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.

 

Fun Winter Escapes in Michigan That are Worth the Drive

Michigan winters are magical, and there are plenty of fun things to do to enjoy the snow and cold weather. Here are few festivals that are worth the drive:

1.     World of Winter in Grand Rapids – This three-week winter festival takes place in January and February. The festival features a variety of ice sculptures, art installations, and activities including ice skating, live music, and food vendors. Learn more here.

2.     Niles Ice Festival – This long-standing tradition in Niles, Michigan, takes place in February and features ice sculptures, ice skating, live music, and food vendors. This is a great festival for a weekend trip, as the whole downtown gets involved in the festivities. Learn more here.

3.    Chase waterfalls in Tahquamenon Falls – Experience waterfall magic that turns into a wall of ice in the winter.

4.    Fire up a snowmobile up north – Michigan is home to more than 6,500 snowmobiling trails in Commerce, Pontiac, Waterford, and Chelsea to name a few!

5.    Go glow tubing at Bowers Farm- By night, the sledding hill at Bowers Farm in Bloomfield Hills transforms into a rainbow of lights and lasers, while people in giant inner tubes shoot through lit-up arches. Learn more here.

These are some of the many fun winter activities that take place in Michigan each winter. Bundle up and head out to enjoy all that winter in Michigan has to offer!

Keep Your Ride Rolling: Schedule Service on Your Asian or European 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 for your winter drives! No question is too big or small. Call us for domestic and European auto repair at 734-761-1088  to schedule your appointment today!

Don't Derail Your Next Road Trip – Proper Maintenance is Essential!

As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, many of us are eager to chase the sunshine and warmth. Whether you're
planning a long road trip or a quick weekend getaway, it's important to make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey.

A few simple maintenance tasks can prevent major problems down the line:

• Oil Change: Regular oil changes are crucial to maintain your engine health. Old, dirty oil can cause excessive wear and tear, leading to costly repairs.
• Fluid Check: Ensure that all essential fluids, like coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid are at the proper levels. Low fluid levels can compromise your vehicle's performance and safety.
• Brake Inspection: Worn brake pads and rotors can significantly reduce your braking performance. A thorough brake inspection can help identify and address any issues before they become serious.

Don't let a small issue ruin your trip: Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

Schedule a pre-trip inspection with a trusted mechanic to ensure your vehicle is ready for the road. Bring your vehicle to us and we’ll have it running in tip-top shape in no time for your winter drives! No question is too big or small. Call us for domestic and European auto repair at 734-761-1088  to schedule your appointment today!

How to Love Your Vehicle!

We know you love your vehicle, so why not show it some love on Valentine’s Day too? 

Show your car and the attention it deserves this Valentine’s Day with these ideas from ArborMotion:

 

1.     Make it shine with a car wash

2.     Perform regular maintenance

3.     Buy a new set of tires

4.     Check your alignment

5.     Shield it from inclement weather

6.     Clean your interior

7.     Replace your windshield wipers

8.     Restore your headlights

9.     Check your tire pressure

10.  Practice good driving hbits

 

Schedule Service Today with European Auto Repair Specialists in Ann Arbor

 

If you need help showing your car the love, you can count on ArborMotion. We understand what your car means to you and make your car our top priority.

At ArborMotion, 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!

Are Your Windshield Wipers Squeaking?

Windshield wipers are an important piece of safety equipment for driving in severe weather. It’s critically important that they work properly! 

If your windshield wipers squeak when they drag across your windshield, there are four possible causes, including dirty glass, dirty blades, failing wipers or dry wiping.

 

Dirty glass – Small dirt particles can cause friction when your wipers pass over the glass, resulting in squeaking noises.

 

Dirty blades – Wiper blades can build up dirt and other gunk, resulting in squeaking noises. Examine the rubber on your wipers and clean them thoroughly. 

 

Failing Blades – If your wiper blades are hard and brittle, they lose their ability to flex across your windshield. Buy new wiper blades and your problem will disappear.

 

Dry wiping – If there’s just a little sprinkling of rain, then there’s probably not enough moisture to lubricate your wipers. No need to fret unless you hear a consistent squeaking even in a downpour.

 

Ann Arbor’s Choice for Import Auto Repair & Service for Over 35 Years

 

ArborMotion is Ann Arbor’s largest independent automotive repair shop. Locally owned and operated for over 35 years, we specialize in European and Asian cars and provide expert service on all major brands. Our certified auto technicians, friendly service advisers and professional customer service specialists are committed to providing you unsurpassed value and service. Call ArborMotion for European auto repair at 734-761-1088  to schedule your appointment today! 

Common BMW Repairs

Your BMW is beautifully made, but what are some repairs to be aware of? What things do we keep an eye on at ArborMotion so your BMW runs as long as possible?

Standard Maintenance

All vehicles need standard maintenance. Broadly speaking, this includes your oil changes, brakes, all your fluids, spark plugs and coils, and battery. Every time you bring your BMW into ArborMotion, we do a multi-point inspection, and compare your current mileage to the BMW recommended schedule for your year, make and model.

 

Oil System

A common concern for some BMWs (less-so in newer models, thankfully) is leaking oil. There are a few components within the oil system, like the valve cover gasket and the fuel pump, that can become problematic. You may notice puddling of oil under your vehicle, or even a “low oil” light on the dashboard. When we do our multi-point inspection, we’re checking the health of these potential trouble areas. This is one of the reasons it’s so important to bring your BMW in for regular service with ArborMotion!

 

Cooling System

Your engine cooling system is arguably one of the most important components to your BMW. Even with all the advancements BMW has made with technology, these systems don’t run forever. Eventually, you may notice an overheating warning light or a high temperature on your temperature gauge. If this happens, call ArborMotion right away so we can get to the heart of the issue and get you back on the road as quickly as possible!

 

Schedule BMW Service at ArborMotion Today!

We’d love to be your go-to repair shop to help ensure you and your family are safe. Bring your BMW in for service in Ann Arbor at 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!  

Welcome to ArborMotion

Are you in the market for a new place to have your vehicle serviced? What is it like to work with ArborMotion? 

Your Auto Care, Made Easy

At ArborMotion, “your auto care, made easy” is not just a slogan. From getting questions answered and service scheduled, to picking up your fixed vehicle, we do our very best every day to make it as simple as possible for you. 

●     You can schedule over the phone (734) 761-1088 or request an appointment online so we can get you taken care of. 

●     After scheduling, we can send you a confirmation and estimate, so you can see what is happening before you ever walk in the door. 

●     You have the option to request a loaner vehicle* or door-to-door shuttle service when you schedule your appointment. 

●     We use specially designed software that has been built just for automotive shops. This software allows you to view pictures and see recommendations from your technician, approve any additional work you would like to have done, and even pay your bill online.

●     You stay “in the driver’s seat” the whole time, and have the opportunity to approve any additional work you would like to have performed.

●     Our partners at Total Detail will give your vehicle a wash before we turn the keys back over to you!

 

Your Questions, Answered

How much will it cost?

We are happy to provide you an estimate for work before you arrive!

Do you work on my vehicle?

We very likely do! We have specialists in a number of European brands as well as Asian and domestic vehicles. 

How can I schedule an appointment?

Give us a call or request an appointment online, and we will get you on the schedule!

Is synthetic oil worth the money? Read more on our website!

The Importance of Ease

We live in a vehicle-dependent society and where you take your vehicle matters. You want to work with a shop that you know you can trust. You need to feel comfortable and confident in the work. Bring your vehicles to us here at ArborMotion, and we will be sure to take great care of you and your vehicle!

 

*Loaner cars are often booked at least a week in advance. Be sure to ask if one is available during your service.

Maintenance and Used Vehicle Sales

When it’s time to buy a new vehicle, you’re looking for a quality vehicle at a good price. You probably already know what you’re looking for in terms of seating and cargo space, as well as price. But have you considered quality of care?

Vehicle A:

This vehicle is what you’re looking for and looks to be in good shape. No dings or dents. It sounds like it runs smoothly. It’s been freshly detailed and is nice and clean. The price is right for what you want to spend. But…the seller only has sporadic paperwork from some of the oil changes they’ve had done. For everything else, you’re going to have to take their word.

Vehicle B:

This vehicle is also nice. The body is solid, without rust, and the handling and braking are as you’d expect. The size and price are what you’re looking for, and the seller has paperwork from oil changes and recommended maintenance. You can easily verify that the brakes are relatively new. The tires are a brand you recognize and were installed last season. 

Which vehicle are you going to spend your money on? For either vehicle, we highly recommend scheduling a pre-purchase inspection to have one of our specialists make sure you’re getting a vehicle that will last for many more miles. Vehicle B clearly has some added assurance that it’s been properly cared for, and that’s where we would invest our money if we were buying a vehicle!

The flip side is when you’re looking to sell your used vehicle. Doing all your maintenance at ArborMotion makes record keeping very easy. We can email or print you a full list of your records any time at your request. 

Learn more here on how to refresh your current car and make it like new again!

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 vehicle 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!  

Your Vehicle, but Better!

Your vehicle’s suspension determines how smooth and comfortable your drive will be. If you’ve got 10 years or 100,000 miles on your vehicle, you may be hearing some clangs and clunks - the standard “older car” noises. Are you ready to get rid of those noises and have your vehicle feel like new again?

Revive your suspension for that “new car” feel! Your suspension includes the following:

• Shocks
• Struts
• Springs
• Control Arms
• Bushings

Investing in your current vehicle will give you the most bang for your buck. New and used vehicles are expensive and hard to come by these days. By spending a fraction of the cost of a new vehicle, you can make your current vehicle feel like new all over again. 

Learn more here on how to refresh your current car and make it like new again!

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 to do if Your Car Overheats!

Is your car overheating?

Not sure what to do?

At the very least, don’t panic. 

ArborMotion has you covered! If you find yourself in this situation, do the following:

1. Stop your air conditioner and turn up the heat. This actually pulls heat away from your engine, allowing you time to pull over to a safe location.
2. Pull over and shut off your car. Allow your engine to cool to a normal temperature while you call for help.
3. Add coolant if you have access to it! Is your coolant level low? A quick top-off could help protect your engine and prevent it from overheating until you can bring it in for service. Hint: Keep a jug of coolant in your trunk for these “just in case” moments.
4. Restart your engine. At that point if the temperature gauge is reading in the normal range drive to your nearest auto repair shop and keep an eye on the temperature gauge as you drive! 

The best way you can prevent your car from overheating is to perform regular coolant flushes and exchanges have your water pump inspected and to stay up-to-date with radiator maintenance as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Routine inspections can also help fix radiator or engine issues before they worsen.

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

Recommended 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 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!  

Top Tips for Driving in Heavy Rain

Do you worry about traction in heavy rain?

Are you worried about hydroplaning?

Is cruise control a good idea?

Stay safe while driving in heavy rain with these tips:

1. Slow Down! If the rain is too heavy, find a safe spot to pull over and wait out the worst of the storm.

2. Turn off your cruise control. There are a few documented cases where cruise control has caused a loss of traction with a sudden downpour of rain.

3. Check your brakes to make sure they’re not water soaked. There are times when soaked pads and rotors can greatly reduce your stopping distance. As you’re driving, gently apply pressure to get your grip back.

4. Preemptively change your wiper blades. This simple step can mean the difference between seeing an object in the road in a heavy rain or running over it. Get good quality blades and exchange them once a year.

Remember, use extreme caution in inclement weather and stay safe!

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 car 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!