Posted on 6/26/2024
Keeping Cool on the Road As the summer sun beats down and temperatures soar, few things are as essential to your comfort while driving as a properly functioning air conditioning system in your vehicle. However, like all mechanical components, car AC systems can occasionally falter, leaving you sweating and uncomfortable. In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about automotive air conditioning repair, from common issues to troubleshooting tips and finding the right professional help. Common Issues with Car Air Conditioning Systems 1. Refrigerant Leaks: One of the most frequent problems is a leak in the refrigerant system. Over time, seals and hoses can wear out, causing refrigerant to escape and reducing the system's cooling efficiency. 2. Compressor Malfunction: The compressor is the heart of the AC system, responsible for circulating refrigerant through the system. Issues such as electrical failures or mechanical breakdowns can lead to poor cooling pe ... read more
Posted on 1/15/2019
Here in Michigan we get to experience all four seasons, which can be magical. Our cars experience those same four seasons! The weather is finally turning colder and that can bring to light some vehicle issues that the warm weather masks. The first issue that usually shows up in winter is the weak battery. As the temperature drops you may notice that your car takes longer to start or takes multiple tries. The slow starter usually usually indicates a weak battery that could leave you stranded, especially after short trips. A new battery can save you a call to the tow company for a jump-start. Once a battery gets to this point charging it will not be enough to cause it to perform as needed in cold weather. Muskegon Brake & Tire offers Interstate batteries with an industry leading warranty so that you have peace-of-mind. The second issue that may rear it's head is tires. Once you get your car started you may find that you don't have ... read more
Posted on 1/7/2019
I just got off the phone with yet another customer that is tired of getting the run-around from "the dealership". Which one? Does it matter? I field these calls regularly and I spend my time commiserating with customers that just want to be heard. They want to know what the urgency of the recommended repair is. They are tired of scare tactics and huge estimates that "HAVE TO BE DONE IMMEDIATELY" because the car is broken. Do I want to fix all the things that are wrong with your car? Of course! Am I going to try to scare you into a repair that doesn't need to be done today? Of course NOT! Why? Because that's not how I like to be treated. *whew* Sometimes you just have to vent. Why does this upset me so much? Because every time a person comes out of an experience like this their impression of the auto repair industry as a whole suffers. It makes my job harder be ... read more
Posted on 7/18/2018
We constantly hear the phrase "I don't know anything about cars" from our clients, customers and friends. Guess what? Most people are in the same boat. A new vehicle rolling off the production line today can have 25 or more modules (computers) that control every function in the car. With the advent of fuel injection, "drive by wire" and CANbus systems your car works nothing like a car produced 30 years ago. When you push the gas pedal there is no mechanical link between the pedal and the engine, it's all sensors, wires and computers. There are no more relays and switches, the turn signal stalk sends a signal to the computer to turn on the turn signal. What this means is that most people have a vague notion at best of the inner workings of their own vehicle. Unless you are in the automotive profession and have kept up with the changes in vehicles there is no reason for you to know exactly what's going on un ... read more
Posted on 5/18/2018
Summer is here, and with warm weather comes a new set of operating conditions for your car! Here are a few tips to keep your car running great all summer long: Don't leave your car idling for long periods. Your radiator fan may not keep up with the engine cooling needs on a hot day and you risk overheating your engine Have your belts and hoses checked. Warm weather is hard on rubber components and can cause accelerated wear. This can lead to broken belts and leaking hoses. Don't leave children or pets in a sealed vehicle. On a warm day the interior of your vehicle can reach 130 degrees in only a few minutes, cause heat stroke and even death in children and animals. Have your fluids checked. Coolant and oil levels are key to keeping your engine running at the proper temperature and increase the life of your vehicle
Posted on 2/7/2018
What are you doing to show your car some love this Valentines day? Cars need love too! Here are a few ideas: Battery terminal cleaning Brake fluid flush Windshield wipers Coolant flush Transmission service Tire rotation and balance Alignment check Power steering fluid service Wheel face cleaning These are just a few ideas. Now you may ask "why get my car a Valentines Day gift?" Just think about all the things your car does for you! It keeps you warm in the cold weather, it takes you where you want to go, it entertains you while you drive, and it rarely complains! Give Muskegon Brake & Tire a call, and we'll make it easy to keep your car happy
Posted on 1/30/2018
Have you ever tried to get your car into the shop and just couldn't make it work? Your husband couldn't pick you up, your friend was busy, or your co-workers had to work early or late? Muskegon Brake & Tire works hard to make auto repair and maintenance easy. Drop your car off on your way to work, we'll give you a ride to work in our shuttle! Is your car staying overnight? We can arrange a loaner vehicle at no charge (subject to availability, of course). Stuck at home with a sick kid? Have to see patients all day? We will come get your vehicle from your home or work! We make it easy