Weather Station on Wheels (Vehicle Sensor Maintenance)
November 20, 2022
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
Following Recommended Intervals for Your vehicle
November 13, 2022
If you're reading this article in Clawson, Michigan, then you probably care about your vehicle and how it runs. Even though you care, there is still that moment of dread when your professional service advisor at Top Tech Auto Repair Clawson tells you the manufacturer recommends some additional s... More
Automotive Tips from Top Tech Auto Repair Clawson: Air Conditioning Inspection
November 6, 2022
Most auto manufacturers recommend an interval for an air conditioning system inspection. The inspection uncovers leaks, worn hoses and assesses the condition of the other components.Environmental laws in some around Clawson require leaks to be repaired before refrigerant can be added. Also some p... More
No Fueling! (Fuel Filler Location)
October 30, 2022
If you've ever gotten in an unfamiliar vehicle, maybe a rental car, you may have pulled up to the gas pump and wondered, "Which side is the fuel filler on?" Here's a tip for you. There is usually a little arrow on the instrument panel near the fuel gauge that points to the side where the fuel fi... More
Snake in the Engine (Serpentine Belt)
October 23, 2022
There's a belt that snakes through your engine. It's even named for a snake, the serpentine belt. It'll bite you when it breaks, possibly leaving you stranded. So, it's good to know a little about this snake-like belt. In early engines, there were lots of belts. They were used to convert the r... More
The Little Valve that Could (PCV Valve Replacement)
October 16, 2022
It's easy to get letters like PVC and PCV mixed up. PVC is a plastic that's used in a lot of things, especially plumbing pipes. And PCV is a valve that helps your engine burn off excess fumes rather than having them pollute our atmosphere. PCV stands for positive crankcase ventilation. When y... More
Your Vehicle's Hissy Fit (AC System)
October 9, 2022
When you hear hissing sounds coming from your vehicle, you might start thinking the worst. One type of hissing coming from around your air conditioner may be a normal sound, or it could be a sign of serious trouble. First - the normal sound. When you turn off your vehicle, the refrigerant goes... More
Ask Top Tech Auto Repair Clawson About the Importance of Service Intervals
October 2, 2022
Today in our Top Tech Auto Repair Clawson blog, we're going to talk about following recommended service intervals. Your vehicle isn't the only aspect of your life with recommended intervals: What about six-month dental cleanings and regular physical exams? Then there's laundry, mowing the lawn, ... More
Go With the Flow (MAF Sensor Replacement)
September 25, 2022
A driver brought her vehicle into the shop the other day and told us how she was getting lousy fuel economy and that the engine was running rough. Plus, the Check Engine light was on. Our technician checked the code the engine had generated (why the Check Engine light was on) and found the prob... More
Something to Latch On To (Hood Latch Safety)
September 18, 2022
The other day, a driver was trying to open his vehicle's hood so he could add some windshield washer fluid. But when he pulled the hood release inside the car, nothing happened. Usually, opening any hood is a 2-step process. You pull the hood release (which is usually a handle under the dashbo... More