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
Great honest mechanics, I'm not used to putting those words together in a sentence but Darrell's Firestone is the best auto service around, not out to rip people off and sell a bunch of stuff you don't need. Technicians are fast and reliable. No fixes ever need to be re-done which some repair places can't even get right the first time. I've been here 3 times for an old Blazer and have nothing but praise for these guys! I recommend them 10000% and Jason the office manager is super kind and always explains what the tech needed to get done and why. They NEVER overcharge and they are located in beautiful Farmington, Michigan .
Daniel Jaquier, 05/14/2022
Jason did an awesome job. He went above and beyond and was even able to knock some money off the final price!
I am happy with the service. I was also able to get my car back in the same day. I will be coming back when I need service on my other car.
Richard Sroka, 04/15/2022
We trust Darrell's Firestone w/ our fleet of company vehicles. From oil changes to more complex repairs: fair price, quick service and a friendly team. Thanks!
Andra Androsian, 03/31/2022
My 2018 equinox had a strange noise at 1500 RPMs. One mechanic told me it was a timing belt $1,800 to repair. Took it to Daryl's Firestone and they diagnosed it as a loose exhaust pipe rattling at 1500 RPMs only. Total price $70 could not be happier!
I had exhaust and power steering belt work done. Service was fast an billing was transparent. I will use them again.
