Michigan Auto Repair

Your car's transmission is responsible for shifting gears and ensuring power is efficiently delivered to the vehicle's wheels. Over time, transmissions can experience wear and tear, leading to problems that require repairs. In this blog post, we'll go over some signs that indicate you may need transmission repairs. Strange Noises One of the most common signs that your transmission is in need of repairs is strange noises. If you hear grinding, whining, or humming noises coming from your transmission, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Delayed Engagement When you shift your car into gear, it should engage smoothly and quickly. If there's a delay between shifting and the gear engaging, or if you have to rev the engine to get the car to move, it's a sign that your transmission is not working properly. Slipping Gears If you feel like your car is slipping out of gear or changing gears for no reason, it's a sign that your transmission is not functioning ... read more

As a car owner, you are well aware that your vehicle is made up of many intricate parts, all working together to keep you on the road. One of the most important components of your vehicle's engine is the spark plug. Spark plugs play a crucial role in the combustion process, igniting the air/fuel mixture that powers your engine. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at spark plugs and the role they play in keeping your vehicle running smoothly. What Are Spark Plugs? Spark plugs are small devices that are located in the combustion chamber of your engine. They consist of a metal threaded shell, a central electrode, and a ground electrode. When an electrical spark jumps across the gap between the central electrode and the ground electrode, it ignites the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This, in turn, powers your engine. How Do Spark Plugs Work? Spark plugs are powered by the ignition system in your vehicle. The ignition system sends an electrical current to the ... read more

Our Holland auto care facility offers comprehensive Chevrolet maintenance services, diagnostics and repairs. Whether you drive Chevy Cruze, a sporty Camaro, or you own a fleet of Chevy Silverado pickup trucks, our nationally certified technicians will take great care of your Chevrolet. We use cutting-edge digital diagnostic tools to talk to your Chevrolet’s onboard computers. Whether your Chevy has the check engine light on, needs new brakes, or your Silverado 2500 Duramax needs new glow plugs, we can get your vehicle serviced and back on the road – usually the same day. For fleet owners we offer priority fleet service – when your trucks need to get back on the job fast, call Westside Service in Holland to get rapid turnaround for your fleet vehicles. Our highly skilled technicians work on all current Chevrolet models, including Blazer, Cruze, Colorado, Camaro, Corvette, Impala, Equinox, Malibu, Traverse, Suburban, Tahoe, and of course Silverado ... read more

To put it in simple terms, no it is not safe to drive with a flat tire. When driving over the speed of 35 miles per hour with a flat, you can put your vehicle at significant safety risks and cause major damage. However, the answer ultimately depends on how low of pressure the tire is at and what type of tire it is.  To be considered a flat tire and not just an underinflated tire, the pressure must be below 20 psi. When your tire pressure drastically drops, the tire’s sidewall gets very hot. This makes the rubber material on the tire break down and can put you at risk of a blowout. There are various types of tires – some of them can handle low pressures better than others. Tires that are considered Run Flat Tires and PAX Tires are able to drive safely up to 55 mph for a short period of time after the event that caused the pressure loss. However, most vehicles on the road are standard passenger tires. These put you at a greater of a tire blowout if you continue to driv ... read more

Saving money on gas is a priority for many drivers. With the rising fuel costs, finding ways to save money without sacrificing your vehicle's performance is essential. Luckily, a few simple tips can help you get the most out of your gas tank. Driving Habits One of the most effective ways to save money on gas is by changing your driving habits. Speeding, sudden acceleration, and aggressive braking can significantly reduce your fuel efficiency. Stick to the speed limit and keep your vehicle in a higher gear to avoid wasting fuel; reducing the time you spend idling in traffic or at stoplights can also help you conserve fuel. Regular Maintenance Another way to save money on gas is by regularly maintaining your vehicle. Keeping your engine tuned and your tires properly inflated can improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency. It's also essential to replace your air filter when it's dirty. This can help your engine run more efficiently and reduce your fuel consumption. In add ... read more

The Michigan winters get rough, which is why the team at Westside Service advises that you replace them with durable wiper blades along with all your seasonal maintenance items. After months and months of being dried up by the sun and general wear and tear, the wipers are likely worn down. When your visibility is significantly reduced, your risk of getting into an accident increases. Fortunately, windshield wipers are inexpensive and simple to replace. Many options are available on the market, including ones designed for winter driving. For Michigan drivers, we recommend getting ones that slide and glide across well, even through icy conditions. You should not cheap out on wiper blades. While you replace your wiper blades, don’t forget to stock up on windshield washer fluid too. Make sure this solution has a low freezing point to ensure it doesn’t freeze in the lines.  Not Sure If It Is Time – Inspect them! On average, a set of wiper blades last 6-12 months. I ... read more

When it comes to keeping your car in good working order, there is much more to it than simply changing the oil. Changing your engine oil frequently prevents engine failure. But the same may be said for a great deal of your car. To avoid expensive breakdowns, it's a good idea to inspect components regularly and replace them before they fail. If you follow up with regular servicing, your car will last for many years to come. Visit our auto repair business immediately if your car needs service! The following are some of the most frequent car maintenance tasks that should be completed regularly. Brake Services Since brakes are important, it stands to reason that many motorists check theirs often to make sure they are in good working order. A number of brake-related components need servicing at varying times. For instance, brake pads typically last for roughly 20,000 miles, whereas rotors may last for as much as 70,000 miles. Tire Rotation/Balancing Tires last longer when rotated r ... read more

Items To Keep in Your Car During Winter Since winter is on the way, it’s a good idea to check if you have the right winter supplies in your car. Assuming you already arranged for the winter tires, here are some of the small items to keep in the vehicle, in case of  winter emergency: Kitty Litter or Sandbags – can be used for getting the extra traction if your vehicle is stuck in an icy spot. Ice Scraper – didn’t need it in the summer. Hopefully it’s somewhere in the car. Shovel – A foldable or compact shovel in the trunk can come in handy should you slide into a snowbank.   Portable Cell Phone Charger -  keep one or two of these in the car, and make sure they are charged. You cannot count on the cigarette lighter or USB ports – if the battery runs down, there will be no power to either. Something to Drink and Snacks– ... read more

What Is Power Steering Fluid? If your vehicle has power steering, it relies on power steering fluid. Power steering fluid is what powers the hydraulic link between your vehicle's steering wheel and its front tires. When you turn your steering wheel with ease, that's thanks to power steering fluid. There are three types of power steering fluid: Universal Power Steering Fluid, which is suitable for most kinds of vehicles. Some manufacturers require special additives, so it's important to consult the manual or a knowledgeable automotive expert. ATF Transmission Fluid, which is not specifically for power steering but can be used as such in some vehicles. Again, an automotive expert can help you determine if this is the right choice for your car. Synthetic-based Hydraulic Fluid, which is commonly used in European and Japanese vehicles. How Can I Tell If My Vehicle Needs a Power Steering Flush Your vehicle needs a power steering flush every 40,000-80,000 miles, depending on ... read more

Have you ever driven your car and felt extreme instability? Your car is veering one way or another, and your car experiences the shakes. These signs are often related to wheel misalignment. While wear and tear can gradually shift your vehicle’s wheels out of alignment, it is usually disastrous accidents that cause your car’s wheels to knock out of alignment.   When you run over potholes, jam into a curb, or hit another car or object with heavy impact, you’re due for an alignment problem. Misaligned wheels may not seem obvious at first, but the symptoms worsen over time. Furthermore, the damage can spread to your suspension.   Experts and automakers recommend having your car’s alignment checked at least once a year just for safety measures. Wheel alignment involves the angles of your tires, also known as the toe and camber. We invite you to Westside Service for all your vehicle alignment needs/ Signs That Indicate Misaligned Wheels Drifting Left o ... read more