Posted on 1/7/2025

Why Winterizing Your Car in Michigan is Essential Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can take a serious toll on your vehicle, making winterizing your car not just a smart choice but a crucial one. At Westside Service, we believe that preparing your car for the winter months is essential for safe driving and avoiding unexpected repairs. Here’s why winterizing your vehicle should be at the top of your to-do list this season. Michigan Harsh Winters Require Extra Care Michigan winters are notoriously harsh. From icy roads to heavy snowfall, your car endures extreme conditions, which can affect its performance and safety. Winterizing your car ensures that it is ready to handle whatever Mother Nature throws its way. Prevent Battery Failure Cold weather significantly reduces battery capacity. On those frigid mornings, your car’s battery may struggle to start, leaving you stranded. As temperatures drop, it’s vital to have your battery checked to ensure it has enough pow ... read more
Posted on 9/3/2024

As summer winds down and the school year ramps up, it's not just backpacks and school supplies that need attention—your vehicle does too. Whether you're a high school student heading to your first job, a parent juggling multiple schedules, or a college student getting ready for another year away from home, reliable transportation is crucial. At Westside Service, we're here to help you get your vehicle in tip-top shape for the busy months ahead. Here's a comprehensive guide to back-to-school auto repair services for everyone in your family. For High Schoolers: The Essentials of Auto Maintenance 1. Basic Car Care Knowledge: High schoolers driving for the first time might be excited but can be a little overwhelmed by car maintenance. It’s a good idea to become familiar with the basics: Checking Oil Levels: Regular oil changes are crucial. We can show you how to check and change your oil if you're up for it. Tire Maintenance: Learn how to check tire pressu ... read more
Posted on 9/25/2023
The weather is changing and we can expect more rain, and snow is coming as well. To get your car ready for the fall and winter driving, we recommend the "Fall Tune Up". Even though the tune-up is not what it used to be - since most modern cars are self-tuning to a large extent ( thanks to on-board computers that control the richness of air-fuel mixture, change air intake as needed, and adjust many parameters "on-the-fly"), we still recommend having professional inspection of your vehicle's major components before the storms and the snow arrive. The major concerns during fall and winter driving are vehicle control, stopping distance, visibility and starting. Vehicle control is in large measure influenced by the suspension. So we recommend suspension check, because worn out suspension can significantly increase stopping distance, and often the process of suspension wearing out is so gradual that drivers don't even notice that it's happening. Brake ... read more