The Truth about Tire Pressure (Tire Inflation)

January 31, 2021

Most light vehicles (under 10,000 pounds/4,500 kg) in North America sold from 2008 model year on have a feature that many people are confused about. It's the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). You may have some experience with it yourself if you own a newer vehicle. Vehicles with TPMS hav... More

Does My Choice in Oil Affect Change Intervals?

January 24, 2021

Oil changes are probably the most recognized service on a vehicle. Almost all Livonia residents know about them. But do we know enough?Several decades ago, oil changes were fairly standard: every three months or 3,000 miles or 5,000 kilometers. But recent advances in both engine technology and o... More

NOT JUST ANOTHER CUSTOMER (Finding the Right Service Facility)

January 17, 2021

You might remember a hit TV sitcom that was set in a bar, a place where "everybody knows your name." The idea, of course, is people feel more comfortable where they aren't just another customer among many; they're special because their relationship goes back a few years. That comfortable relat... More

Fears and Gears (Signs of Automatic Transmission Problems)

January 10, 2021

Automatic transmissions rule. The old days of shifting your own gears are a thing of the past for most drivers. But automatic transmission trouble can be a big inconvenience for any driver if it comes at the wrong time in the wrong place. Here are some signs to look out for that may mean you ar... More

What is a TSB? (Technical Service Bulletins)

January 3, 2021

If your vehicle had something in its design or production that the manufacturer had figured out had an unanticipated problem, you'd want to know about it. And you'd want it fixed. There is something that can help drivers with just such a scenario. It's called a Technical Service Bulletin, or TSB.... More

Easy Miles ? Do Livonia Driving Conditions Affect Service Intervals?

January 1, 2021

Have you ever noticed that your vehicle has a schedule in your owner's manual for what is called severe service maintenance? Let's define what severe driving conditions aren't: The easiest driving a vehicle experiences is traveling on the interstate for 20 miles (32 kilometers) or more at a cons... More

When "Shady" is a Good Thing

December 27, 2020

Just like your skin can burn from too much sun, so can the paint on your vehicle. It can turn dull, oxidize and fade the more ultraviolet rays beat down on it. One solution is to park in a shady spot, or you can buy a cover for your vehicle and put it on when you know it's going to be sitting in... More

Wasteful Thinking

December 20, 2020

With the weather getting colder, you might be tempted to start your vehicle up, let it idle for 15 or 20 minutes and then get in the nice, cozy cabin. Some vehicles offer remote starting that let you do that from the comfort of your home or apartment. But is letting your vehicle idle like that ... More

Hey Livonia Drivers, How Many Miles Are on Your Car?

December 13, 2020

Nowadays, Livonia drivers are paying more at Michigan gas pumps. For some families it adds up to several hundred dollars every month. That's got to come out of the budget somewhere. This is one of the reasons many Michigan drivers are putting off buying a new car. They plan on keeping their old... More

Don't be Fuelish (Signs Fuel Pump is Failing)

December 6, 2020

A driver of a large SUV loaded with equipment was heading on a 7-hour work trip when he stopped at a gas station to refuel. When he went to restart his SUV, it turned over but wouldn't catch. Try as he might, he was never able to get it started again. Of course there are many things that can c... More