DARRELL'S FIRESTONE
Maintaining your vehicle at home is a satisfying way to keep your motoring costs down. With the right knowledge and products even someone who isn't very mechanically inclined can take care of many of the smaller issues in everyday driving. Sometimes, however, car issues can be too specialized or complex for the average motorist to take care of by themselves and it becomes time to take your car to the pros. Below you'll find three major warning signs that you need to get to a mechanic ASAP, as well as some of the potential causes behind them.
Engine and Drivetrain Problems
Let's start at the beginning. If your car won't even turn over and start up, then the rest of the problems on this list won't come into play. The simplest cause of this issue is a dead battery, which you can remedy with jumper cables, and the instructions that come printed on their packaging. If jumping the car doesn't work, you may have a larger problem with your ignition system. It's advisable to take your car into the shop at this point because finding the root of the problem will likely involve removing a few parts from your engine. Whether it's dead spark plugs or electrical problems, it's better to have it dealt with by a professional. Likewise, engine surging where the revs rise and fall can mean a problem with your fuel injectors, which are fairly deep within your motor. It's unwise to drive around with a surging engine, as this burns more gas and can cause unintended acceleration. Drivetrain issues are another major issue requiring professional attention. Everybody fears the dreaded transmission repairs, so if certain gears won't engage or they shift at the wrong times you should definitely take your car to the qualified mechanics here at Darrell's Firestone.
Vibration While Driving
This issue can be caused by damaged drivetrain components, but can also stem from misaligned wheels or unbalanced or flat tires. If you feel any vibration or shuddering as you drive along, you should get to a mechanic as soon as you can. At its worst, this issue can lessen your control over the car, potentially causing accidents. This will also wear out your tires more quickly than if everything was straight and true. Unwanted vibrations put stress on important (and costly) components like suspension and brakes while decreasing gas mileage, so it's smart to take your car in as soon as these issues develop.
Poor Braking Performance
Your brakes are vital to keeping you safe on the road and should definitely be cared for by a professional, unless you're absolutely sure you know what you're doing. Common signs of issues with your car's braking system include squeaking or squealing when the brakes are applied, or the brakes feeling spongy and failing to slow your vehicle properly. Squealing brakes are caused by the brake pads wearing through the pad surface to the metal underneath. At this point the metal behind your brake pad is coming into contact with the brake rotor. This can be disastrous and produce unwanted heat, reduced stopping power, and cause you to have to buy new rotors as well as the relatively cheap pads. Spongey and weak brakes can mean there's a problem with your master cylinder, which converts the mechanical pressure of you pressing the pedal into hydraulic pressure to apply the brakes. In either case, it's best to have your brakes seen to by the professional mechanics here at Darrell's Firestone.
There are instances where car maintenance is simple and easy, but if you notice any of these issues developing, it's best to take your car in for a qualified mechanic's checkup so the problems can be remedied before they turn into much more serious issues. Darrell's Firestone has the tools and expertise to have you safely back on the road in no time at all.
What People Say About Us
They took care of some repairs on my 2000 jeep Cherokee. I've been coming almost 10 years. I've had my jeep 20 years, it's a pretty old vehicle. It's been a reliable vehicle. DARREL'S FIRESTONE is like a family being I just live a couple blocks. Chris had my jeep in & out in a timely manner.
Very professional and great people. They charge reasonably
sai krishna haridass, 05/04/2021
I was having a noise for over a year and the were able to fix the problem when know one else was able to tell me what was wrong. I also like that they do a full inspection and let you if there are any other problems.
Great work.
sonia flowers, 03/31/2021
Very good to work with and very professional.
Derrick Richardson, 03/26/2021
I took my vehicle to another shop last year (name starts with Mr and is on Grand River) to have my exhaust repaired. Basically they didn?t do it correctly and over charged me for the work. So a year later, I took my vehicle to Darrell?s. The technician took a look and said it was not welded correctly, and they could repair the welds and get me back on the road for a small fee. I should have taken my vehicle to Darrell?s first. Lesson learned
Michael ORourke, 03/24/2021
I went to Darrell's to find out why my car had a rubber odor and why my car had a pulling feeling when I would drive sometimes. They diagnosed my van with a plugged catalytic converter. I came to find out what was wrong with van and I found out it's close to a thousand dollars to get it fixed. I actually went on google myself to see prices and match what he said and the signs of a bad catalytic converter matched what he told me. I would say my first visit there went ok. I hear horror stories all the time about Auto shops. So I always do my research and look up reviews before I take my vehicle to anyone. I am a middle aged woman of color so I always look at rating on businesses first. So yesterday went ok at Darrell's Auto. Front desk was welcoming and there was also a couple other older ladies in lobby. It made me feel more comfortable.
Cathy Johnson, 03/20/2021
