Car Maintenance & Service Checklist!

Not only does your car perform at its best when it’s properly maintained but keeping up on maintenance maintains your resale value. 

Consider this scenario: you’re in the process of buying a car and you find two that you like and you’re trying to decide which one to buy. One has complete, up to date service records, and the other has a few random oil change receipts in the glovebox. All else being equal, most people will opt for the car that has been properly maintained and would likely pay more for it.

To properly maintain your car, make sure that:

1. Oil change and other scheduled maintenance is up to date.
2. Tire condition and air pressure is checked regularly.
3. All exterior lights are working.
4. Windshield wipers are wiping clean across the windshield.
5. A/C and heat are in good working order.
6. Engine coolant is fresh and topped off.
7. Proper wheel alignment. No one wants to go on a trip and fight their steering wheel!

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. 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 is Your Car Vibrating?

Is your car shaking?

Are you worried that there could be a serious issue?

Not sure where to start?

You expect a smooth ride to and from work each day. Let’s see what could be causing your vibration by asking these questions:

• Does the vibration get worse as you accelerate?
• Does the vibration happen only at certain speeds? If so, at what speed?
• Is the vibration concentrated in the car seat or the steering wheel?
• s there any abnormal noise when your car shakes?
• Does your car vibrate while idling?

Wheels and tires: Potential problems include improper wheel and tire balance, uneven tire wear, separated tire tread, damaged wheels or loose lug nuts.

Worn suspension, and joints: If your suspension or steering system is loose, it can cause your steering wheel to shake. We can inspect your ball joints and analyze other components to see what’s causing the vibration.

Engine and transmission: If the vibration happens while you’re driving and continues when you idle, the problem could be your engine or transmission.

Damaged Brake Rotors: Do you feel a vibration in your steeling wheel? If so, this could indicate a brake or rotor issue.

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 for European auto repair 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!  

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!  

What's the Best Way to Keep Your Car Clean?

Wondering about the best way to clean your car?

How can you keep your car clean? It won’t stay clean forever, but we can help you stay on the right track! 

The best thing you can do is stick to a regular schedule. If you want to save money on car washes, give your car a coat of wax to protect the paint! It won’t stop dirt, but will help rain bead on your car and keep it from looking dirtier than it is.

If you live on a dirt road, you should rinse your car off after every drive. Not only will this keep your car looking cleaner but you'll be removing harmful dirt and grime.

If you want an impressive detail done on your car, call Total Detail located at ArborMotion today at  (734) 929-9688 or schedule your appointment online here!

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!  

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!  

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!