Reliable Auto Repair Shop in North Branch, MI

Engine damage from cooling system problems: Potential cost $3,000-$8,000+ Many drivers think overheating only happens in summer, but winter can be just as dangerous for your engine. Low or weak coolant, small leaks, or a failing thermostat can cause serious damage when temperatures drop. In extreme cases, coolant can freeze and crack engine components. How to avoid it: Have coolant level and strength checked before winter, address coolant leaks right away, and never ignore temperature warnings or overheating. A simple coolant check can prevent catastrophic engine damage. Transmission Failure Triggered by Cold Weather: Potential cost $3,500-$6,500+ Cold weather thickens transmission fluid. If a transmission is already worn or leaking, winter can push it past the breaking point. Many failures start with subtle signs like delayed shifting, slipping on cold mornings, or harsh engagement. How to avoid it: Fix small leaks early, pay attention to shifting changes, and have transmission fluid condition checked, especially on higher-mileage vehicles. Catching transmission issues early can often save thousands. Suspension and Steering Damage from WInter Potholes: Potential cost: $1,200-$2,500+ Freeze-thaw cycles create potholes that are often hidden under snow or slush. These hard impacts commonly damage ball joints, tie rods, control arms, wheel bearings, and struts. What starts as a small noise can quickly turn into a major repair. How to avoid it: Have new clunks, rattles, or steering changes checked promptly, get an alignment check after hitting a large pothole, and watch for uneven tire wear. Ignoring suspension issues can lead to more damage and unsafe driving conditions. Brake System Damage from Salt and Corrosion Potential cost: $1,000-$2,500+ Road salt accelerates rust, especially on brake components. We often see seized calipers, corroded brake lines, and hardware failures during the winter months. This can turn a routine brake job into a much more expensive repair. How to avoid it: Have brakes inspected before winter, address brake noise or pulling immediately, and don't wait for warning signs like grinding or vibration. Early brake inspections can prevent full system replacement. Electrical Failures Caused by Weak Batteries Potential cost $800-$2,000+ Cold weather exposes weak batteries fast. A failing battery can damage starters, stress alternators, trigger warning lights, and leave you stranded at the worst possible time. How to avoid it: Have your battery tested before winter, replace weak batteries proactively, and address slow cranking early. A battery replacement is far cheaper than a tow and electrical diagnosis. Why Winter Repairs Get So Expensive Winter doesn't usually create problems- it exposes existing ones. Most major winter breakdowns start as: small leaks, minor noises, intermittent warning lights, and/or slight changes in how your vehicle drives. Fixing these issues early is almost always far less expensive than waiting for a breakdown. A thorough winter inspection can help catch small problems before they turn into costly repairs. At Faithful Auto and Truck Repair, we focus on honest, preventative inspections designed to keep you safe and help you plan. Michigan winters are hard on vehicles, but a little preparation now can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress later. If you're unsure your vehicle can survive the winter, we're happy to take a look and give you straightforward advice you can trust.

Common Reasons a Car Shakes When Accelerating Worn engine or transmission mounts can wear over time or even crack. The extra movement causes your car to vibrate during acceleration, especially when you shift from park to drive or give it gas. Another issue causing shaking could be bad CV axles or driveshaft. If you have a Front Wheel Drive vehicle, a damaged CV axle can cause heavy shaking when accelerating. Rear Wheel Drive vehicles might experience the same problem from a bent or unbalanced driveshaft. Unbalanced tires or misaligned tires cause uneven weight distribution creates vibration. You'll usually feel it more at higher speeds. Getting your tires balanced and rotated can quickly solve this. A misfire happens when one or more cylinders aren't firing properly. It could be a faulty spark plug, ignition coils, or fuel system issues leading to uneven engine operation, causing the engine to stumble or shake under acceleration. If your check engine light is on, this might be the reason why. Suspension or steering issues like loose control arm bushings, tie rods, or ball joints can cause your vehicle to feel unstable or cause shaking, especially when you speed up or hit bumps. If the vibration feels like a shudder during gear shifts or when speeding up from a stop, the issue could be with your transmission fluid, torque converter, or differential. What to Do When Your Car Shakes -Inspect your tires and wheels looking for wear, bulges, or missing wheel weights, look for broken or leaking motor mounts, and make sure all lugnuts are tight. -Note when it happens. During takeoff? It could be the drivetrain (axle, mount, engine). At highway speeds? Likely a tire or wheel balance issue. During gear shifts? Possibly transmission-related. Only under load? These clues help narrow it down. Its best to get a professional inspection by a trusted mechanic here at Faithful Auto and Truck Repair. A mechanic can check for bad mount, axle issues, or engine misfires. Simple issues like a tire balance or spark plugs are quick fixes- but if ignored, they can cause costly damage. A shaking car isnt something to ignore- it's your vehicle asking for help. It just doesn't feel bad- it can damage your tires, suspension, or drivetrain if ignored. At Faithful Auto and Truck Repair, our ASE certified technicains will pinpoint the cause of your vibration and get you back on the road fast.