Yearly Archives: 2021

Why Does My Vehicle Smell Sweet and Syrupy?

Why Does My Vehicle Smell Sweet and Syrupy?

The lovely smell of maple syrup: yummy at a Waffle House or IHOP but not inside or around your car. The smell of syrup isn't necessarily bad, but it can definitely signal a massive problem with your car. Today, we will talk about what that smell is, what it may mean, and what to do if you catch the scent.   We use our senses day in and day out. So whenever you notice something off about your vehicle, you're not crazy, and you should probably check it out. For this particular example, the smell of something sweet, like maple syrup, is no different. This smell is usually a sign that you've got a coolant leak.   Coolant (sometimes referred to as radiator fluid or antifreeze) is an essential liquid for your vehicle, and it has a vital job. It moves throughout the engine, hoses, radiator, and heater core. Coolant serves to regulate your engine's temperature to prevent it from overheating. The sweet solution also transfers the warm air in the winter to provide h ... read more

5 Signs You Need a Heater Core Repair

5 Signs You Need a Heater Core Repair

  As the weather continues to drop in Grand Rapids, MI, you wouldn't want your car's heater core to stop working right before winter. The heater core is the component that warms the air up when you turn up the heat in your car. It is also responsible for keeping the defroster's air warm so that it can clear your windshield for better visibility. At Auto Centric, our team can inspect and repair your heater core just in time for winter! Here are 5 signs that indicate you need heater core repair: Fogginess Inside Your Car Two things can only cause a haze inside your car. The first explanation would be that the heater core is malfunctioning, causing the defrosters to stop working. Secondly, the core itself could be blowing fog or smoke into your vehicle's cabin.  Sweet Scent  A sweet syrupy smell in your car is never a good sign. When the heater core leaks, it will leave behind the scent of coolant fluid through the vents. Cold Air Blowing Instead of War ... read more

CAR PURCHASE DRIVE AWAY CHECKLIST FOR CUSTOMERS

Auto repair shops regularly see something missing from customers' cars – the most common being the locking lug nut tool. Often, the car owner never received the tool when they bought the car. The same may occur for more than a dozen other items. In some cases, the solution results in hundreds of dollars. If the car purchase was from a dealer, the odds of retrieving missing items are almost zero. If the purchase was from a private owner, sometimes the things are still in their possession, but they often cannot find them or throw them away when they realize they were for a car they no longer own. A few minutes spent with a simple checklist can save a lot of time, effort, and money. We recommend you make this part of your next vehicle purchase. View our checkist here!

How to Decorate Your Vehicle for Halloween

How to Decorate Your Vehicle for Halloween

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

How To Determine If You Need Suspension Repair

How To Determine If You Need Suspension Repair

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

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