Fears and Gears (Signs of Automatic Transmission Problems)

December 10, 2023

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

Shifty Letters PRNDL (Transmission)

June 11, 2023

You probably figured out those shifty letters. They're what you see on your automatic transmission shifter and stand for Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Low. Your automatic transmission is one of the great automotive inventions; here are some ways you can keep yours working well. Maintain you... More

Automotive Tips from Sterling Tire & Auto: A Broken or Damaged Timing Belt

June 20, 2021

The timing belt rotates the cam shafts which open and close the valves that allow air, fuel, and exhaust to flow through the engine as it powers your car when you drive around Sterling Heights.An old timing belt can lose a tooth in the belt allowing it to slip. The engine could stop or misfire. T... More

Gear Up: Transmission Service at Sterling Tire & Auto in Sterling Heights

March 9, 2020

The transmission system in your vehicle allows you to change gears. Lower gears are power gears. They get your vehicle moving and get it up hills. Higher gears get the vehicle up to speed and get it rolling faster. If you have a standard transmission, then you have to do the work of shifting gea... More

Transmission Service at Sterling Tire & Auto in Sterling Heights

March 2, 2020

Let's talk about transmission service. It can be easy for Sterling Heights drivers to forget about getting their transmission serviced because it doesn't need it very often. It's easier for people in Michigan to remember to change the engine oil - you know, every 3,000 miles or 5,000 kilometers. ... More

Good Timing: Proper Timing Belt Replacement Saves Money for Sterling Heights Drivers

February 9, 2020

Knowing how their engine works can help Sterling Heights drivers make informed decisions about auto care and prevent repairs to their vehicles. This is especially true when it comes to timing belts.An engine's power is generated in the cylinders. Inside the cylinder is a piston that moves up and... More

It Pays to Take Care of Your Transmission at Sterling Tire & Auto

March 17, 2019

If you've been paying attention, you've noticed that vehicle engines are getting more and more powerful in Sterling Heights. At the same time, they are getting better and better fuel economy. I've gotta tell 'ya, most of that's because of technological advances in transmissions. To get a better ... More

Transmission Care in Sterling Heights, Michigan

January 27, 2019

Do you have any plans around Sterling Heights, Michigan, for the weekend? Maybe you and some friends are taking the boat up to the lake. Maybe you'll be having a lot of fun water skiing and doing a little fishing.You got the boat all ready. It's all gassed up. You packed lots of snacks and the c... More

Automotive Tips from Sterling Tire & Auto: Knowing When Your Timing Belt Should Be Replaced

April 3, 2018

The timing belt in your engine controls the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves. Sterling Heights drivers need to replace it on a schedule to avoid failure.Timing belts are very difficult to get to, requiring quite a bit of labor to access. Timing belt replacement is one of the m... More

Ask Sterling Tire & Auto: What Happens When a Serpentine Belt Breaks?

November 14, 2017

The serpentine belt is aptly named since it snakes around under your hood. It may lack its namesake's fangs, but it sure packs a wallop when it breaks.The serpentine belt powers a lot of engine systems. It runs the alternator, which charges the battery; the water pump (on some vehicles), which co... More