What to Keep in Your Car for Road Trips

Planning a road trip this summer?

Do you have everything you need to plan for the unexpected?

Don’t be left on the side of the road with a blow out without proper equipment. Plan ahead!

Besides having the tire changing equipment that came with your vehicle, a safety kit is essential. It should have, at a minimum, jumper cables, a blanket, road flares, gloves, flashlight with batteries, rain poncho, reflective triangle and a shop cloth. 

Other great items you could include are: multiple charging cables for phones, chewing gum/snacks, wet wipes, sunglasses and an extra pair of shoes and socks in case you accidentally step in a puddle!

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!  

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!

Fun Facts About Nissan’s Luxury Line Infiniti

Infiniti is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Nissan. Infiniti officially started selling vehicles in North America on November 8, 1989. Interestingly, the main markets for Infiniti aren’t in Japan, but in the U.S. and China. 

The marketing strategy was to target the premium vehicle segments in the United States that wouldn’t have otherwise fit in with Nissan’s more mainstream image, and was partially influenced by the Plaza Accord of 1985. The brand was created around the same time as Japanese rivals Toyota and Honda developed their premium brands, Lexus and Acura. The Japanese government even imposed voluntary export restraints for the U.S. market, so it was more profitable for automakers to export more expensive cars to the U.S.

Fun fact: According to the company, the Infiniti badge has a double meaning. Their logo represents both a road extending into the horizon and Mount Fuji, reflecting its Japanese origins. 

Diagnose Issues Today with Scheduled Service on Your Nissan or Infiniti!

As always, remember to bring your vehicle into ArborMotion for your pre-trip inspection! 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 Infiniti!

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!

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.