Grand Rapids Auto Repair

As winter comes upon us, there are some ways to prepare ourselves for the cold weather. We must take out our winter clothes, coats, footwear, and bedding. It is also time to winterize our cars with oil changes and tire rotations. However, do you have what you need in your car, in case of emergencies? Here are some items you need to pack in your car trunk for winter: 1. Portable Cell Phone Charger - A portable charger is crucial if your car cannot start. Without the engine being able to start, you're not able to use the cigarette lighter or any USB ports in your car. Locate and power up your portable charger, so you can call for help. 2. Ice Scraper - This is to remove snow and ice from your car windows and lights, so you can have 100% visibility when driving. 3. Shovel - A compact or foldable shovel removes snow or dirt, to get you out of a ditch or snowbank, to improve your tire's traction ... read more

Understanding how to check your vehicle's transmission fluid can help you in times where you feel like your transmission is underperforming, and aren't sure of the exact cause. While checking your vehicle's transmission fluid can inform you of whether low transmission fluid is an issue, we recommend bringing your vehicle into Ervine's & Grand Rapids Hybrid if you ever suspect that there is a problem with your vehicle's transmission. Here is how to check your vehicle's transmission fluid:  Put your vehicle in park and let the engine run.    Locate the transmission fluid dipstick, which is usually sticking out of the transaxle.   Pull out the transmission fluid dipstick.   First, use a towel to wipe the fluid on the dipstick. Check the consistency of the fluid - it should be pinkish or clear and have an oil like consistency. Black or dark brown fluid that has chunks in it is a very bad sign and means you are du ... read more

We know that winter driving can be stressful, especially when you try to stay off the roads in times of winter storms and snow. The best thing you can do to be as prepared as possible when hitting the road in the winter is by ensuring that your vehicle is ready to handle the cold weather.  An inspection at our shop can help guarantee that your vehicle is in the best condition to stay reliable through the winter weather, and if not, we can help make the repairs necessary to get your vehicle where it needs to be.  Here are some of the top causes of winter vehicle breakdowns: Engine overheating - Motor oil runs thicker in cold temperatures, making it harder for it to circulate and keep your car running smoothly—and prevent it from overheating. A dead battery - It’s harder for car batteries to produce a charge in winter — meaning it might not be able to produce enough energy to start your car when you t ... read more

The fall months are filled with chilly weather, falling leaves, and the excitement of the holidays to come. The summer can typically take a toll on our vehicles, due to the high heat and the increase in driving. Preparing your vehicle and making sure that it's ready for fall is important to your car's overall health and your safety on the road. So, how can you prepare your vehicle for the fall season?  Getting your vehicle ready for fall requires just a few simple maintenance items or an inspection here at Ervine's & Grand Rapids Hybrid. The following services are the most important when it comes to fall maintenance:  Tires If you've ever hydroplaned on the road before, you understand how important having good tires is. The fall season is typically wetter weather, and therefore your tires need to have good tread in order to make proper traction with the road. Otherwise, you'll find yourself losing control of your vehicle during rain ... read more