Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center Blog

Winter in Michigan can be harsh, and your vehicle needs extra care to handle the cold, snow, and ice. Proper winter maintenance is crucial for safety and ensuring your car performs well despite freezing temperatures. At Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center, we provide expert winter auto maintenance in the greater Plymouth, MI area. Here are five important winter auto maintenance tasks that you shouldn’t overlook. Check and Replace Your Battery Cold weather can take a toll on your car’s battery, making it harder for your engine to start. In Michigan, where temperatures can drop below freezing, your battery is more likely to fail. Before winter hits, test your battery to ensure it’s holding a charge. If your battery is over three years old, consider replacing it to avoid being stranded on a frigid morning. Inspect Tires and Consider Winter Tires Traction is critical when driving on icy or snowy roads. Make sure your tires have enough tread to handle slick surfaces. In Michigan, winter tires can be a smart investment, as they provide better grip and safety in snow and ice compared to all-season tires. Don’t forget to check tire pressure regularly, as it tends to drop in cold weather, affecting your car’s handling. Refill/Switch to Winter Windshield Wiper Fluid Visibility can be severely limited during winter storms, so having a clear windshield is essential. Refill your windshield washer fluid with a solution that’s rated for cold temperatures to prevent it from freezing. Also, consider switching to winter wiper blades, which are designed to handle ice and snow buildup better than regular wipers. Check Your Antifreeze Levels Antifreeze plays a crucial role in keeping your engine from freezing in the winter. Make sure your antifreeze levels are adequate and that the mixture is appropriate for the cold Michigan climate. Test Your Brakes Winter driving conditions put extra stress on your vehicle’s braking system, especially when roads are covered in ice or snow. Have your brakes inspected to ensure they’re in top condition before the cold weather sets in. Worn brake pads or rotors can significantly affect stopping distances on slippery surfaces, making it critical to address any issues right away. Winter Auto Maintenance in Plymouth, MI When you need auto maintenance in Plymouth, MI and the surrounding area, contact Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center at  (734) 404-7625  . Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

Few things are as frustrating as getting into your car, turning the key, and discovering that it won’t start. While it’s easy to assume the worst, many starting issues are due to common problems that can often be fixed quickly. At Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center, our local mechanics are experts at diagnosing and fixing issues that cause no-start. Here are four common reasons that cars won't start up. Dead Battery One of the most frequent causes of a car not starting is a dead or weak battery. Over time, batteries lose their ability to hold a charge, especially if they’re old or haven’t been used for a while. Cold weather can also sap a battery’s power. If the engine doesn’t turn over and you hear a clicking sound, the battery could be the issue. Jump-starting the car or replacing the battery should fix this problem. Faulty Starter The starter is an essential part of your car’s ignition system, responsible for turning the engine over when you turn the key. A faulty starter can prevent the engine from cranking, leaving you stranded. Symptoms of a bad starter include a single loud click or no sound at all when trying to start the vehicle. If this is the case, the starter will likely need to be repaired or replaced. Fuel System Issues Cars need fuel to start and run properly. If your vehicle is out of gas or has a fully-clogged fuel filter, the engine won’t receive enough fuel to ignite. Also, a failing fuel pump can also prevent the necessary fuel flow to the engine. If you notice your car sputtering or losing power before it dies, a fuel issue could be the cause. Faulty Spark Plugs Spark plugs ignite the air/fuel mixture in your engine to start the combustion process. If the spark plugs are worn or faulty, they won’t produce the necessary spark, and your car won’t start. You might also experience misfiring, rough idling, or poor fuel-economy if your spark plugs are failing. Fortunately, replacing spark plugs is a relatively simple and affordable fix. Auto Repair in Plymouth, MI For auto repair in Plymouth, MI and the surrounding area, contact Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center at  (734) 404-7625  . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!