Car Care: Auto Maintenance Services

Steve's Automotive Service Center Inc. is a full-service preventative maintenance and auto repair center, providing comprehensive car care services for your domestic or import vehicle to keep it running at full power. Serving all brands, models, imports, and fuel systems in Marne, we have the tools and expertise needed to ensure your vehicle operates exactly as intended by its manufacturer.

For inquiries, please reach out to us at 616-677-1155, or you can send us an email, and our proficient experts will be delighted to address your queries and assess the necessary actions.

Our basic auto maintenance services include:

• 30/60/90K Mileage Maintenance

Belts
A fan belt, also known as a drive belt, is a belt connecting your car's engine to the front mounted accessories. The fan belt rotates the water pump and engine fan, which maintains a cool environment for the engine and its components. Sooner or later, your vehicle's fan belts will dry out and crack. When you are ready for a replacement you can count on Steve's Automotive Service Center Inc. for all your vehicle's repair needs.

You not only have to get the belts replaced with quality ones but you should have the work done by experts. To have the belts replaced by auto cooling and heating experts - and get your car driving right - visit Steve's Automotive Service Center Inc. today. The mechanics at Steve's Automotive Service Center Inc. will thoroughly inspect your car's belts; replace all worn belts; and adjust the installed belts.

Check Engine Light
No one likes to see their car's "Check Engine" light come on. The light could mean a costly problem, like a bad catalytic converter, or it could be something minor, like a loose gas cap. At Steve's Automotive Service Center Inc., we can pull the code and diagnose the problem for you. Give us a call at 616-677-1155 or stop by the shop for our expert assistance.

• Cooling System Flush

Distributorless Ignition


The distributorless ignition system (DIS) is a reliable ignition system that eliminates many maintenance issues increasing the intervals between maintenance. The DIS design is unique, instead of a main coil within the engine control unit it has a coil directly attached to each spark plug. These small coils create substantial advantages by controlling the precise spark timing needed to power a car efficiently.

To determine if you need a mechanic and understand what we provide for a DIS please read the following:

I have a distributorless ignition. Does that mean I don't need regular maintenance?

Our goal is to keep your engine running at peak performance by completing preventative maintenance. The DIS needs fewer maintenance check ups because it does not have a distributor cap or rotor that needs maintenance, but spark plugs can deteriorate, coils weaken, and sensor problems can arise. These issues, along with a worn out PCV valve, or a dirty or damaged fuel filter or air filter, can hinder your engine's peak performance.

My cars engine isn't running at peak performance. Is it the distributorless ignition?

Though a DIS is reliable, a failure can occur. If the engine cranks but refuses to start or a cylinder is missing or misfiring there could be a problem with the DIS. Checking the coil is essential to the drivability of your vehicle. If a coil is dead or weak only one or two cylinders in the engine can function at peak performance.

A diagnostic of the DIS module and crankshaft sensor circuit is an important part of our services. When the engine is cranked, but there is an indication of low voltage to the coil pack, there is a problem in the crankshaft sensor circuit. The crankshaft position sensors generally have three terminals, the current feed, one for the ground and an output signal. If these three terminals are not working in tandem there will be no signal, letting us know the sensor has failed.

Other performance problems, such as lack of power, elevated emissions, or poor fuel economy may be a maintenance issue outside of the DIS. When these issues present themselves we complete an elimination check that starts with the individual coils to guarantee their resistance is within specifications. If the coils prove to be acceptable we proceed to the electronic spark control circuit, it may be receiving bad information from another sensor within the engine.

Whether it's preventative maintenance or a performance issue we will complete a thorough diagnostic test of the DIS, the individual parts, or the surrounding area to ensure your car is operating at peak performance.

• Factory Recommended Service/Maintenance

Fuel Injection


The fuel injector, a valve, is an extremely important part of an automobile. The fuel injector increases gas mileage and decreases air pollution by continually changing the amount of gasoline that is mixing with oxygen and being pushed to the engine.

When the fuel injector needs maintenance your car can start having the following symptoms:


• the power to the engine is inconsistent
• the gas milage has decreased
• the automobile is idling unevenly
• fuel scent
• the engine misfires

Our automotive service experts can diagnose and fix most problems including these most common issues:


• Dirty or clogged fuel injector-Fuel additives or microscopic foreign objects that result in an inability to supply gas to the intake manifold or creates a weak spray of gasoline to the engine.
• The valve fails to open or close-A faulty part such as a wire or spring, rust, or fuel additives create blockages or buildup that prevent the valve from opening or closing.
• Leaking-When other parts fail the fuel injector can overheat and stop working.
• Fuel System Cleaning

Hoses
Hoses play a critical role in transferring coolant and antifreeze throughout the engine's cooling system, including the radiator. Sooner or later, your vehicle's hoses will become dry and develop cracks. Not only should you replace the hoses with top-quality replacements, but you should also entrust this work to experts. Our mechanics will perform a comprehensive inspection of your car's hoses, replace any worn hoses, and fine-tune the newly installed ones.

• Ignition
• Ignition Wires & Cables

Oil, Lube, and Filter
To maintain smooth operation, your vehicle heavily relies on oil, lube, and oil filters. Oil serves to lubricate, cool, and cleanse the internal engine components. Over time, motor oil becomes contaminated. Your vehicle requires an oil, lube, and filter change on a regular basis, which will vary based on a number of factors. When the time comes for a lube, oil, or filter change, entrust your vehicle to Steve's Automotive Service Center Inc. in Marne, MI.

• Transmission Flush

FAQs About Automobile Squeaks, Squeals and Rattles

Why do my brakes squeak?

The most common reason brakes squeak is that they are worn out. The squeak is the sound of the metal wear indicator on the brake pad coming in contact with the metal rotor. Your brakes are the top safety feature on your vehicle, so come by Steve's Automotive Service Center Inc. and get them replaced right away. If you hear a squeaking only when you press the brake pedal the first 2-3 times when you first start driving in the morning it is the result of overnight moisture build up and likely nothing to worry about.

Why is my car making a squealing noise?

It may be a slipping fan belt. Listen for a few warning signs such as a squeaking or chirping noise. Those noises are usually caused by misalignment of the belt and the pulley. If you come by Steve's Automotive Service Center Inc. in Marne our professional auto repair technicians can realign it to stop the noise and fix it before your fan belt completely breaks.

Can engine rattling be fixed?

Yes. Many engine rattles can be fixed quickly and affordably. The most common reason for engine rattling is a collapsed valve lifter. This needs to be repaired quickly or it can cause misfires. Other common causes that need immediate attention are a failing tensioner belt, drive belt or low oil pressure. If the rattle is intermittent, it may be a poor connection between the rod and the crankshaft.

If the noise is loud, it may be a cracked flex plate or rusted heat shield. Higher mileage vehicles may have an engine rattle resulting from an engine hotspot ping, piston slap or degrading sound dampening features such as engine insulation. Sometime what sounds like an engine rattle is not the engine at all but a cracked catalytic converter.

Why does my car make a noise when I turn the steering wheel?

If your car makes strange sounds or clicks when you turn the steering wheel the most common cause is a low steering fluid. Over time the steering fluid decreases and air enters the steering mechanism causing unwanted noises. Come to Steve's Automotive Service Center Inc. to top off your fluid reservoir with power steering fluid. The noises should start to go away immediately. If the sound returns quickly your car could be leaking steering fluid. Our professionals in Marne can help you diagnose and repair leaks quickly and affordably.

Why does my car squeal when I start it in the morning?

A worn out cambelt (also known as a timing belt) will create a loud noise when you start your car's engine. The noise could range from squealing to hissing or rumbling. This is the sound of a cambelt that is about to break. If a cambelt breaks it can ruin your car's engine. Come to Steve's Automotive Service Center Inc. and get it replaced right away.

Why are my wheels making a chirping sound when I accelerate?

The most common reason why your car's wheels make a chirping or squealing sound, especially during acceleration is a bad wheel bearing. If you notice a grinding or grating noise coming from your wheel this can also be the sound of a wheel bearing beginning to fail. If you are in Marne, Walker, Jenison, Grand Rapids or the surrounding area, come by Steve's Automotive Service Center Inc. and we can diagnose the problem quickly.

Windshield Wiper FAQs

Why are my windshield wipers not working?

If your windshield wiper won't turn on the most common reason is a blown fuse. Come by Steve's Automotive Service Center Inc. and we can replace the fuse quickly and affordably. Other reasons windshield wipers may fail are electrical faults in the control arm, or wiper motor. If your windshield wipers are failing to wipe away water the most likely cause is torn or worn-out wiper blades. Wiper blades are made of rubber and need to be replaced frequently.

How much does it cost to replace windshield wipers?

The average cost for a windshield wiper blade replacement is between $40 and $80 including parts and labor. Come by Steve's Automotive Service Center Inc. in Marne and we can replace your windshield wipers quickly and affordably.

Can I replace both windshield wiper blades or just one?

If one windshield wiper blade is worn out and failing the other is like to fail soon too. Windshield wiper blades are usually sold as a pair. It is usually more cost effective to replace both at the same time. If you have front and rear wiper blades on your vehicle, replace them at the same time as well.

Leaking Fluid FAQs

Why is water leaking on my foot on the driver's side?

The most common cause is a blocked air conditioning drain hose. This is a simple repair at Steve's Automotive Service Center Inc.. There are other possible causes of water dripping on your foot on the driver's side of the car including a broken door seal or leaking heat exchanger.

What should I do if my car creates a small oil leak on my driveway?

If the spill is still wet, cover the stain with clay cat litter, sand, cornmeal, cornstarch or baking soda. This will help absorb the oil before it soaks into the cement. Once the spill has dried, sweep up the absorbent material. Then, wash away the remaining stain with water and soap. A small oil leak on your driveway is an indication that something is wrong with your car. Bring your car to Steve's Automotive Service Center Inc. to get the problem diagnosed. Do not ignore an oil leak as it can seriously affect your car's engine.

Why is my car leaking a sweet-smelling fluid?

If there is a sweet-smelling fluid leaking from your car, the most likely culprit is leaking coolant or antifreeze. A coolant leak can become a serious problem. If your vehicle gets too low on coolant or antifreeze, it will overheat and may cause engine damage.

Motor Oil FAQs

What are the 4 types of engine motor oil?

There are four basic classes of engine oil used in car maintenance today. Your owner's manual will explain which type of motor oil your vehicle needs. It is important to always use the correct type of motor oil. The four types of motor oil are:

• Conventional petroleum-based motor oil - This is the most common type of motor oil used in vehicles.
• Synthetic motor oil - a lubricant made up of artificial chemical compounds derived by breaking down and rebuilding petroleum molecules.
• Synthetic blend motor oil - a combination of common petroleum motor oil and synthetic motor oil.
• High mileage oil - This type of motor oil is most commonly used in commercial vehicles and contains additives and seal enhancers that reduce leaks.

What are the steps for performing an oil change?

1. Remove the plug and drain the old engine oil.
2. Remove the old oil filter.
3. Replace it with a new oil filter.
4. Replace the plug and fill with new oil.
5. Check to ensure that oil levels are correct.

Oil Filter FAQs

What are the three types of oil filters?

• Cellulose media filter - This is the most common type of disposable oil filter found in cars today.
• Synthetic media filter - Made from high quality synthetic fibers, also catch and remove the smallest particulates and withstand complex chemical reactions better.
• Micro glass media filters - High-end oil filters that include an extremely fine metal media or micro glass material.

How often should oil filters be changed?

Consult your owner's manual to determine the maintenance interval for your vehicle's oil filter. Some manufacturers recommend that the oil filter be replaced every time you get your oil changed while others recommend every other time.

Discover More About Car & Truck Care Repair Services At Steve's Automotive Service Center Inc. in Marne

Inspections & Emissions
Undercar Services