Proper Winter Car Care You Don’t Think About

Want to get the most out of your car this winter? 

Have you been putting off routine maintenance?

 

Are you afraid your car won’t start in frigid temps?

 

ArborMotion offers these tips to ensure a smooth ride all winter long, including:

 

1.     Car wash – Believe it or not, a car wash is one of the best things you can do for your car during the winter. Salt from the road can build up over time and eat away at the metal making up the undercarriage of your car.

2.     Replace old wiper blades – Newer windshield wipers will do a better job at clearing ice and snow from your windows.

3.     Top off your fluids – To ensure your engine turns over, check your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations about how often you need to check and top off your fluids in cold weather.

4.     Take your car for a quick drive – Don’t let your car sit for too long during really cold days. This helps warm up your engine, brakes, and transmission.

 

Learn more about the basics of proper winter maintenance here.

 

Prepare Your Car for Winter at ArborMotion

 

Our Asian and European auto repair technicians at ArborMotion are here for you! Bring your vehicle to ArborMotion and we’ll have it running in tip-top shape in no time! No question is too big or small. Call ArborMotion at 734-761-1088  to schedule your appointment today!  

Fall Trips in Michigan!

Are you ready for fall driving?

Are you planning a road trip to see the fall colors in Michigan?

 

Make sure you take the time to visit these precious gems on your travels:

 

1.     Pictured Rocks – Known for its cliffs and turquoise water, enjoy a fall hike, boat tour, or kayak along the beach to take in the beautiful scenery.

2.     Traverse City – Enjoy many wineries in this Michigan town while on your fall tour along the lakeshore.

3.     Tunnel of Trees – 28-mile section of M-119 between Cross Village and Harbor Springs.

4.     Tahquamenon Falls – This is Michigan’s second largest state park stretching across 50,000 acres. 

5.     Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – Home to miles of streams, waterfalls, and forests, you’ll be enveloped in falls natural beauty.

6.     Copper Peak – Take a chairlift ride to the observation deck to see fall colors across three states and part of Canada!

 

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 charged up, your oil is fresh, and 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 ArborMotion and we’ll have it running in tip-top shape in no time! At ArborMotion, we care about your safety! No question is too big or small. Call ArborMotion for Asian and European auto repair at 734-761-1088  to schedule your appointment today!  

Beat the Summer Heat

August is often the warmest month in Michigan. The official summer holidays are over, and summer camps and road trips are in full swing. Summer heat can get to your vehicle, just like it gets to you! 

Keep the outside cool

As often as possible, park in a shady spot. You can feel the heat when you open your car doors. Can you imagine what your engine is feeling under that metal hood? Keeping the entirety of your vehicle as cool as possible is helpful for the longevity of internal components, keeping the paint beautiful, and keeping the interior of your the vehicle as comfortable as possible when you open the door to start your next drive.

Keep the inside comfortable

Leather seats are HOT in the summer, and we’ve all been burned by the hot leather at some point in our lives. Seat covers are your friend when the sun is beaming down. Be advised - seat covers reduce the effectiveness of air-conditioned leather seats! If you have air-conditioned seats, consider carefully starting your car, and letting it run for just a minute to let the AC cool things down before you sit.

Keep the radiator healthy

If you notice a sweet smell coming from your engine compartment and notice any puddles on the ground after you park, or if your dashboard engine temperature gauge seems high, call ArborMotion right away. Your radiator is your vehicle’s engine temperature regulator - if that gets too hot, you’ve got a potential problem on your hands. 

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

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

Summer Maintenance Basics

We often think about prepping for winter by performing maintenance on our vehicles. But what about summer maintenance? There are things that should be done, even during the “easy going” warmer months!

Get your oil changed

Regular oil changes are among the most important maintenance jobs you can do. We talk about this all the time, and for good reason! This is just as important in the summer, when you’re more likely to go for a spontaneous cruise or weekend getaway. Having fresh oil running through your engine keeps everything properly lubricated and moving easily as you cruise down the road. 

Have your coolant checked

Having your cooling system in good working order is essential year-round. Your radiator will keep everything at the proper temperature so you don’t experience one of the most dreaded summertime issues - overheating. Making sure that your coolant level is correct and in good working order will help keep your vehicle happily driving along all day, and all night!

Check and recharge your air conditioning

Rolling your windows down is great for those mild summer days, but when you’re stuck in traffic and the temperature is sizzling… you need air conditioning that works. You can schedule all of these services at ArborMotion, and know that your vehicle will keep you comfortable all season long!

It's road-trip season! Make sure you're prepared, read this!

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

We’d love to be your go-to repair shop to help ensure you and your family are safe. Bring your vehicle to ArborMotion 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 us for domestic and European auto repair at 734-761-1088  to schedule your appointment today!  

Explore Michigan Further This Summer

Michigan is a wealth of beautiful scenery, terrific museums, interesting shops and fun places to explore! These spots have so much to see that a full weekend getaway may be necessary to take it all in. Here’s a small list of great places to check out:

Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Is there anything better than a Michigan beach on the Great Lakes during the summer? Silver Lake Sand Dunes has something for everyone. If you want a private cabin or rental home, or if you’re looking to camp out in your RV or tent, you can find what you’re looking for here. There’s plenty of sand to stretch out and lounge on, or rent to a vehicle and go off-roading on the dunes!

Fishtown

Located in Leland, Fishtown is a must-see for anyone who enjoys Michigan history. Watch the tugboats, enjoy great smoked fish or whitefish spread, explore the unique small businesses and shops, and maybe charter your own fishing experience!

Kalamazoo

From museums like the Air Zoo to multiple nature preserves, from distilleries to fantastic dining options, Kalamazoo truly has something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, you’ll want to check out the Henderson Castle Resort Inn!

Alpena

Many people choose to vacation on the Lake Michigan side of the state, but the Thunder Bay area of Lake Huron on Michigan’s East side is also worth exploring. In Alpena you’ll find shipwrecks, lighthouses, fishing opportunities, dark sky park exploration, golf, parks and beaches…and that’s just to start. There really is something for everyone to enjoy in Alpena, too!

Is your vehicle road-trip ready? Before you head out on a weekend getaway, schedule your complimentary pre-trip inspection at ArborMotion. We’ll give everything a thorough look through to be sure your vehicle is ready to set out for a weekend of fun! 

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

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

Local Adventures in Michigan

Michigan has a wealth of beautiful scenery, terrific museums, interesting shops, and fun places to explore! Here’s a small list of great places to check out!

Local Places to Explore:

• Matthaei Botanical Gardens – located at 1800 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor - Walk through multiple gardenscapes, check out rare and non-native plants in the conservatory, and even reserve space to host events.
• Graffiti Alley runs from E. Liberty and E. Washington in Ann Arbor, halfway between S. State Street and S. Division Street. A local spot of interest with ever-changing artwork, graffiti alley is often used as a backdrop for photo shoots.
• Nichols Arboretum – located at 1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, the “arb” is a local favorite that features many hiking trails! From the peony gardens blooming in the spring, to wide hiking trails along the Huron river and the summertime Shakespeare in the Park series, there’s always something to do. 
• Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum – located at 100 East Cross Street, Ypsilanti – have a fun afternoon in this museum looking at both rare and unique cars, both locally built as well as from further afield. 

Day Trips to Check Out:

• Gilmore Car Museum located at 6865 W. Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners – Many people in southeast Michigan are familiar with the Henry Ford Museum but are completely unaware of the Gilmore Car Museum. This gem has over 400 vintage and collector vehicles and motorcycles.
• Frankenmuth, Michigan - This town is the home of Bronner’s and Zehnder’s as well as beautiful Bavarian-style architecture, fun shopping, festivals all summer long, and a number of museums. Your day trip could easily turn into a weekend getaway!
• John K. King Used & Rare Books located at 901 W. Lafayette Blvd, Detroit - One of Michigan’s largest used bookstores, this shop boasts four floors and literally a million books. Those in the know bring lunch with them and arrive early. The parking lot is small and they pack as many vehicles safely in as possible. For book lovers, it’s easy to spend a full day engrossed in the ever-changing collection.

If you know you’re going to be taking advantage of the smaller crowds during the week, drop one of your vehicles off with ArborMotion for the day to have your regular maintenance done while you go play!

Is your vehicle road-trip ready? Find out here!

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

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

What is Mileage-Based Maintenance?

You may hear something referred to as a “maintenance recommendation”, or have a signal that shows up as “scheduled service due” on your dashboard. These can both seem vague, but what do they mean?

Some general industry guidelines for milage-based maintenance include:

• Oil changes - every 5,000 miles or 6 months
• Tire rotations - every 5,000 miles
• Brake fluid and power steering fluid - every 24,000 miles or two years
• Fuel filter change, fuel induction service, and coolant flush - every 36,000 miles or three years
• Transmission flush service, brake pads and rotors, spark plugs - every 60,000 miles

If you’re beyond 60,000, congratulations on keeping your vehicle in good shape! Talk with your ArborMotion service advisor to see when your shocks and struts, water pump and timing belt will be due. These are bigger jobs, but well worth the time and money to keep your vehicle running for a long time. 

You may also want to consider a wheel alignment before your next road trip!

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

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

Are You Ready For Spring?

Longer days and sunshine also come with rain and mud as we fully embrace springtime in Michigan. The warm weather is welcoming, the potholes less-so. Are you and your vehicle prepared for springtime road trips and road hazards?

Have your emergency kit stocked and ready!

Smart things to have inside your trunk include:

• Fresh bottles of water
• Snacks or meal bars
• Jumper cables
• A spare tire
• Portable battery backup with phone charging cord

Schedule your spring maintenance

You’ll want to have your ArborMotion specialist do a few things to prep for spring including:

• Oil change
• Swap winter tires for summer tires
• Check wheel alignment
• Install fresh windshield wipers

You may also want to consider a wheel alignment before your next road trip!

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

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

Springtime Driving Checklist

Are you and your vehicle ready for warmer weather and leisurely drives? Here’s a handy checklist so you can be springtime driving ready:

• Schedule your oil change! We talk a lot about oil changes at ArborMotion, and for good reason. Your engine oil is one of the most important components inside your vehicle. If your oil is dirty or low, it can cause problems that turn into catastrophes if left unchecked. 
• Schedule a tire swap if you use seasonal tires. Keep an eye on weather predictions and schedule your appointment accordingly. Summer tires don’t do well in cold weather, so be sure the ambient temperature is above 40°F consistently before you put your summer tires on. 
• General maintenance is a good idea. Your manufacturer has a schedule of recommended maintenance at 15,000 to 30,000 mile intervals This maintenance is important so your vehicle will perform at its peak for many years to come. 
• Check your emergency kit. Make sure your backup battery is charged, you have a fresh bottle of water stored, and any snacks you have aren’t expired. 
• Get a car wash. Winter roads bring lots of debris, including salt, which can chew up your undercarriage. Going through a carwash and selecting the undercarriage option is one maintenance item that many of us forget about as the weather starts to warm up. 

To ensure you're ready for springtime driving, read more here.

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

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

Must-do Maintenance for Infrequent Drivers

Do manufacturer’s recommendations still apply to me, even if I don’t drive very much? What do I have to do to keep my vehicle healthy?

For all infrequent drivers, short commuters, and those of you who have no commute, here are the things your vehicle still needs from you to stay in tip-top shape:

• Oil changes - these are an absolute must every 6 months even if you haven’t driven that much. If your car Isn’t driven much the oil in your engine can collects moisture that may never properly burn off, potentially causing issues for systems that need to be water-free!
• Get up to speed - even if it’s just an occasional drive, get your vehicle up to highway speeds once in a while. That higher speed and bit of distance will work the oil through the engine in a way that city commutes won’t and keeps all rotating parts “exercised” so they don’t atrophy.
• Check your tires because not just tread depth matters. Over time, tires break down, so even if your tread depth looks good, the age of the materials can still cause problems. If you need help with this, give us a call!
• Have all the belts and hoses inspected – we will do this for you at every oil service. Letting a vehicle sit can cause degeneration of anything rubber or plastic. Those parts still go through the weather extremes we get in Michigan, so they to be regularly inspected for wear and cracking. 

In short, even if you don’t use your car often, it still needs some basic care and maintenance so that it works without issues when you’re ready to roll! To ensure you're ready for springtime driving, read more here.

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

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

How Do You Deal with Black Ice?

Have you ever hit black ice while driving in the winter? Are you aware of how to keep your vehicle under control when dealing with black ice?

Black ice is a thin layer of ice that forms on bridges, overpasses, and along shady spots of the road. Black ice is clear, making it difficult to see, which makes it very dangerous. 

As you travel on snowy and icy roadways, here are a few ways you can handle black ice:

• Keep your steering wheel as straight as possible. It’s much easier to coast over an icy patch if you’re going straight and not turning your wheel. 
• Contrary to your first inclination, don’t brake! Braking can cause your car to slip and slide out of control, especially if you hit your brakes hard. 
• Let your foot come off the accelerator pedal to slow your speed. Black ice is one of the biggest reasons to leave extra space between you and cars in front of you - you need room to safely slow down.

Black ice is often a just patch on the roadway, typically less than 20 feet (approximately the length of a standard SUV). By maintaining focus and controlling your steering and deceleration, you should be able to slowly glide over patches of potentially dangerous black ice and arrive at your destination without incident. 

To ensure you get where you're going safely this winter, read more here!

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

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

Why Quality Matters in Your Tires (and Your Auto Shop)

How do you decide what tires to put on your vehicle? Have you considered what makes a tire “best” for you?

Price is only one part of it

You’ve heard the saying “you get what you pay for” and that’s mostly true. When it comes to assessing quality of materials, it’s important to know what’s right for your vehicle. The size and load index will determine which tires will fit your vehicle and driving style. 

Your needs matter

How you drive your vehicle will have a significant impact on what tires you’ll need to purchase. Are you a road warrior who needs the comfort and handling of seasonal tires? Perhaps you’re a city dweller who needs the convenience of all-season tires instead. You’ll notice a range of prices when it comes to tires that fit your vehicle. At ArborMotion, we’ll help you choose the best tires for your budget based on driving style, control, and vehicle needs.

The bottom line

Just like everything else in life, you have choices when it comes to the quality factors you need to assess. We recommend choosing the highest rated and most thoroughly tested tires you have access to. At ArborMotion, we proudly equip your vehicle with brands we know and trust and would put on our own personal vehicles. If we don’t like a brand or product, we’ll never recommend it to you.

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

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

Keeping Your Car for the Long Haul

Will your car go the distance?

Are you starting to think about getting a new car?

Thanks to new technology and more durable parts, any vehicle built in the last 10 to 15 years is designed to last for 200,000 miles or more. Some even say that 200,000 miles is the new 100,000 miles. But to accomplish that you must keep up with proper maintenance and repairs along the way!

Keep Up with Maintenance!

To ensure your vehicle enjoys its full lifespan, stay current on routine maintenance. Consult your car’s manual for recommended service. Getting routine oil changes, tire rotations and filter replacements helps keep your car healthy for many years. Failing to keep up on regular maintenance can cause premature wear to your engine and other parts over time.

Always Use Quality Made Parts

Don’t fall for cheaper prices! A lower-quality part may be cheaper up front, but in the long run it can cost more when it fails or causes excessive wear and tear.

Talk to Your Repair Shop

Explain to your shop that you want to keep your car running for as long as possible. Better shops will help you formulate a plan of action to keep your car running in tip-top shape. ArborMotion can be your secret weapon to keeping your daily driver for a long, long time!

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

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

Before You Consider Trailering, Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Tow Ready

Before you even consider trailering, ensure that your vehicle is capable of towing your trailer and boat! 

Your vehicle needs to be properly rated to pull the combined weight of your trailer, boat and summer water toys. Ensure the towing hardware of your vehicle matches your trailer. Also make sure your vehicle is properly maintained. 

At ArborMotion we care about you and your family, so we offer our “Pit Stop” inspection for your vehicle with any service. This multi-point inspection gives you an accurate view of your vehicle’s overall health and an honest evaluation of what, if any, services need to be performed. 

You should also make sure your trailer is properly registered and inspected, if required.  Each state has different regulations concerning trailers.  Consult Michigan’s Lakes and Streams Association for boating and towing information here.

Schedule Service on Your Domestic, Asian or European Vehicle Today!

Recommended repairs and maintenance should be addressed before you start towing a heavy load. We’d love to be your go-to repair shop for your domestic, Asian or European vehicle to help ensure you and your family are safe. Bring your vehicle to ArborMotion and we’ll have it running in tip-top shape in no time! At ArborMotion, we care about your safety! No question is too big or small. Call ArborMotion at 734-761-1088 to schedule your appointment today!  

Have a wonderful spring and summer, stay safe!

Fun Facts About Acura

The Acura logo has an interesting story behind it! The Acura logo was introduced in 1990 for the 1991 model year. According to Honda, a caliper design tool – used for measuring – can also be interpreted as a skewed “H” (for Honda) or a stylized “A” (for Acura), very clever indeed.

Did you know that Acura was actually the first Japanese automotive luxury brand to be sold worldwide? They launched in 1986 and pre-dated the appearance of fellow Japanese automakers Toyota and Nissan’s luxury brands Lexus and Infiniti by 3 years.

Acura has always produced luxury cars with a sporty feel, starting with the Venerable Acura Legend. Over the years they have built some high performance cars that would go head to head with anything else on the road at the time, namely the high performance NSX. 

Diagnose Issues Today with Scheduled Service on Your Acura!

Regular maintenance and service allows us to diagnose issues before they become severe and possibly more expensive to repair. If you have an Acura bring it to ArborMotion, Ann Arbor’s leading Japanese and European repair shop. Make an appointment today by scheduling or calling us at 734-761-1088.