Beginning to See the Light (Check Engine Light Diagnostics)
April 21, 2024
It's a light many drivers fear they'll see turn on at the most inopportune time. It's the one on the dash that says "Check Engine," "Service Engine Soon," or it may be simply an engine-shaped light. Your first instinct may be to pull off to the side of the road and turn off the engine. The truth... More
Oil Times are a-Changin' (Oil Change Synthetic)
April 14, 2024
When it comes to oil changes, things are really changing. Most newer vehicles require synthetic oil, and while it costs more than conventional oil, it doesn't need to be changed as often. When conventional oil was the only game in town, you changed your oil every 3,000 miles/5,000 km. But as tec... More
Automotive Tips from Sterling Tire & Auto: Air Conditioning ? Common Problem
April 7, 2024
Your auto air conditioning system cools and conditions the air in your passenger compartment when you are driving around Sterling Heights. It also removes moisture from the air to keep your windows from fogging up.A common A/C problem for Sterling Heights drivers that visit Sterling Tire & Auto i... More
Positive Crankcase Ventilation ? PCV Valve Service at Sterling Tire & Auto
March 31, 2024
Hello Sterling Heights! Did you know that the first federally-mandated emissions control device was introduced in the 1960's? The Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve, or PCV valve, has been installed in Michigan vehicles since 1964 and represents the first legislation by the United States govern... More
Not-So-Smooth Operator (Transmission Signs of Trouble)
March 24, 2024
You are heading down a flat, newly paved street when all of a sudden you feel it. Your vehicle jumps a little bit when you're accelerating and changing gears. You know it's not the surface of the road because it's smooth as silk. So what did you just feel? That kind of jumpingor grinding or sl... More
Road Trip? Check! (Trip Inspection)
March 17, 2024
After months of postponing travel far away from home, a lot of us can't wait to hit the road and scream "Road Trip!" again. But how long has it been since the vehicle you're planning on taking has had a thorough inspection? And is it roadworthy for several days on the highway? Time to schedule a... More
TPMS: Tire Pressure Monitoring for Your Sterling Heights Vehicle
March 10, 2024
Sterling Heights drivers may know that all 2008 model year and newer cars, mini-vans and light trucks in Michigan come with a tire pressure monitoring system. Many slightly older vehicles around the Sterling Heights area have these systems as well. A tire pressure monitoring system called TPMS ... More
Let's Clear Some Things Up (Headlight Restoration)
March 3, 2024
You know how exposing your skin to sunlight can cause sunburn and other unhealthy things. Sunlight can also create major problems for your headlights. After they've been exposed to ultraviolet light, acrylic headlights can yellow and fog due to oxidation. And when that happens, less light can ... More
Round and Round (Wheel Balancing)
February 25, 2024
In a perfect world, all wheels and tires would be perfectly round and weigh exactly the same at every point of the wheel. Unfortunately, they're not, and if they're out of balance, they can reduce the lifespan of your tires, make your vehicle shake like a carnival ride, and maybe even damage a f... More
Weather Station on Wheels (Vehicle Sensor Maintenance)
February 18, 2024
You probably never thought about it, but your vehicle is like a rolling weather station. It can check the outside temperature, let you know when the roads are slippery and help you deal with rain. And how it does all those things is pretty cool. First, just like any weather station, a vehicle ha... More