Why are catalytic converters being stolen?

Is your car susceptible to theft?

Did you know that catalytic converters are prized by thieves?

How can you protect your catalytic converter from being stolen?

Catalytic converters are expensive and highly sought after among thieves. Virtually every gas-powered vehicle has one. It’s located under your vehicle, on the exhaust system, after the engine and before the muffler. This essential part of your vehicle helps lower emissions from your engine’s exhaust. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strengthened emissions regulations in the mid-1970s, and the catalytic converter has been a required component on all cars since 1975. So, you can’t go without it, but you can prevent yours from being stolen. Here’s how:

1. Park your vehicle in an enclosed garage for safe keeping.
2. If street parking is your only option, park in a well-lit area.
3. Install a vehicle alarm that’s sensitive to vibration. It will go off if your vehicle is being shaken too much – i.e., when someone is trying to remove a part.
4. Come to ArborMotion and have us install a steel catalytic converter plate/lock.

Avoid the headache of a costly repair by ensuring your vehicle is protected in the long run. You’ll thank yourself later for the added protection!

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

We’d love to be your go-to repair shop for your domestic, Asian, and 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!  

Spring Cleaning Round Up

Need to clean up your car and make it sparkle again?

Winter can leave dirt and grime can leave your car looking more than a bit tired! 

1. Wash and wax your car to remove winter grime from all those hidden areas:

• Under the hood
• Inside the glovebox
• Within the trunk area
• Underneath your seats
• In the armrest storage areas

2. Fully clean and vacuum your interior to get it spring-fresh

3. Check wiper blades to be ready for spring storms

4. Check to make sure your tires have good tread and are properly inflated

Believe it or not, these simple steps will make your car feel almost like new!

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

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 us 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!

Icy Roads and What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Our #1 icy road driving tip is to reduce your speed. The most important thing to do when driving in ice and snow is to slow down. High speeds make it easy to lose control and difficult to stop in time to avoid a collision. You should never drive faster than 45mph when roads are icy, according to AAA – not even on highways!  

In many cases, slower speeds are necessary. You can slide off the road easily on roads with black ice at 10mph or even less! If you’re fishtailing or sliding, it means you’re going too fast for the road conditions.

A factor in many serious and fatal crashes is overconfidence. Don’t overestimate your ability or your equipment. Examples include: traction control, anti-lock brakes, stability control and winter tires. Some people think they have sufficient experience in winter driving, and can continue normally (at or above the speed limit).  But a fishtail on ice that occurs at highway speeds is usually unrecoverable by even the most quick-witted and experienced driver. Practicing slow speed slides in parking lots is useless for what happens to a vehicle at highway speeds.  A person who enters a high-speed slide will quickly learn that it is something that they can’t handle! But that realization could be to late…

If you do begin fishtailing or sliding, it usually means you’re going too fast. Remember to reduce your speed and always turn into a slide.

Some other things to keep in mind while driving on icy roads:

• Wear your seat belt!
• Pay attention to the weather, it can change at anytime in Michigan!
• Go easy on your brakes.
• Don’t stop for stranded vehicles along icy roadways.
• Try to avoid curvy, hilly or dangerous roads during icy conditions, if at all possible.

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

We’d love to be your go-to repair shop to help ensure you and your family are safe on the road. 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! Our professional team would love to take care of you and your domestic, Asian or European made vehicle.

Happy and safe motoring from all of us at ArborMotion!

Top 7 Driving Tips During Hunting Season

Do you live in an area heavily populated by deer? If you live in Michigan, the chances are, you do! 

Worried about deer while driving at night?

Do you know how to properly stop your vehicle when you come across a deer?

We’ve compiled a list of driving tips to keep you safe during hunting season:

1. Be cautious while driving at dusk or dawn. Deer are most active during sunrise and sunset, especially during mating season. Mating season occurs from October through December and peaks around November 10th. Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears a seat belt, even in the back seat, just in case you have to make a sudden stop.

2. Pay attention to deer crossing signs. It’s important to be alert and observe your surroundings for any signs of wildlife while on the road. Deer are abundant in forested areas and farm fields this time of year. They may even wander into suburban neighborhoods in search of food, so it’s important to drive cautiously even if you’re no longer in a deer-crossing zone.

3.  Stay alert! Deer tend to travel in packs, so if you see one deer, proceed with caution. Even if the deer you spot is on the side of the road or surrounding areas, remember that there could be others about to cross your path.

4.  Take precautions when driving at night. Nighttime driving can put a strain on your eyes, so be safe and drive at a moderate speed. If there’s no oncoming traffic, turn on your high beams. You'll not only be able to see clearer, but you’ll have a greater chance of spotting a deer from a distance.

5.  Don’t swerve to avoid hitting a deer. By swerving you put yourself at risk of an even worse collision with another vehicle or run off the road. Stay in your lane and slow down.

6. Get comprehensive coverage for your vehicles. Physical damage as a result of something other than another vehicle may not be covered by standard insurance, you’ll receive additional coverage and protection for accidents involving animals.

7. Report the deer-vehicle collision as soon as the accident happens make sure to report it to your local authorities and insurance company.

ArborMotion Are Experts in Domestic, Asian and European Auto Repair in Ann Arbor.

For more than 30 years, ArborMotion has been Ann Arbor’s Import and Domestic Auto Repair specialist. Our technicians are specially trained on the individual brands they service so their knowledge and experience works for you. Paired with our OEM and factory parts, ArborMotion’s got the expertise.

We’d love to be your go-to repair shop to help ensure you and your family are safe on the road. Bring your Ford, GM or Chrysler 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! Our professional team would love to take care of you and your car.

Happy motoring!

Bring your Subaru BRZ into ArborMotion

Subaru is known for its rugged all-wheel-drive cars, designed to last and not for flash. This normally practical exterior trend was completely shattered in 2012 with the introduction of the Subaru BRZ. With a sexy silhouette that’s anything but typical for a Japanese company, the BRZ has helped the brand change its perception across the globe.

The Subaru BRZ was first introduced in North America in 2012 at the North American International Auto Show, making a huge splash in the automotive world alongside the extremely similar Scion FR-S.  Produced at Toyota’s Ota Gunma, Japan assembly plant, the 2-door sports car is still the first of its generation, offering a sports car for an extremely reasonable price.

*Its name comes from 3 different elements: B for Boxer engine, R for Rear-wheel-drive, and Z for zenith

*Can reach 0-60 in an estimated 6.2 seconds

*Only available in rear-wheel-drive, which is a departure from Subaru’s normally all-wheel-drive vehicles

Bring your Subaru BRZ into ArborMotion

For more than 30 years, ArborMotion has been Ann Arbor’s Import and Domestic Auto Repair specialist. Our technicians are specially trained on the individual brands they service so their knowledge and experience works for you. Paired with our OEM and factory parts, ArborMotion’s got the expertise.

We’d love to be your go-to repair shop to help ensure you and your family are safe on the road. Bring your Subaru 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! Our professional team would love to take care of you and your Subaru.

Tips for a Worry-Free Road Trip.

Summer means it’s time for a road trip, and that means it’s time to get your vehicle ready for warm weather driving. Come to ArborMotion for a free pre-trip inspection. We’ll address your vehicle’s most critical factors first.

* We’ll check the condition of your oil and oil filter to see if they need to be replaced.

*We’ ll visually inspect your battery. Corroded battery posts can affect the vehicles ability to start in the high summer temperatures.

*We’ll check your coolant, making sure you and your family are comfortable for your road trip. Most manufacturers recommend flushing and replacing your coolant every 60,000 miles and every 30,000 miles thereafter.

*We’ll visually inspect your brakes for any obvious issues before you head out on your trip.

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

Recommended maintenance and repairs should be addressed before you hit the road for any trip. We’d love to be your go-to repair shop to help ensure you and your family have a trouble free trip. 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!

Make Sure Your Vehicle is Ready to Tow and Launch Your Boat Safely

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 and boat. 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’re offering a free pre-trip inspection. 

Call 734-761-1088 to schedule your appointment today.

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 to help ensure you and your family have a trouble free time on your way to and from the lake.. 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.

Have a wonderful summer and Happy Motoring!

Things to Consider While Your Vehicle Sits

Your vehicles probably aren’t getting a lot of use right now. Even if you don't depend on your vehicle, you should still get out and drive it. You may be asking yourself why? Isn’t that a waste of gas? No. Vehicles need exercise just like living things or their systems atrophy. 

These are the top four things you should be worried about when your car sits for a long period of time:

1. Battery
2. Brakes
3. Engine oil
4. Tires

Learn more here!

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

Regular maintenance and service on your Domestic, Asian or European vehicle allows us to diagnose issues before they become severe and possibly more expensive to repair. Make an appointment at ArborMotion to schedule service today!

The Faces Behind ArborMotion!

We’re going to take a step back from “talking shop” to talk about the faces behind ArborMotion! 

A lot of our customers know the employees at ArborMotion really well! They know our organized chaos and witty banter, but here are some things that truly make ArborMotion employees the best! 

There are two seasons here: University of Michigan Football and University of Michigan Basketball, everything else in between is a count-down to the next season! We do have a couple Michigan State fans, so football season can become pretty tense!

Every week, everyone gathers around the service desk to enjoy a “hot treat.” This is where one or more people bring in either hot salsa or a hot dip and we see who can handle the heat! Everyone usually gets in on the action! We’ve seen the hiccups, red faces and even tears. 

Chuck Hartmeyer, Senior Service Advisor in some tears after trying hot sauce.

Nick Pott, Shop Manager, after testing the legendary hot sauce! 

Tom Neil, Parts Specialist, see's if he can take the heat!

A lot of our customers have seen Nick Pott’s awesome mini toy car collection! Our Internal Marketing Specialist Emily Martin’s favorite thing to do is hide the cars around the shop to see if Nick can find them. Sometimes Nick finds them within the hour and sometimes it goes on for days. Either way, Emily plays a joke on him whenever she can! (She even gets Chuck our Senior Service Advisor, in on the action too!) 

As you can see, ArborMotion is made up of many different types of people. We cheer each other on and comfort each other. No matter the time of day, you’ll always hear laughing, and see some smiling faces!  

Schedule Service on Your Ford Today!

Regular maintenance and service allows us to diagnose issues before they become severe and possibly more expensive to repair. Contact Us to schedule an appointment for your Ford! Our team at ArborMotion is eager to meet you!

Make This Tailgating Season The Best Yet!

Football season is upon us and that means tailgating with great food, friends, family, and hopefully an interesting game. If you’ve been to a tailgate, you’ve probably noticed the best ones have a lot going on behind the scenes to make sure the event runs smoothly. 

Here are some tips and tricks from the pros of tailgating! 

1. Arrive in plenty of time before the game starts, preferably 4 hours. This will allow for setup time and time to eat before the game starts! 

2. Keep your tailgate essentials in a tool box or bin in the trunk of your car. This could include: cooking utensils, grill utensils, sunscreen, bug spray, wipes, hand sanitizer, matches and more. Nothing is too big or too small! 

3. Learn how to professionally pack your cooler! Put cans and bottles on the bottom (chill beverages and certain food the night/day before packing). Put a layer of ice on top of the bottles/cans, then stack your water-tight reusable containers with food, layer any bagged items on top of the containers before filling the rest of the cooler with ice. The ice should fall in-between the crevices cooling anything and everything in your cooler! 

4. The more you can do the night before, the better! Slicing veggies, forming burger patties, organizing the appetizers, and any other prep will help save time. When it comes time to set up for lunch/dinner, all you’ll have to do is set everything out and take lids off! 

5. Label Label Label! The easier it is for you and your guests to find drinks, food, and utensils the easier and smoother your tailgate will be!

6. Bring a first aid kit. There’s definitely a big chance touch football games will be happening. It’s always best to be prepared for cuts and scrapes! 

7. Make sure your vehicle has a set of jumper cables. Your vehicle is going to see a lot of action and when it’s finally time to go home, you don’t want to get stuck with a dead battery. 

Of course, there are more tips and tricks, but the most important thing you and your family and friends can do is have fun! Being over prepared means less stress and more fun! You can find more tips online and if you’re driving to a tailgate and want to make sure your vehicle is ready, stop by! The service writers at ArborMotion will talk football all day! Contact us today!