Automotive Tips from Tuffy Grand Rapids: Serpentine Belt Tensioner
March 28, 2016
The serpentine belt tensioner applies pressure to the serpentine belt, maintaining optimal tension to drive the accessories like the alternator and A/C compressor. At Tuffy Grand Rapids we know that the service life of the belt tensioner is the same as the belt itself, so they should always be re... More
Engine Hydration for Grand Rapids Drivers: Role of Your Water Pump
March 21, 2016
The cooling system in an engine has five components: the radiator, the radiator cap, the hoses, the thermostat and the water pump. The water is literally the heart of the system. Just as your own heart keeps your blood circulating through your body, the water pump keeps coolant circulating throug... More
Tuffy Grand Rapids Brake Service for Safe Stopping in Grand Rapids
March 14, 2016
Let's talk about something critical for all Grand Rapids drivers: your brakes. Your vehicle is heavy, and it takes a lot of muscle to bring it and your passengers to a safe stop so everything needs to be in good working order. Here's an explanation on how your disc brakes work: The wheel hub kee... More
Automotive Tips from Tuffy Grand Rapids: Signs of an Alignment Problem
March 7, 2016
When properly aligned, all of your wheels are pointed in the same direction. Your vehicle will track true and handle the way it is designed. Grand Rapids drivers often associate our wheels being knocked out of alignment with an event like an accident, hitting a pothole, curb or some other object.... More
TPMS: Tire Pressure Monitoring for Your Grand Rapids Vehicle
March 4, 2016
Grand Rapids drivers may know that all 2008 model year and newer cars, mini-vans and light trucks in Michigan come with a tire pressure monitoring system. Many slightly older vehicles around the Grand Rapids area have these systems as well. A tire pressure monitoring system called TPMS consis... More
Fuel Saving Tip: Slow Down Around Grand Rapids
March 3, 2016
There's not much we can do about the price of gas in Grand Rapids, Michigan , but we do quite a bit about how much we use as we're driving on our Grand Rapids streets.Our driving habits can dramatically affect our fuel economy.The first thing we can do is watch the 'go-pedal.' Hard acceleration j... More
Grand Rapids Drivers Severe Service Maintenance Schedules
March 2, 2016
Since driving requirements and lifestyles differ among Grand Rapids drivers, your vehicle manufacturer publishes two auto maintenance schedules: the regular schedule and the severe service schedule. Which schedule should Grand Rapids drivers follow? Here are some questions to ask yourself:Are mos... More
Automotive Tips from Tuffy Grand Rapids: Where Should New Tires Be Placed
March 1, 2016
When Grand Rapids drivers need to replace tires, they need to know how many they should get and on which axle they should be placed. Replacing a damaged tire may leave you with three others with significant wear, which could affect your traction control, stability control and anti-lock brake syst... More