Unlock the Secret (Malfunctioning Door Lock Actuator)
January 26, 2020
What a convenience power door locks are on a vehicle. The latest don't even require you to push the button on the key fob; all you have to do is have it with you. But sometimes there's a component of power door locks that can fail, especially when they are used several times each day. Those ar... More
Timing Belt
January 21, 2020
Ever heard the sad tale of a staggeringly steep repair bill from a broken timing belt? Bad news. Let's take a lesson from their woes and remember to think about our timing belt.First, let's review what a timing belt does. The top part of the engine over the cylinders is called the cylinder head.... More
An Oil for All Seasons (Engine Oil Selection)
January 20, 2020
You swap your winter boots for flip-flops in the summer. Why not change your winter engine oil for summer, hot-weather oil? While it may seem like it makes sense, there's some good news. Most drivers don't have to, and here's why. Engine oil can be made in different thicknesses. That thicknes... More
How Does Auto Lab Troy Know What to Recommend?
January 19, 2020
When you drop your vehicle off at Auto Lab Troy in Troy, they don't just poke around under your hood looking for stuff to do. Auto Lab Troy professionals have lists and procedures they follow for different types of service. First of all, your Troy service center will note the mileage on your vehi... More
Not-So-Common Sense (Sensor Failures)
January 19, 2020
So your vehicle won't start. What's the first thing that comes to mind? Battery dead? Starter motor worn out? Out of gas? Well, those are all reasons that make sense. But your vehicle may be refusing to start because one of its computers is being warned that to do so might damage it. Here's ... More
The Best Test
January 18, 2020
Would you buy a jacket without even trying it on? Probably not, but it might surprise you that one study shows about half the people buy a vehicle after a short test drive around the block or none at all. If you're in the market for another vehicle, make sure you check out the most important thi... More
Pinch Petroleum Pennies! (Fuel Saving Tips)
January 17, 2020
If you saw a dollar bill on the ground, you'd pick it up, right? Well, whether you find that dollar on the ground or in savings at the gas pump, money is money, and here are some ways to hold on to more of it. Slowing down is the easiest way to save fuel, especially for every speed increase over ... More
The Turn Signal Mystery (Turn Signal Problems)
January 16, 2020
Some problems are easy to diagnose on a vehicle; others aren't. Figuring out what's wrong with a malfunctioning turn signal sometimes fits into both categories. By the way, if your tempted to just leave your broken blinker broken, remember you can get a ticket for not using them, not to mention... More
Automotive Tips from Auto Lab Troy: Wiper Blades ? Signs of Wear
January 15, 2020
90% of our driving decisions are based on vision. Anything that impedes your vision can affect your driving safety including a dirty windshield. In that sense, your wiper blades are an important safety system. Most Troy drivers will wait until their wipers have failed before they replace them. T... More
Differential Service at Auto Lab Troy: Viva la Difference
January 14, 2020
Every vehicle on Michigan roads has a differential, and it is important to the proper operation of the vehicle. But most Troy residents don't have a clue what it is.The differential compensates for differing wheel speeds. For example, when you turn, the inside tire on the turn travels a much sh... More