the Garage Reviews

Brake pads and brake shoes are integral parts of any vehicle's braking system. As a car owner, it's important to understand the differences between these two components as well as their purpose in keeping you safe on the road. In this blog, we'll explain the difference between brake pads and brake shoes so you can better understand your vehicle's brake system. What are Brake Pads? Brake pads are the most commonly used type of brakes, found on most cars today. They consist of a friction material that is supported by metal plates and attached to the brake caliper. The brake pad presses against the brake rotor when you press down the brake pedal, causing friction which helps slow down and stop the vehicle. The brake pads are held in a flexible caliper that applies pressure on both sides of the rotor. When you take your foot off the brake, springs inside the caliper push the pads back away from the rotor, releasing pressure and allowing for smoother braking. What are Br ... read more

The holidays are about being jolly and bright, but it can be hard to stay in the festive spirit when dealing with challenges on the road. With poor weather conditions, partial daylight, and traffic jams lasting (for what feels like) forever, it can be rough. To make your holiday travels easier and safer, here are some of our top tips. Plan to Leave Early - If your schedule is flexible, we recommend avoiding peak times. Leaving early in the morning before sunrise is a good time window. Some people leave a few days before Christmas Eve to avoid the busy traffic. Look At the Weather and Traffic Conditions Beforehand - Manage expectations better by looking at the weather forecast, as rain and snow can slow down traffic even more. Plus, you can use GPS apps to learn where traffic is congested along your route. It will also give you alternative options to avoid traffic. Be Well Rested and Stay Alert - If you drive for hours on end, make ... read more

Taking care of your car tires is important for both your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. Tires are one of the most essential parts of a car, and they need to be properly inflated, rotated, and aligned in order to function correctly. There are a few different ways to take care of your tires, but the best way is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Here is a complete guide on how to take care of your car's tires. Check Your Car's Tire Pressure Regularly It is important to check your car's tire pressure regularly in order to ensure that they are inflated to the correct pressure. Check your car's manual or consult a professional to find the correct pressure for your tires. Over-inflating your tires can cause them to blow out, and under-inflating them can lead to wear and decreased fuel efficiency. It is important to rotate your tires every 7,500 miles in order to maintain their life span and prevent them from becoming flat. Inspect Your Car's ... read more

On average, your vehicle's air conditioning only needs to be recharged every several years. Of course, you should still practice proper maintenance and have the overall AC system regularly to ensure optimal performance. However, an AC recharge service isn’t necessary if you are cool and comfortable on your summer drives.   Your vehicle's AC system has a consistent circulation of refrigerant or Freon to keep your vehicle cool. It is packed in an enclosed system that always needs to be pressurized. Over time these components and hoses are prone to develop leaks, which can lead to a significant loss in refrigerant levels. And as a result, your car’s air conditioning will malfunction. How To Tell If An A/C Recharge Service is For You AC Clutch Not Engaging When your car’s air conditioning is working fine, you may hear an initial click or clunking sound whenever you turn it on. If you stop hearing the click, it is most likely due to a failure in the system ... read more

Buying a car is an exciting process. Whether it Is your first car or you have had others before, the thought alone of owning another machine is exhilarating. However, this process is also delicate and should be handled carefully while observing all the necessary cautions. Unfortunately, most purchasers of pre-owned cars fail to perform due diligence, opening them to many unfortunate situations. For instance, why would you, as a buyer, invest thousands of dollars on a pre-owned car but only look under the hood and take a test drive around the block to indicate its worth? Therefore, we will highlight the importance and benefits of taking a pre-owned car to an independent auto repair shop for an inspection before you purchase it. Why Is Pre-Purchase Inspection Important? A pre-purchase inspection is where you take a car previously owned by someone else to an independent auto repair shop for evaluation before purchasing it. It is also crucial to note that although most sellers will offe ... read more

At The Detroit Garage, and most other auto repair shops, we offer a wide variety of motor oil selections and services. Knowing which one your car needs will help you in the long run. Read on to learn more about the differences between conventional, semi-synthetic, and synthetic oil.  Conventional Oil  Conventional oil is the most traditional time of oil. It is derived from crude oil, which is refined to boost performance and resist hot engine temperatures. It has been around for quite some time, and it is the cheapest oil on the market. Conventional oil is best for moderate drivers and vehicles with simple engine designs. Semi-Synthetic Oil Semi-synthetic oil is a blend of both conventional and synthetic lubricants. It has the many added benefits of synthetic oil for a more affordable price. This type of motor oil works better in high and low temperatures. These are great for bigger vehicles, like SUVs and trucks, in moderate climate environments. Synthetic Oil Syntheti ... read more

Over time, transmission fluid deteriorates. It is necessary to replace the transmission on a regular basis in order to avoid damage to the transmission. The regularity with which you should replace your transmission fluid is determined by how often the transmission is utilized. If you mostly drive in the city, you are likely to stop and go often. This raises the transmission's working temperature, which implies the pressure on the transmission fluid is increased. Other factors, such as pulling a trailer or carrying a big load in a vehicle with a high torque, can enhance this pressure. The transmission fluid will deteriorate faster as a result of this extensive usage. In general, a change is recommended every 90.000 kilometers, but this varies per vehicle, so always consult your owner's handbook to know what range is recommended. How to tell whether it's time to replace your transmission fluid You may look at a few things to see whether your transmission fluid is still in ... read more

Shock absorbers, despite being a very small component of your vehicle, are vital for keeping your car running at peak performance. Once in a while, these shock absorbers need replaced. What is a shock absorber? A shock absorber is a small part of your car that absorbs shock from the suspension, ensuring that this shock doesn't reach anyone inside the car. This function is crucial for riding smoothly over bumps and ridges along the road. And when you hit the brakes, it is the shock absorbers that absorb most of the impact. They work by reducing the kinetic energy from a shock into heat, and only let a tiny amount of hydraulic fluid flow through to the piston, thereby reducing the shock and movement on the suspension itself. There are three common types of shock absorbers. A conventional twin tube shock absorber is the most common, and simply has a pressure tube and a reserve tube that lets the hydraulic fluid move inside, allowing the mechanical energy of bumps along the road to ... read more

  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