MAINTENANCE
SPAANSTRA BROS. AUTO MAINTENANCE
Air conditioning service at Spaanstra Bros. Automotive Service in Grand Rapids starts with a visual inspection of the components for signs of damage or leaks. The compressor is driven by a belt from the engine, most often the serpentine belt, so it's inspected for cracks or wear.
The air conditioning compressor and other components are checked for proper operation by your Spaanstra Bros. Automotive Service service advisor. Then comes the leak test. If a leak is detected, often in a hose or connection, it's repaired and the vehicle system is retested. Your Spaanstra Bros. Automotive Service technician will also perform a temperature drop test.
We are focused on battery maintenance. Eventually, your car battery will fail and you will need to replace it. In fact, 70% don't even make it for four years. There are some things drivers in Grand Rapids can do, however, to make their battery last a little longer.
It's all about the flow of electrical power. When you start your vehicle, the battery uses power to get your engine cranking.
As your engine runs, your alternator generates electricity to run all your electrical systems: like lights, a half dozen computers, anti-lock brake system, traction control, power windows, electronic fuel injectors, stability control, air conditioning, transmission servos – the list goes on. Any leftover electricity goes to recharge your vehicle battery. Then you turn on your radio and seat heaters; maybe plug in your cell phone and computer; the kids watch a DVD and pretty soon there isn't much extra electricity to go back into the battery.
Your vehicle weighs several thousand pounds and it takes a lot of force to bring it and your passengers to a safe stop – so everything needs to be in good working order.
The wheel hub keeps your wheel attached to the vehicle. The brake disc – or rotor – is attached to the hub and spins with the wheel as you drive. Your brake pads clamp onto the rotor to slow the wheel. The brake caliper straddles the rotor and squeezes the rotor to slow it down. The calipers contain brake pads which rub on the rotor when you step on the brakes. The brake piston causes the calipers to squeeze and release as you use your brakes.
The key to good vehicle maintenance starts with the oil change. Think about it – when you go in for a full-service oil change in Grand Rapids, your friendly and knowledgeable Spaanstra Bros. Automotive Service technician will check all your fluids. If one of them is low, he will look for the reason why. If your serpentine belt is worn, he'll see it and let you know. Corroded battery cable – they've got you covered. And they'll check to see if your manufacturer has recommended any services at your current mileage.
So when you come into Spaanstra Bros. Automotive Service for an oil change, you get a visual inspection of your car and a reminder for recommended services so you can avoid a total failure. And remember that your technician can help you work out a maintenance and repair plan for your vehicle, prioritizing and scheduling the work to make sure you and your family are safe and avoid expensive breakdowns.