Auto Centric

Products And Services

• Air Conditioning Repair Testing & Service in Grand Rapids, MI

  Test, Inspect - R1234YF Includes: Inspect air conditioning system Test air conditioning functions Test for refrigerant contamination Test temperature Test airflow Test pressures Electronic leak test Test, Inspect, Partial Charge - R134A Includes: Inspect air conditioning system Test air conditioning functions Test for refrigerant contamination Test temperature Test airflow Test pressures Electronic leak test Charge system to full (includes 1 lb refrigerant) Install leak locator dye if needed Auto Care Tips Air Conditioning Maintenance Almost all cars today have air conditioning. While the systems are quite complex, they often run for years without any major repairs. Inspecting the system regularly can prevent or minimize many repairs. Servicing is becoming more “high tech” and does require special equipment to service the system properly. Common Myth It is often assumed that air conditioning is only functional in hot weather, however, systems today run year-round as an integral part of the HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning). When the A/C runs in cold weather it serves as a dehumidifier allow your windows to defrost faster. Check How Often? The HVAC system in your car should be inspected at least once a year regardless of how many miles are driven. Bottom Line Like most other systems on your vehicle, proper care and preventive maintenance will normally save money and inconvenience over time.

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• Automatic Transmission Maintenance

  Automatic Transmission Service The most expensive "part" on your car is the engine. Next is the transmission. Both have a type of lubricating oil which should be changed at recommended intervals to make them last as long as possible without a major repair. The transmission oil – or fluid – does not have to be serviced nearly as often as the engine oil, but it certainly should not go past it's due mileage. Purpose of the transmission The purpose of your transmission (and several other attached components) is to properly apply the power of the engine to the drive wheels. There are many moving parts inside it which are lubricated by the transmission fluid. Over time and miles, the fluid gets dirty and loses its ability to lubricate properly and to prevent damaging high temperatures within the transmission. Fluid inspection The fluid should be inspected at regular intervals per your owner's manual guidelines. Professional shops typically do this when performing maintenance inspections. The fluid should also be replaced at specific intervals; however, it should be replaced sooner if the fluid appears dirty, has a burned odor or is discolored in some other way. Depending on fluid condition further inspection may be recommended to find the cause of premature fluid deterioration. Transmission filters Almost all transmissions have a filter. Depending on the type the filter may be designed to last the life of the transmission or may be the kind that has a recommended service interval. If the filter is easily accessible when the fluid is serviced replacement is usually an inexpensive way to ensure that the new fluid stays clean longer. Transmission symptoms While deteriorated fluid and restricted filters can cause a transmission to perform incorrectly most symptoms will not be corrected by fluid or filter service. In most cases some other kind of part will need to be replaced and that often requires removal of the transmission. Regular maintenance will prevent parts from failing prematurely.

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• Brake Fluid Service (flush)

  The fluid in your car’s brake system deteriorates over time and should be replaced at manufacturer recommended intervals or sooner if the fluid fails testing. The service is inexpensive on most vehicles and can prevent damage to expensive brake components. Problem The biggest issue with brake fluid is that it is hygroscopic which means that it naturally absorbs moisture from the air. The higher the humidity the quicker this occurs. (This is why that once a container of brake fluid is opened the fluid should be used relatively soon before it becomes moisture contaminated.) Professional shops have test equipment that can measure the amount of water in your brake fluid. Prevention The solution is replacing all of the fluid in your brake system at the recommended interval which is 2 to 3 years for most vehicles (see your owner’s manual). The number of miles you drive is not a factor. Results of neglect The following are the 3 most common problems that can occur if the brake fluid maintenance is overlooked. 1: Decreased braking with higher temperatures Water (moisture) boils at a lower temperature than brake fluid so as the moisture level increases the boiling point of the fluid decreases. Under demanding conditions such as towing, driving in mountainous areas or when constant repeated braking is required boiling fluid can cause serious brake failure. If you watch car racing sooner or later, you will see crashes caused by this. 2: Corrosion Water is also heavier than brake fluid so the fluid will collect in the low points in the brake system. The resulting rust and corrosion can damage lines, seals, calipers, ABS parts and other components of the system. 3: Sludge Water in the fluid will also cause a buildup of sludge over time and prevent the proper flow of fluid through parts of the brake system where passageways are often very small. This is especially true of antilock brake parts which are normally the most expensive parts in a brake system. Savings The difference in the cost of regular fluid services and major brake repairs can run into the thousands of dollars when parts designed to last the life of the car have to be replaced due to contaminated fluid issues. Cost On many vehicles the tools and equipment required to properly service the brake fluid are fairly common while on others expensive specialized high-tech equipment may be needed. Still, the cost is not great in most cases. Most shops can provide a price for you quickly. Also, check our current auto repair specials to see if we can save you some money.

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• Brake Repair and Maintenance Services

  Cost We are more than happy to give you an estimate before you make an appointment. We work hard to be very competitive in all our pricing including brakes. Due to the wide variations in vehicles and requirements we do need some information about your vehicle to get you an estimate. Please use the Request a Quote form or Contact Us form on our website. From time to time we do offer special deals so be sure to check out our auto repair specials. Our brake Inspection includes the following Reviewing any symptoms that you are noticing Test driving Removal of wheels Inspect all visible brake parts Measurements of wear items Test brake fluid for moisture Detailed inspection results for you to review Estimate of any recommended repairs or services

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• Cooling System Repair Service and Maintenance

  Pricing We are always happy to get you an estimate. If you need a repair, we can do so if you know exactly what your car needs, or we can perform the appropriate testing. If maintenance is due, we need to check the maintenance guide for your specific car. Also, you can always check our auto repair specials to see if our current offer may apply. Standard Coolant Replacement or Flush Includes: Attach flushing machine Reverse flush system until fluid is clear Refill with new coolant mixture Protection to -35 degrees What does the Engine Coolant do? Actually, it does a lot of things! As the description implies the coolant fluid (antifreeze) prevents the engine temperature from getting too high by circulating the coolant through the different parts of your engine, then running it through your radiator to cool it off (from the air blowing on your radiator), then it goes back to the engine and the process begins again. As it runs through the engine some of it is sent to your heater. The heater can then heat your interior similar to the way a house is warmed with a hot water (boiler) heating system. When the coolant is sent to the radiator it enters one side hot and comes out the other side much cooler. To keep the transmission from getting too hot transmission fluid is sent to the cooler side of the radiator to reduce its temperature, then the cooler transmission fluid is sent back to the transmission. The reason the coolant is also referred to as antifreeze is that it contains chemicals which freeze at a much lower temperature than water. Coolant in most engines is mixed to achieve a freezing point of about -35F (-37C). Chemicals in the coolant also increase the boiling point of the coolant to a temperature higher than that of water. Optimal operating temperature for coolant in a typical engine is about 230F (110C). Finally, the chemicals inhibit the formation of rust and corrosion inside the cooling system parts. When should the Coolant be replaced? Your owner’s manual will have a recommended time and mileage for when you should replace the coolant. Over time the chemicals deteriorate preventing the coolant from doing its job properly. When that occurs the odds of engine damage and cooling system repairs increase. Examples of parts that can fail include water pumps, radiators, coolant hoses, heater cores, cylinder head gaskets, and thermostats. Intervals can vary greatly so it always best to consult the manual. If the coolant fails testing or inspection it may be recommended to replace it sooner than the normal interval. A common misconception about coolant replacement is that it can cure some cooling system symptoms. This is rarely true. Symptoms are almost always caused by a failed part of the cooling system – which may have failed due to the condition of the coolant.

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• Automotive Filters Replacement

  Pricing We are happy to quote you a price for any filter. We try to stay very competitive when it comes to filter pricing. Prices do vary a lot from car to car, so we will need to know what kind of car it is to give you an accurate price. Always check our auto repair specials for any current deals! Fuel (gas) Filter Replacement No matter how careful fuel companies are some dirt, moisture and debris will get into the fuel that you put in your tank. The fuel filter will catch most of it, however, it can only hold so much material so the filter should be replaced if an interval is recommended in your owner’s manual. If excessive debris gets into the fuel injection system, it can cause engine performance issues and damage sensitive parts. Air Filter Replacement The cleaner your engine stays inside the better. It will last longer and require fewer repairs. The air filter prevents dust and road dirt from entering your engine. We normally check the air filter during regular service at no cost (except for a few cars where access is not a quick task). Accumulation of dirt is generally easy to see giving us a good idea of whether replacement is due. This is the one filter that will have the greatest effect on your fuel mileage if it becomes too dirty. PCV Valve and Breather Filter Replacement Depending on the type of engine, your car may have a serviceable PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve and/or breather filter. Their purpose is to reduce emissions by recycling the crankcase fumes into the engine to be burned. If they become too dirty or restricted a number of problems can occur including rough running, oil leakage, excessive internal engine wear, and reduced life of your air filter. In some cases serious engine damage can occur. Cabin Air Filter (heating and air conditioning filter) Replacement The furnace and air conditioner in your house have a filter that you change regularly to keep your family from breathing a lot of nasty stuff (dust, pollen, mold) and to keep your house cleaner. Cars and trucks today have essentially the same system doing the same thing. A dirty, musty odor or low airflow from your vents and ducts, or reduced heating and cooling are common signs of restricted cabin filters. Cabin filters should generally be replaced about once a year, or more often if you drive on a lot of dirt roads or notice insufficient function of your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system.

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• Fluid Leak Inspections in Grand Rapids, MI

  Leak Diagnosis Dye Test Inspection including a completed checklist. Pricing Please request a current price. Costs vary depending on vehicle make and model. You can also check our auto repair specials. Engine Oil Leaks Oil filter Filter housing Oil drain plug seal Oil pressure sender Oil cooler lines Oil cooler Oil pan & gasket Rear main seal Timing cover gasket Timing cover seal Camshaft seals Head gaskets Intake gasket Valve cover gaskets Oil cap Distributor seal Oil pump drive seal PCV system Blow-by Crankcase pressure Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) Hoses Pipes Radiator Cap Reserve tank Heater control valve Water pump Core plugs Heater core Thermostat Manifold gaskets Head gaskets Seals Transmission Fluid Cooler lines Cooler Linkage Sensors & solenoids Output seals Bottom pan Side covers Speedometer seals Seals Gaskets Transfer Case Fluid Side Pans/ covers Output seals Front seal Sensors & switches Seals Gaskets Power Steering Fluid Pump Gear assembly Pressure line/ hose Return line/hose Cooler Switches/sensors

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• Fuel Injection Cleaning Service in Grand Rapids, MI

  Basic Fuel Injection Cleaning Service Includes: Throttle Body Cleaning: Remove parts for access to throttle body opening as needed Clean throttle body and intake manifold Reassemble Standard Fuel Injection Cleaning Service Includes: Throttle Body/Intake Service: Remove air intake inlet tubes Install drip cleaner device Clean throttle plates, idle air controller passages, intake manifold, and valves Add cleaner to the fuel tank Note: Cleaner needs to be added when the fuel tank is near full. If the tank was not near full, an additive is supplied and can be added at next fill. Premium Fuel Injection Cleaning Service Includes: Throttle Body/Intake Service: Remove air intake inlet tubes Install drip cleaner device Clean throttle plates, idle air controller passages, intake manifold, and valves Fuel Injectors: Attach fuel injector cleaning equipment Chemically clean injectors Add cleaner to the fuel tank Note: Cleaner needs to be added when the fuel tank is near full. If the tank is not near full, an additive is supplied and can be added at next fill. Notes: Most cars and light trucks.

  Link: Fuel Injection Cleaning Service in Grand Rapids, MI

• Manual Transmission Repair Service in Grand Rapids, MI

  Manual Transmission Service Regular servicing of your transmission can prevent expensive repairs. Just like changing your vehicle's engine oil, changing your transmission's oil will greatly extend its life. Another benefit of regular servicing is the detection of problems before they become major, expensive repairs. Transmission problems typically start out minor and get worse over time. Why Change Transmission Oil In a manual transmission, the major problem is metal particle contamination. This metal trash is created by the normal operation of the transmission's synchronizers, bearings, and gears. The resulting metal particles then circulate in the oil causing excessive wear on all moving parts. Since a manual shift transmission has no filter the only way to remove the metal contamination is to drain and replace the oil. Transmission oil's main purpose is to lubricate and cool moving parts. The oil operates under extreme pressure. This causes special additives in the oil to eventually deteriorate causing excessive wear, difficult shifting, and transmission failure. How Often? Vehicle manufacturers often claim that under 'normal' driving conditions you never have to change your transmission oil. The problem is that very few vehicles are driven under 'normal' conditions. If you drive in stop & go city traffic, experience outside temperatures regularly reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit/32 degrees Celsius or higher, encounter hilly or mountainous terrain, tow a trailer, or operate the vehicle in salty air you should service your transmission every three years. If your vehicle is used to tow a trailer, often carries heavy loads, or is used for commercial purposes you should service your transmission every year. Procedure Changing transmission oil is a simple matter of draining the old oil and refilling with new manufacturer's recommended oil. Bottom Line Having your transmission regularly serviced will ensure longer transmission life and help you avoid costly repairs.

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• Oil Change Service in Grand Rapids, MI

  TEN REASONS WHY AUTO CENTRIC HAS THE BEST OIL CHANGE IN TOWN 1 - Friendly people 2 - No high-pressure sales 3 - On-time appointments 4 - Super nice customer lounge 5 - Large viewing window into the shop 6 - Licensed technicians 7 - Top-quality oil and filter 8 - Complimentary multi-point inspection 9 - We use factory service intervals 10 - Competitive prices Pricing Please request a current price. Costs vary depending on vehicle make and model. You can also check our auto repair specials. Standard Oil Change Service: Drain and fill engine oil Replace oil filter Reset reminder light Adjust tire pressures Lubricate steering and chassis Environmentally correct disposal of waste products Lubricate door hinges Fill washer solvent Inspect coolant level Inspect power steering fluid level Inspect brake fluid level Inspect transmission fluid level Inspect AWD/4WD fluids levels Oil Options: Synthetic Blend Full Synthetic High Mileage Notes: Details apply to most cars and light trucks. Up to 5 quarts of oil. Some items on the list may not be applicable to your vehicle. Auto Care Tips Oil and Filter Replacement Changing your vehicle's oil and filter is the most cost-effective and beneficial maintenance procedure you can have done. Why Change Oil & Filter Regular oil and filter changes greatly extend your vehicle's engine life. The oil keeps your engine lubricated and allows harmful contaminants to be collected and removed. Carbon particles from fuel combustion, metal wear particles, dirt, and debris all become suspended and circulated in the oil. The oil filter removes these contaminants that cause engine wear and damage. How Often? It is always best to follow your vehicle's maintenance recommendations, but most industry experts recommend replacing oil and filter every 4,500 miles/7,000 km or every six months (whichever comes first). Diesel engines usually have a greater need for more frequent changes and it recommends changes be done every 3,000 miles/5,000 km or every four months. With the advent of better engine design, cleaner-burning engines, and better oil quality, change intervals have been lengthened for modern vehicles. There is great variation in oil change interval recommendations with the main reason being the conditions under which the vehicle is used. Vehicle use is commonly classified as light, heavy, or severe service. Surprisingly, most vehicle use can be classified as "severe". Severe service typically includes frequent short trips, less than 12 miles or 20 km, stop-and-go traffic, driving on gravel or dirt roads, towing and driving at sustained high speeds in hot weather. For this type of driving, the accepted industry recommendation is oil changes should be made at 3000 miles/5000 km or 3 months. Changing your oil and filter regularly, under these conditions, will greatly increase the life span of your engine. Oil filters should be replaced with each oil change. If the filter is not changed a large amount of dirty, used oil remains in the filter and is mixed with and contaminates the fresh oil. In the past filters were often replaced every second oil change but this is a false economy in considering the low cost of a filter compared to the expense of prematurely replacing an engine. Oil Viscosity Oil viscosity or weight is a measure of the oil's thickness or resistance to flow. Different oil viscosity is required depending on the air temperature. Using a thick oil in cold weather places increased load on the battery and starter motor and in extreme temperatures can cause oil starvation and engine failure. Using too thin an oil in high temperatures can result in a lack of lubrication and severe engine damage. Oil Types Oils come in a wide variety of ratings and types. It is very important to use an oil that meets your vehicle's manufacturer's recommendations. Oil ratings and viscosity are far more important than the brand. Full Synthetic Full synthetic oil is a man-made product that offers the best protection against engine wear. It provides superior protection for both cold temperature start-ups and high-temperature operation. Some vehicle manufacturers now specify synthetic oils as a standard requirement. Semi-Synthetic Semi-synthetic oil is a blend of natural hydro-carbon and synthetic oils. Semi-synthetic oil provides many of the benefits of synthetic oil at a much lower price.

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• Power Steering Fluid Flush in Grand Rapids, MI

  Pricing Please request a current price. Costs vary depending on vehicle make and model. You can also check our auto repair specials. How Often Power steering fluid should be replaced every 60,000 miles. Over time the seal conditioners, lubrication, and anti-foaming oil additives break down and can lead to excessive wear. Flushing your vehicle's power steering fluid also cleans out accumulated metal trash created by normal wear which greatly extends the life of the pressure pump and steering gear. Severe Service Vehicles that operate under heavy loads in hot temperatures (e.g. RVs, delivery vehicles) or in situations where the steering is heavily used (e.g. city driving) can cause the fluid to overheat. If the power steering fluid has a dark brown or black color or a burnt smell it should be replaced more often. Severe service vehicles should have their power steering fluid replaced every 30,000 miles. Contaminates Fluid with a milky or glittery look is an indication of suspended metal particles. Although flushing the fluid will rid the system of these contaminants, a large amount of metal trash is an indication of a mechanical problem that should be investigated.

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• Tire Rotation Service in Grand Rapids, MI

  Rotating tires is the practice of moving wheels and tires from one position on the car, to another, to ensure even tire wear. This procedure ensures each tire will be exposed to different situations and wear factors throughout its life. Uneven tire wear can be caused by a variety of reasons. Even tire wear is desirable to maintain consistent performance and maximum tire life. Tire Wear & Tear Uneven tire wear is normally caused by four conditions. First is tire inflation, second is vehicle design, third is vehicle use, and the fourth is mechanical problems. Tire Inflation Tire inflation is the most common cause of tire wear and steering problems. Chronically operating in an under or over-inflated state causes tires to wear unevenly. In severe cases, incorrect tire inflation can cause safety issues such as difficulty handling and risk of tire failure. Vehicle Design Front wheel drive vehicles typically wear their front tires far quicker than rear drive vehicles and require more frequent tire rotation. The extra weight of the front mounted motor and transmission causes extra load on the front tires. This extra forward placed weight also places greater vehicle braking (stopping) demands on the front tires. The normal additional wear from the strain of being the steering wheels is further compounded by the front wheels being the powered wheels. The extra load of front wheel drive causes the front tires to wear out at almost twice the rate of the rear tires. Four-wheel drive vehicles exhibit the same wear patterns as front wheel drive patterns. Steering the vehicle causes greater wear to the outside, front tire. As a vehicle turns greater weight is placed on the outer tire causing it to wear quicker than the opposite tire. Conversely, the sidewalls on the right tire tend to be bumped and rubbed against the curb while parking the vehicle, causing asymmetric sidewall wear. Vehicle Use Hard vehicle acceleration and braking also quickly wear the front tires due to slippage and the high heat generated with tire spin. Fast driving and cornering also place high loads on tires and result in fast, uneven tire wear. Mechanical Problems Suspension mechanical problems in the vehicle cause uneven tire wear. The wheels need to be aligned with each other and the vehicle. The wheel that is out of alignment will be dragged along by the other wheels, causing uneven wear in that tire. If the alignment is such that the vehicle tends to turn, the driver will correct by steering against the tendency. In effect the vehicle is constantly turning, causing uneven tire wear. Bottom Line For maximum tire life check and adjust tire pressures monthly and rotate tires on a regular basis. Pricing Please request a current price. Costs vary depending on vehicle make and model. You can also check our auto repair specials.

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• Tune Up Ignition Service in Grand Rapids, MI

  Tune Up Service One of the biggest changes in modern vehicle ownership is the perception of the term "tune-up". Contrary to common beliefs modern hi-tech vehicles still need tune-ups to keep them performing at peak performance and efficiency. Tune-up history Historically the tune-up was associated with the routine replacement of key ignition system parts like spark plugs and breaker points, along with performing adjustments to help "tune" the engine. Demands for increased fuel economy and lower emissions pushed vehicle manufacturers to adopt electronic ignition systems and replace the carburetor with electronic fuel injection. This eliminated the need for frequent replacement and adjustment of many ignition and fuel system parts. High tech tune-ups As technology progressed the procedures required to perform a tune-up changed dramatically. Highly sophisticated ignition and fuel systems using one or more computers to control critical engine and transmission management functions required equally sophisticated tools and repair technician skills. Fuel consumption and exhaust emissions decreased, and tune-up intervals became much longer. Is A tune-up still required? Although tune-up parts and procedures have changed greatly, there is still a need to maintain the ignition system. Modern vehicles are very reliable and will run unmaintained for long periods, but they will eventually break down and fail if not properly maintained. The major difference is that newer vehicle components cost far more when they do fail. When should a tune-up be done? Maintenance periods of modern vehicles vary greatly. To ensure good performance, fuel economy and decreased emissions it is best practice to follow the vehicle's maintenance schedule. Any problems between regular maintenance intervals usually indicate a problem that should be investigated and diagnosed. Modern tune-ups Inspections & Adjustments As part of a tune-up on modern vehicles, the following systems need to be inspected and adjusted: battery, charging and starting systems engine mechanical condition power-train control (including computer diagnostic checks) fuel systems ignition systems emissions systems (PCV, EGR, Evap) Parts replacement Spark plugs, air & fuel filters With the accurate fuel control provided by computer managed fuel-injection, spark plug life has been greatly extended. Replacement schedules vary greatly so the manufacturer's recommendation in the owner's manual should be followed. Air and fuel filters have a major impact on engine performance and should be replaced on a regular basis. Air filter life depends greatly on the conditions the vehicle is operated under. Spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor In addition to spark plugs, it is highly recommended to replace spark plug wires and were used, the distributor cap and rotor. With exposure to extremely high engine compartment temperatures and the demands of high energy electronic ignition systems these ignition components deteriorate and place extra load on expensive ignition coils and control system components. Electrical system analysis The electrical system is the heart of a modern vehicle and should be tested at each tune-up. Sophisticated electronic parts require a steady, clean supply of electrical energy. A weak battery or charging system problem can cause major problems such as engine stalling or poor performance, and the erratic check engine warning lights. The electrical system is comprised of three major components: a battery, a charging system, and a starting system. A weak or bad battery can be the result of a defect, over-charging, electrical drain due to an electrical short, or under-charging as a result of a bad drive belt, faulty voltage regulator, or alternator problems. The charging system maintains the battery voltage by replacing electrical energy used by all electrical devices in the vehicle. The charging system is comprised of an alternator, voltage regulator and the alternator drive belt. Electrical system problems can cause serious damage to highly sensitive electronics resulting in costly repairs.

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• Wheel Alignment Repair in Grand Rapids, MI

  Basic Wheel Alignment Inspection: Includes: Measure alignment to see if it is within specifications. Standard Wheel Alignment Adjustment: Includes: Test drive before and after service Normal alignment adjustments as needed Comprehensive inspection of steering & suspension including: Struts & shocks Ride height & springs Control arms Steering belt Tires Ball joints Wheel bearings Tie rods Stabilizers Power steering gear, pump, lines, cooler & fluid Engine & transmission mounts CV boots & joints & U-joints Detailed checklist report Premium Wheel Alignment Service: Includes: Test drive before and after service Normal alignment adjustments as needed Comprehensive inspection of steering & suspension including: Struts & shocks Ride height & springs Control arms Steering belt Tires Ball joints Wheel bearings Tie rods Stabilizers Power steering gear, pump, lines, cooler & fluid Engine & transmission mounts CV boots & joints & U-joints Detailed checklist report Computer spin balance 4 tires Tire rotation if needed, reset tire pressure light if required Notes: Some vehicles may require additional parts and/or labor to adjust alignment. Auto Care Tips Wheel Alignment Service Wheel alignment is the adjustment of your vehicle's suspension to optimize ride comfort, handling and steering characteristics. This service checks suspension components for safety concerns resulting from wear and damage, and measures and adjusts the suspension to manufacturer's specifications. Vehicle manufacturers specify precise settings to achieve maximum performance and economy. Maintaining the factory-specified suspension setting will make your car safer, easier to drive, greatly extend tire life, and ensure optimum fuel economy. Problems Sloppy or loose steering, pulling, and difficult steering can all be caused by wheel alignment problems. A properly aligned suspension can save you money by decreasing accelerated tire wear, poor fuel economy and excessive wear on suspension parts. Causes The most common cause of suspension misalignment is road hazards. Hitting a curb or large pothole can damage the suspension resulting in steering or handling problems such as loose steering, steering wheel off center, steering change direction after hitting bumps, and premature tire wear and replacement. An alignment inspection should be part of the diagnostic procedure. How Often It is recommended that alignment be performed yearly or every 15,000 miles or 25,000 KM. The installation of new tires or the replacement of suspension parts should always be accompanied by a wheel alignment. Bottom Line Checking the wheel alignment as a part of routine maintenance can significantly increase suspension and tire life, significantly decreasing repair costs. Beyond the economics, there is also the ease of mind from driving a safe and comfortable vehicle.

  Link: Wheel Alignment Repair in Grand Rapids, MI