Grand Rapids Auto Repair

The check engine light, also known as the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), is a warning indicator that appears on the vehicle's dashboard. It alerts the driver when the vehicle's onboard computer system detects a problem in one of its main systems. However, there are two different types of check engine lights - solid and flashing - indicating different levels of severity. Solid Check Engine Light When the check engine light is solid, it means that there is a problem with the vehicle that needs to be addressed. This could be anything from a loose gas cap to a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, but it is typically not an urgent problem. The vehicle can usually still be driven, but it is important to have it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Some common causes of a solid check engine light include: Faulty oxygen sensor Loose or damaged gas cap Malfunctioning catalytic converter Issues with the mass air flow sensor A worn or damaged spark plug o ... read more

Your daily commutes are usually short and careless. While maintaining your vehicle and going for regular repairs shouldn't be a question, it especially applies to long trips. After all, you wouldn't want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere because of an unprepared camping trip.  Why Should I Have My Vehicle Checked? There are a couple of vital systems and parts you should look out for before going on a long trip. Checking them ensures you and your family are as safe as possible on the road. If you spot any of them, visit a repair shop before starting your adventure. Tires The last thing you want on a family trip is a flat tire. It can cost you a lot of time to repair while you are in the middle of nowhere. Having worn-out tires is not a good thing either because it makes your vehicle unable to stop properly.  Fluids Drivers are well aware of oil changes and their importance, but oil isn't the only fluid that needs regular checking. Here are a few that y ... read more

Tire rotations are essential to regular maintenance for your vehicle, but do you know the benefits and why they're so important? Tire rotation is a process that involves moving your tires to different positions on your car to ensure proper wear. Why You Should Rotate Your Tires The primary purpose of tire rotation is to prevent uneven wear patterns from developing in one tire more than another. When one side or area of a tire wears down faster than the other, it can cause vibration, which can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous while driving. Regularly rotating all four tires can help keep them wearing evenly and extend their lifespan. Benefits of Tire Rotation When done correctly, tire rotation offers numerous benefits: Improved fuel efficiency Properly inflated tires that are rotated regularly will last longer, reducing the money spent on new tires and improving gas mileage. Increased safety By ensuring your tires wear evenly, you can ... read more

With winter coming, it means Christmas is near and snow will cover the grounds. While it may sound beautiful and dazzling, the colder weather also brings a number of challenges for our vehicles. To ensure your ride stays reliable and gets you home for the holidays, there are some maintenance items that you should not skip! Battery  Your vehicle’s battery is going to suffer from the drastic change in temperature as it needs a strong current to start the engine. You should have your battery tested to determine if it is strong enough to hold a charge. Use this time to clean off and corrosion as well. Otherwise, you may need to replace it. Tires It is vital that you check your tire treads before the bad weather hits us. Your vehicle needs even treadwear that is deeper than 4/32-5/32” to handle driving in the snow. For the very best tire traction, we recommend investing in a good set of winter tires. These are designed to work best in co ... read more

We spend so much time in our vehicles that they sometimes feel like home. So when something is off, like a strange noise coming from the engine compartment, we know immediately. The same is true for odors inside the vehicle. For example, the rotten egg smell. You've looked everywhere inside your vehicle, but the source of the smell isn't in the vehicle. The rotten egg smell comes from a small amount of hydrogen sulfide (sulfur) that didn't combust with the rest of the gas inside the engine. It should have been converted into odorless sulfur dioxide. The obnoxious smell won't hurt you, but it signifies something is wrong. Damaged or blocked catalytic converter: When gas combustion happens, the exhaust contains other gasses like hydrogen sulfide. The catalytic converter turns the hydrogen sulfide into sulfur dioxide, which then comes out with the rest of the car's exhaust. The intent is to reduce ozone-harming gas that contributes to climate change. If your car ... read more