small shop called Automobiles International. Kyle worked there a couple years after graduation before he moved to the local Volvo dealership. Kyle has been doing what he’s passionate about for 38 years! He’s been working at ArborMotion for 26 of them! Kyle holds a State Certificate for Master Mechanic and also is a ASE Certified Master Mechanic. Kyle works fast and efficiently to get the job done the first time, mostly because he’s hungry. On the weekends, you can find Kyle in the yard gardening or spending time with friends and family having a BBQ and playing cards. But when Sunday comes around, Kyle is off to the golf course. 

Kyle Brodie

The mechanical aspects of cars have always been interesting to Mark Newbound. He’s been working with them for over 40 years as a ASE Master Technician. His first job was working at a gas station in high school. Mark says that import vehicles are very technical, so finding and repairing a difficult problem is very rewarding. The weirdest thing that Mark ever found in a vehicle was a cat under the hood. He discovered the cat after he gave the car a test drive. Mark’s passion in this business is making sure that his customers can trust him to do excellent work and give them a good value. On the weekends, you can find Mark spending time with family and friends or playing drums in his band. And just like Kyle, Mark plays golf every weekend!

Mark Newbound

Tom O’Connor is our vintage car master! Any customer who comes in with a vintage ride gets sent to Tom. Tom has been working on cars for over 52 years! His first automotive job was in 1963 for European Motor Service, a small British Car shop. While working for European Motor Service, he worked on Anglias, Triumphs, MGs, Sunbeams, Hillmans and Rovers. Tom is a NAISE Master, ASE Master with L1, Robert Bosch Certification and Volkswagen Registered Master. Tom has had the opportunity over the past few years to mentor some of the area’s mechanics and shop owners. He enjoys watching the mechanics’ skills develop and takes pride in passing down his knowledge! With his years of experience, Tom can sort out problems that stump many others. When Tom’s not working, you can find him in the great outdoors. Tom has hiked segments of the Appalachian, Cascade and Pacific Trails. He also built a kayak that he used to go from Michigan to Wisconsin! Not only that, he has also ridden his bike from Baton Rouge to Cincinnati. 

Tom O'Connor

Andrew Daley is our certified BMW and Mini Technician. He loves working on and driving anything with a motor, so becoming a technician was a great fit. His daily car is a BMW M3 so Andrew not only maintains BMW’s, he drives one himself. Andrew holds ASE and State Certifications and says the most challenging part of his job is trying to keep up with the latest technology in high-end, newer vehicles. Not only does this provide a learning experience for him but he also gets to challenge himself. He says it’s very rewarding to solve a complicated issue. Andrew is passionate about doing quality work, he loves seeing his customers excited about new upgrades and taking their vehicles to the track. When Andrew’s not at ArborMotion, you can find him enjoying the outdoors. He loves snowboarding, camping and traveling with friends and family and enjoys working on his cars and going to track events.

Andrew Daley

Mercedes Safety Features: Active Steering Assist and Active Lane Change Assist

Do you need a car equipped with all of the industry-leading safety features?

Are you worried about distracted drivers?

Two popular systems–Active Steering Assist and Active Lane Change Assist–are equipped on several Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The two systems work together to make changing lanes easier than ever and to help keep your vehicle in its intended lane.

This new technology can help you avoid potential dangers on the road keeping you and your family safe. Luxury vehicles makes having peace of mind on the road possible.

Other safety features include:

PRE-SAFE

Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC 

Attention Assist

Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist

Adaptive Braking Technology

Accident Investigation

Does Your Mercedes Need Service?

Having your Mercedes serviced at ArborMotion could not be easier or more convenient. Contact our staff to inquire about service or to set an appointment. Please let us know if you’d like to take advantage of our complimentary shuttle service or free loaner vehicles and we’ll be happy to make those arrangements for you. We also provide a professional hand wash after every service!

We look forward to helping you properly repair and maintain your Mercedes Benz. Call (734) 761-1088 or schedule your Mercedes repair in Ann Arbor online today.

What is Mercedes Benz Dynamic Select?

Are you overwhelmed by all the new features Mercedes has to offer?

Do you want the best driving experience?

Want to find out how the Dynamic Select feature can improve your everyday driving?

The Mercedes-Benz Dynamic Select system allows you to easily switch driving modes depending on the terrain and location you’re exploring. These drive modes include: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. These modes can be selected with the tap of the console button. In Sport mode, the throttle, shifting and chassis sharpen and in ECO mode, they ease up. 

Each mode makes adjustments so you can have the ideal driving experience wherever you go. At ArborMotion, we look forward to helping you properly repair and maintain your Mercedes Benz. Call (734) 761-1088 or schedule your Mercedes repair in Ann Arbor online today.

How to use the Ask Mercedes App

Do you have the Ask Mercedes app?

If you love Suri, you’ll love Mercedes new app feature!

The app allows you to explore your vehicle’s various features and functions in an engaging, simple, and intuitive way. Owners of 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and S-Class models can use the Ask Mercedes app to locate and learn about their vehicle’s various functions via their smartphone camera. 

Does Your Mercedes Need Service?

Having your Mercedes serviced at ArborMotion could not be easier or more convenient. Contact our staff to inquire about service or to set an appointment. Please let us know if you’d like to take advantage of our complimentary shuttle service or free loaner vehicles and we’ll be happy to make those arrangements for you. We also provide a professional hand wash after every service!

We look forward to helping you properly repair and maintain your Mercedes Benz. Call (734) 761-1088 or schedule your Mercedes repair in Ann Arbor online today.