Need Ideas for Spring Break 2021? We've Got You Covered!

Are your kids getting spring fever like the rest of us this year as Spring Break approaches? Life isn’t the same with social distancing, but there’s one place you can go and be safe outdoors with your family and it’s only an hour’s drive from Ann Arbor.

The Detroit Zoo

The Detroit Zoo has a plan in place to keep visitors safe. You need to make a reservation to ensure social distancing. At this time, they’re operating at 15% capacity. Masks are required, so please wear yours. The zoo requires all guests five and older wear a mask at all times.        

Stay safe and keep an eye out for visual cues so you know when you are six feet apart.  All indoor viewing is closed for the time being to ensure the safety of their customers. Don’t be discouraged, you can still order food via their food app and even go mobile souvenir shopping!

Family Fun at The Zoo

This zoo is very large and offers a lot for families to do each time they visit. The zoo offers amazing habitats to get up close to animals, including the new Polk Penguin Conservation Center, The Arctic Ring of Life, and The Australian Outback.

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

Don’t forget to get your vehicle checked out at ArborMotion to make sure you are all set for the Break! 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.

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. 

Check Out the A2AC Murals Downtown

Are you tired of being cooped up inside during these long COVID-19 winter months?  What if there was a new way to get out in beautiful Ann Arbor and still social distance?

A2AC is the culmination of pairing downtown Ann Arbor buildings and local and regional business owners, who have transformed walls into spectacular expressions of their skills – providing the community and visitors with an opportunity to experience and enjoy large beautiful displays of public art!

All you need to do is go to https://www.annarborartcenter.org/art-in-public/murals/

Download the map, grab a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, and let your adventure begin!

By the way, if you haven’t driven in a while, it’s always good to get your vehicle checked out to see if any damage was caused by sitting for so long.

Schedule Service on Your European, Asian or Domestic 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 motoring from all of us at ArborMotion! 

Ford’s First Automobile

The 1896 Ford Quadricycle Runabout was the first car ever built by Henry Ford. It was a gasoline powered automobile that utilized commonly available materials like an angle iron frame, four bicycle wheels, a leather belt and chain drive for the transmission, and a buggy seat to accommodate passengers.

On June 4,1896 in a tiny workshop behind his Detroit home on 58 Bagley Avenue, Ford put the finishing touches on his pure ethanol-powered motor.  After more than 2 years of experimentation, Ford completed his first automobile at the age of 32.  He dubbed his creation the “Quadricycle,” because it ran on four bicycle tires. You even take a tour of the Henry Ford Museum where it is on display.

The earliest cars were built by hand, one by one. The first car Ford sold was for $200. In the 1800’s that was considered very expensive. These particular automobiles were seen as toys for the rich and famous. In the 1890s, the “horseless carriage” was a relatively new idea, with almost no one having any idea what a car should look like or how it should work.

The success of the little vehicle led to the founding of the Henry Ford company and then later the Ford Motor Company in 1903.  As they say, the rest is history!

Schedule Service on Your Ford 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 Ford.

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!

History of Lexus

Did you know that Lexus is owned by Toyota, and was founded in 1989? The Lexus brand is marketed in more than 70 countries worldwide and is Japan’s largest selling maker of premium cars. Lexus is headquartered in in Nagoya, Japan. Operational centers are located in Brussels, Belgium and Plano, Texas.

Lexus was first launched at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 1989 and sales began the following September at a network of 81 new Lexus dealerships in the United States.

Lexus vehicles are very reliable. They constantly top the “most dependable” lists published by AutoExpress and J.D Power. Consumer Reports ranked them at the top for dependability, with each one of their models achieving an above average rating for reliability.

In the United States, Lexus is one of the leading luxury brands, with sedans, SUVs, coupes, performance vehicles and even limousines to choose from.

Lexus recommends maintenance on your vehicle every six months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first. With proper maintenance and care, your vehicle will last longer and deliver a more dependable performance.

Schedule Service on Your Lexus 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 Lexus 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 Lexus.

Smart Road Tips for Halloween

Halloween in 2020 is going to look much different than it did in years past. Some communities are doing drive-by trick or treating or “trunk or treating” and others are doing it the old-fashioned way. However your community is handling the holiday this year, it’s still very important to be safe. The scary reality is that Halloween is one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians, especially children.

As superheros, vampires and witches take to the streets in search of treats, drivers should take extra care to make sure the holiday doesn’t become truly horrifying. Here are a few tips:

• Make sure your vehicle is up on all of its maintenance.
• Parents should always accompany children under 12 years of age.
• Parents should remind children to look for cars while crossing the street.
• Children should remain on the sidewalks when possible.
• If you’re driving around trick-or-treating, make sure your kids are buckled in properly. This can be inconvenient but, buckle up each and every time they enter the car, and make sure they’re secure before you drive to the next stop.

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.

Have a safe and fun Halloween! 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.

Michigan is beautiful in the fall

Looking for a scenic drive this fall?

Tired of being cooped up in the house … ready to hit the road?

We are so blessed in this beautiful state to be able to take road trips to destinations just a hop, skip, and jump away from the Ann Arbor area.

At ArborMotion, we recommend these trips and stops along the way:

US-31 leads like an asphalt ribbon through brilliant hardwood trees pausing in lake towns, each with their own personality. Take a break to explore the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven; the galleries and boutiques in charming Saugatuck; the breweries and Dutch windmill in the college town of Holland; or sample hard ciders at Vander Cider Mill and Winery just outside of Grand Haven.

US-31 continues north, skimming the Lake Michigan shore on its way to Muskegon. Surrounded by thick hardwood forests, this region of Michigan was once home to lumber barons who used their wealth to build stately homes and cultural institutions. Admire the lavishly-carved woodwork, decorative ceramic tiles and elegant turrets at the Hackley and Hume Historic Site. Then check out the Muskegon Museum of Art, both remarkable reminders of Muskegon’s most successful lumber magnates.

Would you like places closer to Ann Arbor area?

One unique adventure is Colman’s Farm and Corn Maze!

They offer fun for the whole family whether you only have an hour or the whole day:

• The Corn Maze
• Petting Zoo
• Hayrides
• Homemade Donuts and Cider
• Bonfire’s

They’re easy to get to – only one turn off Michigan Avenue just west of downtown Saline and five miles south. Parking is always free!

Want a Taste of Heritage and Tradition? Try the Dexter Cider Mill!

Family owned and operated since 1886, the Dexter Cider Mill has been serving the Dexter and greater Ann Arbor area and our visitors for 132 years. Dexter Cider Mill is the oldest continuously operating cider mill in the State of Michigan.

 

They also offer:

• Seasonal pies
• A variety of breads
• Jam’s and Dips
• Fresh Pastries
• And Hard Cider

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

We’d love to be your go-to repair shop to help ensure you have a great 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!

Tips for Navigating The Secretary of State in Michigan at this time:

The Secretary of State offices have reopened. To protect their staff and public health, offices will only provide services by appointment, and only offer critical services that can’t be completed online, by mail or at a self-service station. Advance appointments become available six months ahead of time.

Same-day appointments become available 24 hours before an appointment time. Many transactions can be completed from home by mail or using online services. Vehicle registration tabs can be printed immediately at any of the Secretary of State’s convenient self-service stations.

The following five transactions can be scheduled and completed in person:

• Driver's license
• State identification cards
• Title Transfers
• Testing
• Seasonal commercial vehicle renewals

Customers also have the option to schedule an appointment to complete two or more transactions at one time. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation that temporarily extends the expiration dates of all Michigan driver’s licenses, state ID’s and vehicle registrations through September 30, 2020. Learn more here.

Schedule Service on Your Domestic, Asian or European Vehicle 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!

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!

Driving Trips for The Summer!

Are you planning your next road trip?

In need of a summer getaway?

Quarantine lasted a bit too long for many of us, and everyone wants to get out of the house!

The Finger Lakes in New York is great for a weekend getaway. If you’re looking for some fun in the sun, the Finger Lakes are a must-see destination! From hiking and biking to boating and fishing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There are also a number of state parks with scenic beauty to behold, including a number of parks with waterfalls. Though most noted for their wine tours, the Finger Lakes region is also known for boat tours and food tours.

Hocking Hills, Ohio is more than 70% wooded. It sits within Vinton county and borders several state parks, a state forest, and is part of a national forest. It also has more than 70 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and backpacking. Nearby, there are 300 miles of trails for off-road vehicles to get into plenty of shenanigans. The area also has beautiful bridges and waterfalls.

Another wonderful place for a weekend getaway is our very own Mackinac Island. Did you know that there are no hotel chains on the Island? There are 1600 unique rooms to choose from at the most well-known hotel on the island – the Grand Hotel. Mackinac Island is home to beautiful horse drawn carriage rides and bike rentals for you to use when you’re exploring the Island. There’s no shortage of tours, restaurants, shopping or fishing charters.

Get Your Car Road Trip Ready! 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. Contact Us to schedule an appointment today!

Keep Up on Refrigerant

In our beautiful state of Michigan, you never know what the weather will be like. That’s why it’s important to make sure your air conditioning is in proper working condition.

On hot summer days, it can be frustrating driving around in a car with a nonfunctional cooling system. If your vehicle blows only warm air on hot days, it’s probably because it’s low on refrigerant. This is most likely caused by a leak in your refrigerant hose.

When there isn’t enough refrigerant in the air conditioner serious compressor damage may occur. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant and keeps it flowing through the system. Most modern vehicles are designed to shut down once the refrigerant levels drops to a certain level in order to prevent damage to the compressor. Fixing compressor damage can be very expensive and is best to avoid whenever possible.

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

Bring your vehicle to ArborMotion because A/C problems won’t fix themselves. A non-functioning air conditioner isn’t only about comfort: the air conditioner also dehumidifies to defrost and defog the windows, so you can see where you are going.

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. Contact Us to schedule an appointment today!