Yearly Archives: 2020

Why does my brake pedal feel spongy?

Why does my brake pedal feel spongy?

There are so many things to take into account when it comes to looking after your car; from checking the engine oil level and lights, to refilling the screen wash and tire pressure, but probably the most important part of vehicle maintenance is making sure that your brakes are in top condition. A properly working brake pedal should feel firm and stable under the foot when you press on it. But when the brake pedal feels unsteady or you find yourself pressing it harder than usual for the car to stop, it's an indication of spongy or mushy brakes. But what exactly causes the brake to become spongy in the first place? Read on to discover the possible reasons. Old or Low Brake Fluid Brake fluid is essential in bringing your car to a swift halt when needed. But over time, this fluid becomes old and wears thin, thereby affecting the brake performance of the car. So it is important to have your brakes regularly inspected to prevent any complications. Air in the ... read more

Winter Vehicle Maintenance Items

Winter Vehicle Maintenance Items

At The Detroit Garage, we want to make sure that you and your family are kept safe on the road this winter and holiday season. While you may be in a rush to get on the road to spend time with family and loved ones, it is important to make sure that your vehicle is well maintained and prepared to drive in the winter season. The following winter vehicle maintenance tips will guide you on how to take care of your vehicle and be safe on the road through the colder months! Have your vehicle inspected - The best way to catch an issue early on is to have your vehicle inspected by your local trusted mechanic here at our shop. Our experts will complete a full inspection of your vehicle to ensure that all components are working properly and that all is in order to ensure your safety while driving.    Change your windshield wiper - it is important to make sure that your windshield wipers work properly. Wipers should be replaced at least once a year. If you notice any skipping or ... read more

What Can Cause Poor Vehicle Fuel Economy?

 What Can Cause Poor Vehicle Fuel Economy?

After driving your vehicle for a while, you begin to understand how much your full tank costs and how much a full tank will last you throughout the week. However, there are certain car problems that can happen that may have you noticed that your vehicle's fuel economy has decreased and you find yourself filling up your gas tank more often.  Bad vehicle maintenance is always a reason behind poor fuel economy. The better care you take of your vehicle, the better it will run and perform. You'll spend less on gas and repairs when you invest in proper vehicle maintenance. A regular vehicle inspection here at The Detroit Garage will keep your vehicle always running at its best and ensure that you get the best fuel efficiency from your car.  Here are some of the top reasons behind why your vehicle has poor fuel economy:  Incorrect tire pressure Bad oxygen sensors Dirty or clogged air filters Bad spark plugs Bad fuel injectors Blasting air c ... read more

What are the Signs of Worn Shocks and Struts?

What are the Signs of Worn Shocks and Struts?

When driving offroad, you're bound to feel some bumps along the way. However, more drivers won't be taking any dirt roads to their destination, and driving on the regular pavement should feel smooth and controlled. If your ride suddenly starts feeling like an amusement park attraction, you may start to think that something is wrong. Chances are, you may have worn shocks and struts.  What are shocks and struts? The shocks and struts in your vehicle are the parts that help to dampen shock from the road and keep your ride smooth. The system is hydraulic, meaning that it uses fluid to absorb force so that your entire vehicle cabin doesn't bounce up and down excessively. However, over time, the shocks and struts can become worn down or leaky, which can decrease their effectiveness, ultimately leaving you with a bumpy drive.  Here are the signs of worn shocks and struts to look out for:  Car vibrates or feels shaky at high speeds Vehicle dips to one side when t ... read more

Is it Safe to Drive with Your Check Engine Light On?

Is it Safe to Drive with Your Check Engine Light On?

You're driving as usual and look down at your dashboard to see the dreaded check engine light on - maybe you've been experiencing some strange symptoms lately, or maybe you have noticed anything different with your vehicle at all. Regardless, you start to panic. Why is your check engine light on, and what could possibly be the issue? Will it be expensive to fix? Is it safe to continue driving your vehicle with the check engine light on? When your vehicle's check engine light illuminates, it's your car's way of letting you know that it has detected an issue. Modern vehicles are equipped with highly intelligent computer systems that are connected to many different sensors. When something goes wrong, the sensor will inform the computer that it has detected an issue, and this will trigger the check engine light to illuminate. While your vehicle doesn't tell you exactly what is wrong, the issue could be as simple as a loose gas cap or as severe as a failing catalyti ... read more

Is Vehicle Maintenance Necessary?

Is Vehicle Maintenance Necessary?

There are definitely different types of car owners out there - those that are on top of their vehicle's maintenance and those that only bring their car to the shop when there is a problem with it. While some may believe that the latter helps save them money, the truth is, good maintenance helps you avoid car problems. Car repairs can be expensive depending on what needs to be fixed, while maintenance is generally more affordable and is preventative. The better care you take of your vehicle, the less likely you'll have to deal with major repairs in your car's lifetime.  So, when thinking about whether or not vehicle maintenance is necessary, the answer truly is yes. The reason is, maintenance is the only way to ensure a long vehicle lifespan and will save you tons of money on repairs over time. Plus, it protects any warranties that you may have and helps boost resale value if you ever need to sell your car.  What are the most important maintenance items that you ... read more

How Long Do Head Gaskets Last?

How Long Do Head Gaskets Last?

The head gasket in your vehicle has a very important job - it separates the block of the motor from the head of the motor to ensure that the coolant doesn't get into the cylinders. Gaskets are typically very durable components but are sometimes susceptible to leaking, which can start to cause problems for your engine.  The main culprit of a failing head gasket is caused by an overheating engine. An engine can overheat quickly if the cooling system doesn't work as it should in terms of regulating heat and keeping the engine cool. When the engine overheats, the head gasket can fail which can cause leaking into the cylinders. This leads to engine damage that can be costly to repair. This is why it is so important to take care of your vehicle's engine and cooling system. A well-maintained cooling system will protect your engine, which will prevent you from having to deal with repairs such as the head gasket. Ideally, an inspection of your vehicle's coolant, thermosta ... read more

Now's the Time to Have Your Car's A/C Inspected!

Now's the Time to Have Your Car's A/C Inspected!

The days are getting hotter, and will the warmer weather comes the need to use our vehicle's air conditioners much more often. That means that it is time to check your vehicle’s A/C system to ensure that it is working properly. A properly maintained A/C system will ensure that you always have a top working system when you need it most. It will also help you avoid costly repairs that can occur with poor A/C system maintenance.  Your vehicle’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system keeps the cabin of your vehicle comfortable in any weather by providing the right temperature and humidity level. To beat the heat, we recommend an A/C inspection at our shop before the summer months, in which our mechanics will do the following: Checks pressures to test operation, refrigerant charge and outlet temperatures Check for any refrigerant leaks Top-off refrigerant Check the compressor’s drive belt and tension Inspect seals and hoses If you suspect ... read more

Does a Driveshaft Need to Be Replaced?

Does a Driveshaft Need to Be Replaced?

The driveshaft - a small component in your vehicle with a huge responsibility. The driveshaft in your vehicle is responsible for delivering the power made by your engine to the wheels. If you have a high mileage vehicle, chances are your driveshaft is nearing the end of its lifespan if its never been replaced. Once the driveshaft loses its efficiency, other components in your vehicle pick up its slack, causing those parts to wear down quicker. If the driveshaft completely wears down to the point where it can no longer work, your wheels will stop moving.  So, does a driveshaft need to be replaced? The answer is yes, it typically needs to be replaced once it has reached a point over 75,000 miles or if its has stopped working due to wear and tear. However, when or if it needs to be replaced during your ownership depends on your driving habits and the age of your car. Driveshaft modifications can lead to needing it replaced more often, so that is something to keep in mind if this app ... read more

COVID-19 Updates - We are Open & Taking Certain Measures to Continue Serving You

COVID-19 Updates - We are Open & Taking Certain Measures to Continue Serving You

At the Detroit Garage, we are doing everything we can to prevent spread of COVID-19 while remaining open for business. Being that the government has deemed auto repair an essential service to the citizens and public, we want to do all that we can to assure that our employees are healthy and able to continue to work on your vehicles. To ensure your safety and health here at our shop, we are not accepting any waiting customers in our lobby and encourage you to use our drop box service. Here's how to use this service:  Please fill out a repair information envelope filling in the required spaces. Be as descriptive as possible with the issues that you are having. Insert your keys into the envelope and place in the mail slot on the door. If you need transportation please call our number 248-545-0500 and we will set up an Uber at no charge to you. We will get your keys and start our evaluation of your vehicle. We will do all communications via text/email and or phone call ... read more

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