Kalamazoo Import Auto Repair

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Welcome to Flying Dog's Import Automotive Blog!

Monthly Archives: August 2015

Sometimes a cheap brake job costs a lot more!

Sometimes a cheap brake job costs a lot more!

We had a Volvo in a while back and when I drove the car into the shop I noticed that the brake pedal was very difficult to operate as there was no power assist for the brake system. I did a quick visual inspection and found a portion of the brake vacuum tubing damaged. Engine vacuum is a critical component in making your brakes work properly, and with this damaged line, there was quite a bit more foot effort required to stop the car. We asked the owner about this and found that the car had been to another shop and quite a bit of work had been done in an attempt to fix this to no avail. The next recommendation was to replace the brake rotors as it was felt that the rotors were glazed. Other common issues of carelessness we see: Sliding parts that don't get cleaned and lubricated. These parts are much more likely to seize and cause premature brake failure.

Brake pads and don't move easily on the pad bracket, causing brakes to drag.

Cheap rotors with too much lateral run



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Car Repairs & Service: Necessary Vs. Suggested

Car Repairs & Service: Necessary Vs. Suggested

Every time a customer visits we ask ourselves: what repair and service is mandatory in order to keep their import car in great shape, what's suggested but not immediately necessary, and how will this service benefit our customer? For instance, we know that basic services like maintaining fluid levels, regular oil changes, windshield wiper blade replacements, and wheel alignment services are important for all import cars whether it's a reliable Honda Accord or an ultimate driving BMW. If the engine temperature warning light is on and it needs to be diagnosed. That falls under "mandatory" because an overheating engine and the systems that monitor it failing can lead to major repairs down the road. Other examples of mandatory, even if there are no current symptoms to the driver, are suspenion components. Ball joints and tie rods with excess play that do not meet minimum specifications can be unsafe. Waiting for the engine to melt down, or a ball joint to break are clearly NO ... read more

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