Grand Rapids Auto Repair

If you are a lover of Halloween, who's to say you can't decorate your car to get in the spirit of the holiday. We have put together a list of items and ideas that range from simple to elaborate. Your effort in your spooky decor will definitely not go unnoticed! Stickers, Decals, and Magnets (Difficulty Level 1/5) - If you are not a creative or artsy individual, this one’s for you. Stickers, decals, and magnets are a no-fuss option to spice up your car for Halloween. Not to mention, they're sold almost anywhere, including Amazon. Stickers, decals, and magnets are easy to apply, reposition, and remove once the holiday is over. Since they are adjustable, you won't have to worry about them distracting or blocking your view. Window Paint (Difficulty Level 2/5) - Window paint is a classic option for any type of individual! You can do simple drawings or get super creative. You can paint easy things like words, ghosts, jack-o-lanterns, bats, or you can take the creative ... read more

All vehicles come with critical suspension components such as shocks and struts. Both of these parts are in charge of providing you a smooth ride from point a to point b. Most people often overlook these since we don't see them with the human eye. Without shocks and struts, you will not be able to maintain complete control and stability of your vehicle when driving. With such an essential role in your car, what are the malfunctioning signs of shocks and struts?    Listed below are some of the most common signs of failing shocks and struts: You feel an excessive amount of bouncing, rolling, or rocking while driving over rugged roads or railroad tracks. You may also feel the need to hold your steering wheel tighter to maintain control. Uneven tire wear is another prominent warning sign of something wrong with your suspension system. Worn-out shocks and struts will hinder your wheels from maintaining proper contact with the road. Worn shocks can occasionally cause steer ... read more

It's understandable to go in panic mode whenever you start to notice leaks around your vehicle. Most of the time, people will stress because they don't know where it could've come from. But, it's not that difficult to uncover the problem. All you have to do is put on your thinking cap and start inspecting as the color of the solution can be very telling. Here is a fluid guide to help you determine what kind of fluid leak you may be dealing with:   RED (OR PINK) -  Red or pink is usually the color of transmission fluid or power steering fluid. This type of leak may mean that you have a cracked transmission seal or a puncture in one of the lines that support the fluid between the different systems.   ORANGE - Rust is usually associated with the color orange. It can occur in your radiator by an antifreeze leak. However, old transmission fluid can also be orange. We advise that you get an inspection to make sure.   YELLOW - A yellow fluid leak is u ... read more

The older we get, the more physical health challenges we may face. Most of those challenges will do doubt interfere with driving. Even if you aren't an elder yourself, you may still have parents or grandparents that need your care. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, you should bring more awareness to these safe driving tips.   DRIVING TIPS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS Always seat belt first. All of us know that buckling is an enforced law in the US. If you catch a loved one forgetting to buckle, please remind them to do so. If the seat belt is uncomfortable, adjust the shoulder mount or look into buying a pad that slips over the strap.   Understand and read your medications. As health is sometimes compromised as you get older, medications also become a part of your daily routine. Some prescriptions can make you feel sleepy, less alert and can severely affect your reaction time. However, medicines may warn on their labels to avoid driving after a particular time after ... read more

Just like your phone battery to your device, your car battery is the electrical source for your vehicle. Your car battery plays a significant role in powering various components of your car: the radio, dashboard lights, car engine, and more. Battery maintenance matters more than ever now that summer is upon us. If you stick to the following tips, you can keep your battery running anywhere from 2 to 5 years.   Tips to help preserve the life of your battery: Keep your car parked out of the sun (preferably in an insulated garage). Whenever you are not driving, the best place to situate your vehicle is in a garage.  Keep your battery clean. Periodically open the hood of your car and inspect your car battery. It is vital to keep it free of dirt and unusual residues to charge optimally. If you notice any gunk on your battery, clean it off immediately.  Make sure your battery is secured. You should ensure your battery is in its tray so it doesn't shift around. An unsta ... read more