Tire Condition Is About More Than Mileage

Two identical tires can reach the end of their useful life at different mileage depending on driving style, alignment, inflation, road conditions and maintenance.

Tread depth is important, but tire age, sidewall condition, impact damage and abnormal wear should also be considered.

Uneven Wear

Wear concentrated on one edge or one section of the tire may provide clues about inflation, alignment or suspension conditions.

Repeatedly Adding Air Does Not Fix a Leak

A tire that consistently loses pressure should be inspected to locate the source. The cause may involve the tire itself, the wheel, a valve component or another sealing issue.

Cold Michigan temperatures can also lower measured tire pressure, but one tire repeatedly losing significantly more pressure than the others deserves closer inspection.

Brake Problems Can Show Up as Sound, Feel or Vehicle Movement

Brake wear does not always begin with a loud grinding noise. Changes may happen gradually and show up as pedal feel, vibration or a difference in the way the vehicle stops.

Squealing

Brake squealing may indicate component wear or another braking-system condition.

Grinding

Grinding can indicate significant wear and should generally receive prompt attention.

Vehicle Pulling

Pulling during braking can involve brakes, tires or other chassis-related conditions.

Pay Attention When the Way Your Vehicle Shifts Changes

Drivers often become familiar with how their vehicle normally accelerates and shifts. A noticeable change can provide an early indication that something needs attention.

Transmission symptoms can include delayed engagement, slipping, harsh shifts, abnormal noises or warning lights.

Not every driveability problem is automatically caused by the transmission, which is why proper evaluation is important.

An Overheating Engine Should Not Be Ignored

Your cooling system regulates engine temperature under a wide range of driving conditions.

Coolant loss, fan problems, thermostat conditions, radiator issues and other failures can contribute to overheating.

Continuing to drive a severely overheating vehicle can result in much more expensive engine damage.

Climate Control Matters in Every Michigan Season

Air conditioning keeps the cabin comfortable during summer, while proper heating and defrosting become critical during winter.

Weak airflow, inconsistent temperature or a system that no longer heats or cools may have several possible causes.

Maintenance Is Easier to Plan Than an Unexpected Breakdown

Regular vehicle maintenance gives you an opportunity to address normal wear and inspect components before a failure interrupts your day.

Maintenance needs are not identical for every vehicle. Manufacturer recommendations, mileage, age and driving patterns should all be considered.

Keeping maintenance records can also prevent unnecessary duplication because you know what has already been completed.

A Vehicle Can Look Good and Still Need Mechanical Work

Cosmetic condition does not tell you everything about a used car. A clean vehicle may still have mechanical problems, warning codes, worn tires or maintenance that has been delayed.

An inspection can provide additional information before you make a purchasing decision.

One Expensive Repair Does Not Automatically Mean the Car Is Finished

When an older vehicle needs a major repair, compare more than just the repair cost.

Consider overall condition, reliability, maintenance history, other repairs that may be approaching and the cost of replacing the vehicle with another dependable car.

A Mechanic Inspection Can Give You Better Information

A well-maintained vehicle requiring one major repair may still have significant useful life remaining.

A vehicle with several major systems requiring immediate work can present a very different decision.