the Garage Reviews

  The serpentine belt, also known as the alternator belt, is what helps to run your vehicle's accessories. The alternator itself makes sure that the battery stays charged while also keeping electrical components powered. The serpentine belt can be a v-belt or flat ribbed belt and can either just be running the alternator or can also be responsible for running the power steering pump, water pump, and A/C compressor. If the serpentine belt is worn or tearing, it can be a cause for concern. The alternator won't be able to create the electricity it needs to, meaning you might lose power in your accessories and your vehicle altogether if the alternator isn't able to recharge the battery. Because the serpentine belt is made of rubber, it will age and wear out over time with regular use of your vehicle. If your serpentine belt does need to be replaced, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms: Interior lights appear dim Battery warning light has turned on Yo ... read more

With winter in full swing in Michigan, it is essential to ensure that your car brakes are in excellent condition. Michigan typically sees rain, sleet, snow, and everything in between. And some snowfall can last until April! To help you stay safe from inclement weather, you must ensure your car is equipped with efficient stopping power. Most experts recommend having your brake system inspected at least twice a year. These inspections are excellent at detecting problems early on and preventing future problems from arising. If you want to keep you and your passengers safe on the road this time of year, look no further than a detailed brake inspection by The Detroit Garage.  If you think you may be experiencing issues with your car's, SUV's, or truck's brakes, it is crucial to take your vehicle to an experienced technician as soon as possible to prevent injuries. Some possible signs of brake problems include: A squealing sound when you apply your foot to the pedal A gr ... read more

Engines can overheat for many different reasons. Unfortunately, you may not notice until the temperature meter points to the "H" as you're driving. You should pull over and turn off the engine whenever you encounter this situation. However, it may take you more than a second to find a safe spot to park. One trick you can use to minimize the damage is by turning on your car heater.  Knowing the early signs of engine overheating can help you cool off your engine in time and minimize further damages. Some signs you should keep an eye on are: Temperature gauge pointing to "H" Steam and smoke coming from under the hood Strange odors What Happens When You Turn on the Heat? Turning on your car's heater may seem strange, counter-intuitive even, but it actually does benefit you. Having the air conditioning on can further strain the engine, and it's best to turn on the heat to the highest possible setting. Doing so will draw the hot air from the engine t ... read more

Brake rotors are a huge deal in a vehicle because they help stop the wheels when the brake pads clamp down on them. But overtime, the brake rotors can warp, causing issues. Why do they warp? Find out below why brake rotors warp.   Causes of Warped Brake Rotors Here are the most two common reasons the brake rotor would warp in a vehicle: Glazed with material Driving a car at higher speeds means there is a lot of heat generated by the time you brake to stop your car. When that happens, the brake pads material is constantly touching the brake rotor. Overtime, some material may even be on the brake rotors, causing it to warp. When that happens, the brake pads won't be able to grip as firmly on the brake rotor as it would be too slippery.   Wear and tear If you're heavy on the brakes, it puts a lot of pressure on the brake rotor when you suddenly press on the brakes. There is already excessive heat and if it's ... read more

A tire blowout is undoubtedly a scary and stressful situation to be in for anybody, especially if it happens on the highway or in the middle of traffic. Quite frankly, blowouts can be caused by something as small as a nail in the road or general low tire pressure. The five most common reasons for tire blowouts are under-inflation, overload, uneven tread wear, external damage, and tire defects. Unlike a gradual flat tire, you'll be well aware if you've had a tire blowout. You will hear a loud popping noise and feel unevenness with your vehicle. In some cases, you'll catch the smell of burning rubber or hear the tire flapping around. If any of this happens to you, please remember not to panic. Here are some helpful tips for handling the following events after a tire blowout: Don't push on your brakes. The best thing you can do to remain safe is to keep control of your vehicle and pull off safely to the side of the road. Remember to signal when getting away from traffic ... read more

Halloween is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year, especially if you are someone with a sweet tooth. Kids crave the excitement of getting dressed up in a costume, walking through a neighborhood, and receiving tons of candy. While trick-or-treating can be a blast, everyone in the community needs to do their part to make sure everyone gets home in one piece.   Tips For Pedestrians There's nothing more important on Halloween night than to teach kids how to be safe when walking through the neighborhoods. Younger kids may not be aware of traffic rules and signs. As it gets dark outside, it can become more unsafe. Here are some tips to use on your trick-or-treating route: Stay on crosswalks and sidewalks as much as possible Make eye contact with drivers when crossing to ensure they see you Plan out a route beforehand Watch for cars making turns Do not step in between two parked cars Younger children should stick with their parents and hold an adult's hand be ... read more

Having a failure to start a car is incredibly annoying. Most people immediately blame their car battery and quickly run to grab their jumper cables. However, problems with car starts can also be traced back to your alternator. To effectively resolve your situation, you'll need to learn the differences between a bad alternator and a bad battery.   While both of these automotive parts are part of your vehicle's electrical system, each of them has its own role and has a particular set of warning signs.    Bad Battery Symptoms First and foremost, your car may signal a drained battery when you enter your key and turn the ignition. If you receive a sluggish or choppy engine response, your battery is the culprit. You can jumpstart your vehicle with cables and another automotive battery. But your next stop should be the auto repair shop. However, if you don't get any feedback from your car when turning the ignition, it may already be too late for your battery ... read more

You can't always assume that every bad smell trickles into your car to something from outside your vehicle. Often that smell you're picking up is your vehicle's way of telling you something is wrong! The different scents that you may detect may help you uncover the trouble your internal components are sustaining. Some odors are more troublesome than others, but there is only one way to be sure. Whenever you catch an unusual scent in your automobile, we urge you to bring it to an auto professional ASAP to get a proper diagnosis. These are some of the most common car smells and what problems they may indicate: Maple Syrup - If your car smells sweet like a breakfast buffet, then it could mean several things. A fluid leak from your radiator, cylinder head, or manifold gasket can be the issue. If the smell is strong and found in the cabin, the heater core could be the problem. Gasoline - The smell of gas usually signifies that your car has a gas leak. The damage could stem fro ... read more

Your water pump, which sits under the hood, keeps your car running efficiently and guarantees you a safe and easy ride. Your vehicle's engine is made up of various components that are constantly moving, thereby generating an unbelievable amount of friction and heat. The water pump plays an essential role in your car's cooling system by moving coolant from the radiator and supplying it throughout the engine system to keep everything at an optimum temperature.   When you have a faulty water pump, your engine will overheat, causing damage to the cylinder heads, gaskets, and pistons. If gone unnoticed, it could lead to catastrophic engine damage. However, your failing water pump will usually display the following signs:    Leaking Coolant Your car's water pump is made of various parts, such as seals and gadgets, to facilitate a steady flow of the coolant from the radiator to the engine block. Over time, these seals and gadgets will loosen up, wear out, break ... read more

  There's nothing better than the feeling of stepping into a fresh, clean car after getting your vehicle detailed. On the surface, car detailing might seem like cleaning your car or "giving it an extra shine." However, there are many benefits of car detailing that goes way beyond that. Let's go into detail (no pun intended) on auto detailing and what the services include.   What Is Car Detailing? Car detailing is a thorough cleaning of a car to make it look as close to new as possible, both inside and out. The standard is to clean every nook and cranny of the car, and it requires multiple steps. The exterior cleaning process usually includes hand washing and drying, polishing, and sealing the vehicle. Whereas interior cleaning involves vacuuming, brushing and shampooing, wiping, and deodorizing.   Benefits of Car Detailing Increases Resale Value A professional detailing job can remove the smallest of imperfections on your vehicle. If you bought ... read more