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Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center Blog

Common Symptoms of Suspension Trouble that You Shouldn’t Ignore

by Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center • 14 January 2025
A healthy suspension system is essential for providing a smooth and stable ride. It helps absorb road shocks, maintain tire contact with the road, and ensure proper handling. But as they age, suspension components can wear out or become damaged, leading to noticeable performance issues. At Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Plymouth, MI area. Here’s a look at five warning signs of a suspension problem. Excessive Bouncing If your vehicle continues to bounce after driving over a bump or pothole, it’s a sign that your shocks or struts are worn out. These components are designed to absorb impact and stabilize your vehicle in short order. Excessive bouncing reduces control and can make driving uncomfortable. Nose-Diving When Braking When your car dips forward sharply while braking, it’s often due to worn shocks or struts. This issue can compromise your vehicle’s braking efficiency, increasing stopping distances and reducing safety in emergency braking situations. Strange Noises If you hear clunking, knocking, or creaking noises while driving over rough terrain, it could be a sign of loose or broken suspension components. Ball joints or bushings might be worn out and in need of replacement. Vehicle Pulling to One Side When your car pulls to one side while driving, it may indicate a suspension issue. While misalignment can cause similar symptoms, persistent pulling after an alignment suggests deeper problems within the suspension system. Uneven Tire Wear Another common indication of a suspension problem is uneven tire wear. If your suspension isn’t distributing weight evenly across all four tires, some tires may wear out faster than others. This uneven wear pattern often points to misaligned or damaged suspension components. Suspension Repair in Plymouth, MI When you need auto repair in Plymouth, MI and the surrounding area, contact Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center at  (734) 404-7625  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

Does my car need transmission repair? Here are 5 warning signs

by Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center • 11 December 2024
The transmission is a vital part of your vehicle, responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. When it starts to fail, your vehicle's performance and safety can be significantly impacted. Recognizing the early signs of transmission trouble can help you avoid more expensive repairs or even total transmission failure. At Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center, we provide expert transmission repair in the greater Plymouth, MI area. Here are five warning signs of a transmission problem. Unusual Noises Strange noises are often the first sign of a transmission issue. Listen for grinding, whining, or humming sounds, especially when shifting gears. These noises may indicate worn-out transmission components, such as gears or bearings. Automatic transmissions might produce a whining noise, while manual transmissions often emit grinding sounds when there's an issue with the clutch. Difficulty Shifting Gears If you experience resistance or delays when shifting gears, it's time to have your transmission checked. In automatic vehicles, this might feel like the car hesitates before engaging a gear. For manual transmissions, difficulty getting into gear is a red flag. Leaking Transmission Fluid Transmission fluid is crucial for lubricating and cooling the system. A leak is a serious problem that can lead to low fluid levels, causing the transmission to overheat or malfunction. Look for reddish fluid under your vehicle. Transmission fluid leaks often occur due to faulty pan gaskets and damaged transmission lines. Slipping Gears If your car unexpectedly slips out of gear while driving, it could be a sign of a transmission problem. This often occurs when the transmission loses hydraulic pressure due to low fluid levels or internal wear. Gear slipping not only affects your car’s performance, but also poses a significant safety risk. Burning Smell A burning smell while driving may indicate overheating transmission fluid. This could happen if the fluid becomes dirty or insufficient in quantity. Overheated fluid loses its ability to properly lubricate and cool the transmission, potentially leading to severe damage if left unaddressed. Transmission Repair in Plymouth, MI When you need transmission repair in Plymouth, MI and the surrounding area, contact Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center at  (734) 404-7625  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
A woman is sticking her head out of a car window on a snowy road.

5 Important Winter Auto Maintenance Tasks in Michigan

by Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center • 11 November 2024
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!
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