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We've already had our first major snowfall in West Michigan this season, and we hope everyone made it to their destinations safely. It's probably not a stretch to say some of us had some trouble getting traction from a stop, going around corners, or braking downhill. There are some driving tips here that might help as a refresher, but the biggest factor in being able to maneuver in the snow and ice isn't all-wheel drive, it's your tires. In this Borgman How To, we'll teach you everything a smart West Michigan shopper needs to know about winter tires including how they're formulated, designed, and perform. more Read More Is All-Wheel Drive Enough For West Michigan Winters? All-Wheel drive is popular in our part of the country, mostly because of the advantages it provides when the weather turns on us. With a set of all-season tires on, they perform reasonably well in most situations. That being said, it's only a piece of the puzzle. Powering all four wheels independently can help if one loses traction and the others have grip, but it doesn't do much good if you're driving on a sheet of ice or through deep snow. This might surprise a lot of folks, but an underpowered front-wheel drive car with winter tires can and very often will out-perform an all-wheel drive counterpart with all-season tires. This isn't all because of physics or driving dynamics, it's because tires are your only interface with the road, and bringing the right tool for the job (the temperature & conditions) is what makes the biggest difference. That being said, equipping an all-wheel drive vehicle with winter tires is that much better. In the sections below, we'll explain why and how this is. What Makes Winter Tire Rubber Different Tires aren't simply just rubber rings we put on our wheels. A great deal of engineering goes into making them, and the chemical makeup of winter tires is carefully dialed-in for optimal performance in lower temperatures. To contextualize the difference between summer and winter tires, here's what you need to know: As rubber warms up, it becomes more pliable and flexible, and as it cools, it becomes stiffer. Warm, flexible tires conform more to road surfaces and thus generate more friction, or "grip." As the air temperature drops, tires get firmer and lose this trait. This leads to skids, poor stopping distance, and trouble getting moving in cold, slippery conditions. The biggest advantage of winter tires is that the rubber is specifically formulated to stay flexible below freezing temperatures, therefore preserving their ability to grip the road and take full advantage of clever tread designs. What Are The Different Types of Winter Tires? There are three main types of winter tires you'll see if you're doing some research. Studded Winter Tires: These are winter tires with metal studs embedded within the treads. They act like cleats to grab onto ice and packed snow, but are also known to damage asphalt. At the time of this writing, their use is illegal in the state of Michigan. Non-Studded Winter Tires: These work on the same principle as their studded relatives, but without the metal studs. They are incredibly helpful in areas that receive lots of snowfall and if most of your driving is done on country roads. Driving on dry pavement will wear them down quickly through, and they're known for being noisy on paved roads. Performance Winter Tires: If you live in Grand Rapids or its suburbs, these are what we will likely recommend at Borgman. They're made specifically for use in cold to sub-freezing temperatures and have special tread designs to remove water and maximize grip on packed snow or sheets of ice. What's Different About Winter Tire Tread Patterns? If you look at a winter tire's treads, they will look a little bit different than summer or all-season tires, but they're not as aggressive as they used to be. Back about 15-20 years ago, winter tires had very large and widely-spaced treads. These did a great job of finding grip in the snow but were loud and uncomfortable to drive on. As we outlined above, the bigger problem was with the rubber, and you'll find that modern winter tires offer comparable ride quality to summer tires.  Now, the industry trend is to design treads that whisk away water between the tire and the road, which is the main cause of wheel slip and nearly eliminates hydroplaning. You might also see things like tiny, horizontal grooves cut into the tread blocks themselves, and these also serve a purpose. With the rubber being more flexible at lower temperatures, these will actually widen when they come into contact with the pavement. It seems a little odd, but their purpose is to pick up snow and make it cling to the tire. Snow on snow actually grips pretty well - think of it like rolling a snowball to make a snowman. It will naturally fall off if the road conditions change. Note: Some tire shops may offer a service called "tractionizing," where tiny holes or grooves are cut into a winter tire to improve performance on ice and snow. Unless you're entering your vehicle into a winter road rally, this is completely unnecessary and dramatically cuts the life of your tires short. Tire manufacturers ship winter tires with the precise optimization needed for everyday city and highway driving. Why Do Winter Tires Look Thinner? You might notice that winter tires appear to be a little thinner than all-season or summer tires, and that's because some of them are. This is intentional, and often winter tires are mounted on their own dedicated, thinner rims. In the summer, you want more of the tire pushing against the ground to spread the total force of the wheel evenly. In the winter, you don't want all that extra tire trying to overcome a pile of snow (remember that snow is sticky, and once you start to dig it only gets worse.) This is an extreme example, but it's easier to move through a snow bank with a pizza cutter than it is with a rolling pin. The Borgman Service Center can help you select thinner rims and dedicate them to your winter tires. Ensuring the combined dimensions of your rim and tire match the vehicle's specifications is important for maintaining predictable performance, correct fit (so the tires don't rub against the wheel well or suspension components,) and to preserve the accuracy of the speedometer, anti-lock braking, stability, and tire pressure monitoring systems. Are Winter Tires A Good Investment? The only person who can decide of winter tires are worth it is you, taking into account your level of comfort driving in winter, which part of West Michigan you live in, what sort of road conditions you often drive in, and whether you have the space to store them properly. The initial expense is a little higher, though ultimately the vast majority of people save money in the long run with the added benefit of safety. There may be an impulse to only buy two winter tires for the drive wheels to save money, but for serious safety reasons you absolutely should not mix-and-match. The added cost for comes from buying a second set of rims specifically for your winter tires. Note that a good set of rims will often last for longer than you own the vehicle, and add value by making the swap between wheels in the spring and fall much quicker. Also, mounting a tire once or twice isn't a big deal, but repeatedly changing the tires between one set of rims can cause stretching or cracks - wearing them out faster. By switching these wheels in response to the seasons, you're not only driving safer in the West Michigan weather, you're not going to need to buy new tires as often either. This is both because they're only being used one set at a time (obviously) and because summer or all-seasons are more likely to wear faster in the cold. Upgrade to Winter Tires at the Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids, MI If you're ready to upgrade to a set of winter tires, or just want to see which ones are available for your vehicle, visit the Borgman Service Center today and talk to one of our tire experts. We'll show you tires that will be the exact fit for your vehicle, the best performing ones for your typical winter commute, and give you the best deal possible with the latest tire deals. Should you decide to make the switch, we'll happily swap them for your all-season or summer tires in the spring and fall too. Remember, we're here for all of your automotive needs. Schedule Your Appointment online today and come see why we're the Best in the West!

The snow has finally arrived in Grand Rapids, and the Borgman Service Center is here to help keep you on the road all winter long. There are a few things a lot of West Michiganders do when winter arrives, such as change over to snow tires, check their emergency kits, and more. This month, the Borgman Service Center is showcasing two other options available for the upcoming winter: professionally-installed rust protection, and smartphone-enabled remote start. These both make driving in our winter wonderland easier and are great gift ideas too! Read more about each below. more Read More Rust & Corrosion Protection Borgman Ford maintains a relationship with Great Lakes Chemical in Grand Rapids, MI. They are our trusted partner for professionally-applied treatments and coatings such as Diamon-Crystal for windshields, paint protectors, rust proofing, and more. Many of our customers choose one or more of their services when they buy a vehicle from us, but it's not unheard of to have our service department handle it for you too. During the winter your vehicle's body panels, subframe, suspension components and more are exposed to rock salt and other ice-melting solutions. Road commissions use these to chemically melt ice on roadways, and completely necessary for ensuring they're as safe as possible. Salt mixes with the water in the ice to lower the freezing point, but it also makes the water more conductive. This faster transfer ions is what accelerates rusting, and it's even more pronounced in salt substitutes.  The underside of your vehicle gets the worst of it, and runaway rust can cause problems in your suspension, exhaust, and even brake lines! Frequently visiting the car wash can help, but adding an extra layer of protection to your vehicle will lock out salt water, stave off costly repairs, and dramatically extend the life of your vehicle. Borgman Service Center will be happy to handle the application of the latest in rust protection technology. We've teamed up with Great Lakes Chemical for this and other services. With their advanced process, there's no need to drill holes into parts of your vehicle to apply the treatment, and it will not interfere with your manufacturer's warranty. Using a specialized applicator, the technician will coat structural parts on the underside of your vehicle, as well as other areas that are prone to rust such as door sills. They will also "fog" the inside of your doors, quarter panels, trunk lid and seam, hood, and more. To for more information and a quote, visit the Borgman Service Center. Remote Start Systems Since the advent of fuel injection on the 90s and advances in motor oil, allowing your vehicle to warm up before driving it on cold mornings isn't as necessary as it used to be. That being said, the jury is out on whether the extra emissions from idling outweigh the efficiency gains of a warm engine while you're driving. At the very least, giving your vehicle about 5 minutes or so to warm up allows the climate control and defrosters to do their job, which makes you safer and more comfortable while driving. There's still the added inconvenience of waiting for the vehicle to warm up in the morning, after work, or while out and about during the winter. To make your experience with your Ford as convenient and enjoyable as possible, the Borgman Service Center offers Ford's Remote Access kit and will be happy to install it on a compatible vehicle. This kit allows you to start your vehicle via your smartphone and includes other convenience features too, such as mobile alerts from the anti-theft system. To learn more and to see what solutions are available for your vehicle, visit the Borgman Service Center. Quality Service & Upgrades For Your Vehicle in West Michigan Whether you're thinking of adding upgrades to someone's vehicle as a holiday gift, or need a vehicle health checkup before winter hits, visit the Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids, MI for affordable offers and unparalleled customer service. We’ll review which solutions are compatible with the intended vehicle and lay your options out for you, but will never pressure you to buy. If you need a pre-winter check up, our trained technicians will carefully inspect your vehicle's systems for cracked hoses, leaks, and other worn components - replacing them with the highest quality parts available at an affordable price. Visit our Service Center page and make your appointment online today. Come see why we're the Best in the West!

The Borgman Service Center is committed to serving all of your automotive needs. This includes ensuring your vehicle's safety features are performing their absolute best. Being able to see clearly through your windshield is pretty important, especially since rain, snow, and foggy mornings make driving conditions a little more dangerous. The problem is, it often isn't something we think about until it becomes an issue. more Read More There are two fairly simple and inexpensive approaches you can take to ensure maximum visibility during a West Michigan rain or snow storm. In this Borgman How To, we'll be taking a look at high-quality wiper blades and windshield treatments, comparing them, and helping you determine which is right for you. Choosing The Right Wiper Blades Windshield wiper blades seem simple, but there are a few things to consider here, including the material the blade is made from and the construction of the assembly. Some wiper manufacturers will use natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or coated rubber on their blades. While there isn't a huge difference in performance, synthetic rubbers like silicone will last much longer than natural rubber but will cost more. Blades coated with Teflon or graphite present a happy medium - costing somewhere in the middle while granting the benefits of silicone blades. Other blades might use a mix of natural and synthetic rubber too. The construction of the blade assembly also plays a part. Lightweight frames will make your wiper motors happy, while clever designs will create downforce as air moves over them, which keeps them effective at high speeds. The frame also ensures that the pressure on the blade stays even across its full length - preventing streaks. Choosing which wiper blade is best for you is purely a preference versus cost question. For example, Motorcraft makes three different types of wiper blades. One that's an excellent all-season wiper blade, a more premium wiper blade with specialty coatings and wear indicators, and a wiper designed specifically for winter. Diamon-Fusion Windshield Treatments While having operational wiper blades on your vehicle is an absolute must, windshield treatments like Diamon-Fusion coating are elective. Whether or not you think they're necessary is entirely your call. However, it's worth noting here the major benefit of having your windshield coated: you'll use your wipers less, especially during those "will it actually start raining or won't it?" moments. Droplets of water "stick" to your windshield because the surface of the glass isn't perfectly smooth - at least not on a microscopic level. This texture gives the droplets a surface to hold on to in a sense, so what Diamon-Fusion does is help smooth these out. After treatment, raindrops bead up and roll right off the windshield while the vehicle is moving. This eliminates the need to constantly adjust your wiper interval during intermittent rain. The coating is 100% transparent, improves windshield clarity, and is guaranteed to never yellow or blister. It guards against chips and haziness and helps reduce nighttime glare too. For more information, visit us and ask about Diamon-Fusion application and other services provided by our friends at Great Lakes Chemical. Some will opt for the DIY approach with these treatments, and that's fine. In our experience though, these often need to be reapplied every few weeks. The Diamon-Fusion treatment is much more permanent, and has the benefit of their proprietary formula and professional application. Which Solution Is Best For West Michigan Drivers? Determining which of the above solutions is best is based entirely on your preferences. Our job is to show you what's available for your vehicle and help you make an informed decision. During the fall and going into winter, we generally feel that customers see more value in premium wiper blades than in the late spring and summer. The tradeoff to consider with wipers is that inexpensive ones cost less to install, but will make more noise and wear more quickly. The more premium blades are quieter and will perform better for longer. Adding a windshield treatment will protect your windshield glass and help your blades last longer, but should be thought of as a supplement rather than a solution. No matter what your automotive needs may be, the Borgman Service Center is here to help. Stop by for a visit or Schedule Your Next Appointment Online. We'll listen to your needs, make sure all of your questions are answered, and help you make informed decisions about your vehicle. Come see why we're the Best in the West!

The Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids is always here for your automotive needs, and a part of that means working with you as a team to ensure your vehicle is operating smoothly and safely. Parents with new teen drivers can do the same, and while teaching the basics of auto maintenance with your teen driver will make them a more aware, responsible owner, it can also be a fun bonding experience. more Read More Whether or not you have a new driver in the house, learning to care for a vehicle's various systems will help everyone stay safe on the road and stave off expensive repairs. Join us in our latest Borgman How To as we go back to school for basic vehicle maintenance! You can download a printer-friendly version of this article here for the glove box. #1. Checking Your Tires / Wheels Ultimately, tires are the single most important safety feature of a vehicle. As the sole point of contact with the road, tires play a role in starting, stopping, and predictable handling. Though it's an easy thing to forget while going to class or off to the movies, simply doing a quick walk around the vehicle gives you the opportunity to act on any issues before they become dangerous. Here are some things to watch out for: Under-Inflated or Flat Tires. To re-inflate, check proper (cold) PSI level for your vehicle's tires; it's usually printed on a sticker in the driver's side doorjamb. Worn-Down Treads or Uneven Tread Wear Bulges or Sidewall Breaches Wheels that look "off" or leaning while they're parked straight Bent or Misshapen Rims Every now and then, check and make sure the spare is inflated and in good shape Another thing to know is how to recognize a flat tire while out driving, as well as how to change to the spare. A steady “thwop thwop thwop” noise, pulling to one side, or “sloppy” turning are good indicators that a tire is low. The owner’s manual will be the ultimate authority on changing the tire, but here’s the basic procedure: Park the vehicle as far over to the side of the road as possible and turn on the hazard lights. Remove the spare tire and jack from the trunk and place the jack under the designated lift point. Don't raise the vehicle yet; use the wrench to loosen the lug nuts first. Raise the vehicle and remove the tire, then mount the spare on the posts sticking out of the hub. Following a star-pattern, incrementally replace and tighten the lug nuts - this ensures it's tightened down evenly. Lower the vehicle and tighten them more with the tire on the ground until they're as tight as possible. It's important to check them again after a short while to ensure none of them have worked themselves loose. Bring your vehicle and your tire to the Borgman Service Center as soon as possible. #2. Checking Your Oil & Fluids Under normal circumstances, the only fluids your vehicle will need regular fill-ups of are gasoline and windshield washer fluid. However, there is a schedule for replacing the other fluids that'll be specific to your vehicle with engine oil being the most frequent and important. The others include the transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. (Kids, blinker fluid doesn't exist. In this one particular instance, don't listen to dad.) These fluids all play a role in keeping their respective systems lubricated and cooled, so if you notice anything strange happening, this is a good place to start looking for issues. Do not open the Radiator Cap (not the same as the reservoir) on a hot engine. The system is under pressure and can spray fluid as hot as 260°F if the engine is overheating. Also, never, ever open up the air conditioning system. The pressurized gas inside is harmful and an environmental hazard. It's almost always best to check fluid levels on a cold engine to ensure accuracy. Some fluid reservoirs are translucent and have "min" and "max" levels molded into them, so it's easy to see if they're low at a glance. Others like the engine and transmission have dipsticks. To check those, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a non-fibrous cloth, replace it, then carefully remove it again. The fluid will stick to the tip between marked "min" and "max" areas. If something is low, fill it up with the fluid specified in your manual, taking care not to overfill. Engine oil and coolant can burn up in the engine if you have a bad gasket (burning oil typically makes black smoke out of the tailpipe, coolant makes white-ish blue) but the other systems are closed. That means if you're losing brake, steering, or transmission fluid, you probably have a leak. You can use Borgman's online scheduler to make an appointment with our Service Center and have our experts find it. One more thing worth mentioning: if your engine is overheating due to lack of coolant and you don’t have any extra, distilled water can be used as a temporary replacement until you can get it to Borgman for a flush. Do not throw water on a hot engine to cool it down. #3. Check Your Belts Most cars these days have just the one accessory belt or "Serpentine Belt." As the engine spins to turn the transmission and the wheels, it also turns this belt. This belt spins different pulleys on the accessories, which include the water pump - which circulates coolant, the alternator - which generates electricity, and others like the power steering pump, air conditioner, and more. It's worth a look while the hood is open to see if it's cracked or looking worn down. The other and hugely important belt is the timing belt, but some cars have a chain here instead. This belt or chain ensures that all four cycles in the engine happen precisely when they're supposed to, and should be inspected regularly by a trained eye. If replacement is needed, it needs to be done as soon as possible. If it breaks, you'll likely need to replace the engine too. #4. Battery Care While the engine is running, the serpentine belt turns the alternator and generates electricity for the spark plugs. To start the engine though, you need stored electricity to get the process going. That's what the battery is for, and the alternator recharges it while you drive too. To make sure you have enough juice to turn the starter motor and fire the spark plugs, make sure your headlights and interior lights are off before leaving the vehicle. If your battery is drained (it happens to the best of us,) your manual will tell you how to hook up the jumper cables to a donor vehicle. If you keep a set in the trunk, you don't need to hope someone will have some. If your vehicle doesn't start because there's white buildup on the terminals, this could be something you can fix yourself. Carefully disconnect the battery (yup - read the manual) and mix up a good amount of baking soda with hot water. Put on a pair of thick rubber gloves and safety goggles, then grab an old toothbrush. Dip the brush in this mixture and use it to scrub off the corrosion. The baking soda will neutralize the acid and it's abrasive enough to remove the buildup. Be extra aware of anything that could complete a circuit between the two posts on the battery, and keep the battery away from heat sources or open flame. Thoroughly dry the terminals and the connectors, carefully reconnect the battery, and see if the vehicle starts. If that didn't fix it, our experts here are more than capable of finding the issue. #5. Headlights, Brake Lights, and Turn Signals The lights mounted around your vehicle aren't just helpful to you, they alert other drivers of your position and intentions. Making sure they're all working is a social and legal responsibility. If you have a lamp out, in many cases it is something you'll be able to take care of yourself. The light bulb you'll need will be specified in your manual or in a manufacturer-specific book in the supermarket. Your manual will also illustrate where you'll be able to access the bulb connector to replace it. Fair warning here: some of these may require tools to remove the light assembly, or can just be a total pain to reach. If you're not comfortable changing the light by yourself or you're not sure which bulb is the right one for your vehicle, bring it to the Borgman Service Center. We'll be more than happy to help. #6. Listening To Your Brakes For a multitude of reasons, a vehicle's braking system isn't something you should tinker with unless you're a car repair pro. However, if you notice screeching or scraping when you stop, it's from a metal clip around the brake pad rubbing on the metal rotor. It's there for the sole purpose of letting you know it's time to visit the Borgman Service Center for new pads. Luckily, Borgman offers a Lifetime Guarantee on Motorcraft Brake Pads - all you'll have to pay for is labor. If you feel your brake pedal getting "spongy" or notice a loss of fluid from the brake fluid reservoir, that almost always points to a leak in the system and you should schedule an appointment with us right away. #7. Something Not Working? Check The Fuse Your vehicle has a pretty complex network of wires and electronics, even if it's a little older. To safeguard against short circuits, they all pass through a fuse box. If there's too much current going through a circuit, the fuse breaks to stop the electricity from damaging the electronics or getting too hot. Your manual will tell you where your fuse box is, and which fuses are connected to specific circuits. If something isn't working, pull out the appropriate fuse and hold it up to the light. If the little metal horseshoe inside is broken, replace the fuse with a new one - making sure the little number on the top is exactly the same. If that doesn't fix the issue or if your vehicle keeps blowing the same fuse, Borgman has the tools and know-how to find the electrical fault. Drive Safely in West Michigan with the Borgman Service Center The Borgman Service Center has been helping drivers in Grand Rapids and West Michigan keep their vehicles running in tip-top shape for decades. Our trained experts will listen to your concerns and repair your vehicle in a timely manner. We'll use the highest-quality parts available and ensure that the work is done properly so you can get back on the road to adventure. Whether you need routine maintenance performed or are experiencing issues with your vehicle, we're here to serve you. Check out our latest Service Specials, Schedule your Appointment Online, and come see why Borgman is the Best in the West! Download Printable Version!

Borgman Recommends Checking Your Transmission Fluid Often to Extend The Life Of Your Vehicle The Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids is dedicated to keeping you out on the road to adventure in West Michigan. For this reason, we recommend having your transmission fluid checked or changed every 30,000 miles, despite what you may see in your owner's manual. more Read More We hope everyone who drives a vehicle in West Michigan understands why having your engine oil changed regularly is important. It's the lifeblood of your engine, but we don't often see the transmission getting the same love. The engine and transmission work as a team to keep you moving, and keeping an eye on your transmission fluid level is just as critical. In this Borgman How To, we're going to briefly touch on how automatic transmissions work and why having the fluid changed regularly is paramount for maintaining a healthy vehicle. What On Earth Is Going On Inside An Automatic Transmission? There's a running joke that automatic transmissions are powered by magic. They're ridiculously complicated pieces of machinery, which only underscores why it's important to take good care of them. Engines spin fast, and abruptly, so the automatic transmission takes all of that spinning and translates it into smooth, consistent power to the wheels. In a standard transmission, the driver would do this by slowly releasing the clutch pedal. To effectively mimic this, the first step is a device between the engine and the transmission called the torque converter. Here's basically what a torque converter does: Imagine a hollow drum with two sets of fan blades (like on a desk fan) stacked neatly inside. They're on the same axis but can spin at different speeds. The drum is filled with oil, so as the first fan starts spinning, it starts churning the oil. That oil pushes against the second fan's blades and slowly starts to turn them. This is the basic principle of a fluid coupling. Torque converters employ this to smooth the power output between the engine and the wheels, though there are more parts in there than what we described. This is because it plays a few different roles, and the big one is powering the transmission fluid pump - which acts as the heart of the transmission. Ok, We Have Smooth Power. How Does It Automatically Shift? Here are the broad strokes. Unlike in a manual transmission, all of your different gear sets are spinning at the same time when the vehicle is moving. However, only specific sets are allowed to transmit power to the wheels. Transmission fluid is pumped around through different valves and channels based on how much pressure is built up. When certain ones are filled, it clamps and releases different gears, which "shifts" the transmission to another gear ratio. The result: the faster you go, the more fluid pressure builds up. Then, different gears are "activated," and the car shifts from 1st to 2nd to 3rd, and so on. Why is Transmission Fluid So Important? Transmission fluid has a few different jobs, and to do them properly it needs to have very specific chemical properties. Apart from flowing throughout the valve body and controlling the shifting, it also keeps all of these parts cool and lubricated. Your vehicle's transmission will have been engineered to accept a specific type of fluid, and using the wrong fluid can and often will result in damage. As the fluid is used, the chemical makeup can start to degrade, and the inevitable wear of internal parts can start to contaminate it. Both of these things will shorten the life of your transmission, so it's worth talking to your service advisor every 30,000 miles or so to have your fluid checked. Another thing we should note is that transmission fluid is made to endure extreme temperatures and will not burn up like engine oil does. This means that if you're losing fluid, you almost certainly have a leak somewhere. With some owner's manuals recommending that you have your transmission fluid changed every 80,000 to 100,000 miles, irreparable damage may already have been done by the time anyone notices a slow leak. Having the transmission inspected regularly can alert you to issues before it's too late. Transmission Fluid Checkups at the Borgman Service Center If you're noticing some spots in your driveway, or your vehicle is shifting "weird," it's a good idea to visit the Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids for an inspection. Our highly-trained and certified technicians will make sure that your transmission fluid is in good shape, check the seals, and replace it with the correct high-quality fluid if needed. Thinking it's time for a tune-up? Browse the latest Service Specials, Schedule an Appointment online, or Contact Us with any questions you may have about your transmission or any other part of your vehicle. Come see why we're the Best in the West!

Simple Guide to Towing Trailers, Boats, and Campers Across West Michigan One of the best parts of driving a larger Ford Truck or SUV in West Michigan is being able to tow heavier toys along on your next adventure. Whether you're towing a boat, a trailer loaded with dirt bikes or ATVs, campers, or even snowmobiles, there's a rugged Ford vehicle that's more than up to the task. Although, if you're new to towing, you might have some questions about all the ins and outs. In this latest Borgman How To, we'll cover some important mechanical, safety, and operating tips to get you towing like a pro in no time! more Read More Be Kind To Your Powertrain! This first part is very important: when you're towing something, your vehicle is heavier and needs to work that much harder to get moving. If you don't compensate for this, you could easily damage your engine, transmission, or both. Before you do anything, it will be worth reviewing your owner's manual and double checking your towing and payload weight ratings, as well as any vehicle-specific information not covered here. To illustrate why this is important, we'll quickly go over how the engine and transmission work together. When you press the gas pedal, the engine spins and the more you press it down, the faster it goes. Without a transmission, the engine would have to work very hard to get the vehicle moving from a stop and rev much too high around 35mph - resulting in severe damage from both cases. Much like the gears on a bicycle, the transmission has different sets of gears for the different "stages" of acceleration. From a stop, the wheels spin slower but with much more force. The inverse is true in the higher gears. When you add the extra weight of the trailer into this equation, you have to make sure the transmission doesn't shift too early -which overworks the engine. There are a few easy rules to follow here: Use Tow/Haul Mode if you have it. Otherwise, use whatever setting you have to turn off overdrive (the highest gear.) If you tow heavier loads, in hot weather, or over long distances, it may be a good idea to have a transmission cooler installed. Keep an eye on how your vehicle is shifting: lower gears are preferred when towing up hills. Check All Of Your Connections Since every vehicle is different, you'll have to refer to your owner's manual for the proper procedures when attaching and loading a trailer. There are some important things to check for though in any circumstance. First and foremost, make sure all of your tires are properly inflated - and this includes the ones on the trailer. Second, ensure your trailer's brake/taillights are properly connected, attached, and working. While you're back there, it's worth noting that your trailer's license plate is attached and visible as well. Third, check your tongue weight. Usually, you want 10% to 12% of the trailer's weight resting on the tongue of the trailer but this may differ from case to case. Finally, check your connection to the hitch, as well as the chains. These are your safety net should the hitch fail, so give them as much attention as the hitch itself. After 10 to 15 minutes of driving, safely pull over and check these again - sometimes bumps in the road can wiggle them loose. Everything looking good? Now it's time to get comfortable driving with a trailer! The Secret To Safely Towing a Trailer: Practice, Practice, Practice. Even if you feel confident about towing a trailer on public roads, it's absolutely necessary to get acquainted with it before heading out. Have an experienced friend bring your rig to an empty parking lot so you can practice things like backing up, braking, making lane changes, and adjusting to the change in handling. The key is to do everything slow and steady. Though some trailers come equipped with brake assistance, you'll still be able to feel the extra weight when stopping. The heavier the load, the more pronounced this gets. Once you know what to expect, plan ahead and bring the rig to a stop with extra room to spare in front of you. There are two reasons for this. First is to give yourself some extra time to react should you miscalculate. The other reason is to allow about 10 feet or so to creep forward after coming to a complete stop. This releases some heat from the brake pads and rotors, guarding against "glazing" and prolonging their life. Turning is also going to be much different - remember that the trailer is going to cut to the inside of your path so make sure you give it plenty of space! Backing Up: You Can Do It! Another thing you'll need to experiment with is backing up, and just so you know: it can be very frustrating and counter-intuitive at first. Though many newer Ford Vehicles come equipped with Trailer Backup Assist, where all you have to do is turn a knob to steer the trailer, learning to do it the old-fashioned way is an invaluable skill to have. Try this: grip the steering wheel on the sides and use only your mirrors to see. Go very slow. If the trailer needs to go right, raise your right hand. Raise your left to go left. If the trailer starts to "jackknife," or starts forming an "L" shape relative to your vehicle, stop and slowly pull forward to straighten it out and try again. Jackknifing will put strain on the hitch and the trailer, so it should be avoided if possible. The important thing is to not give up - it's not an easy thing to do, and will take practice and patience to get the hang of it. Once you've got it down, be sure to congratulate yourself and revel in your accomplishment! Time To Hit The Road To Adventure! Ok, so now you're comfortable with the added length of your vehicle with trailer in tow, and know what to expect regarding acceleration, turning, and braking. It's time to hitch up your camper or trailer and embark on your summer adventure! Be sure to run through the list above before setting out and double check all of your connections. If your trailer is taller than your vehicle, make sure you know the full height and plan your route accordingly. You'll also be going slower than normal and stopping for gas more often, so give yourself some extra time. Once everything is in order and your load is properly secured, it's time to head out. Every time you stop after the first 10 minute "pull over and double check," be in the habit of inspecting the trailer for anything out of place. On the road, keep an eye on other vehicles and where they are in relation to the back of the trailer. If you have your signal on and aren't sure if it's safe to merge, some drivers know to flash their lights to let you know the trailer is clear. This is common "trucker code" and hope it comes in handy - no matter which end of it you're on. What To Do If Your Trailer Starts Swaying or "Fishtailing." It happens to the best of us: the trailer gets a little squirrely out on the highway. This can happen because of a sudden gust of wind, the rush of air from a passing car, or making sudden movements. The best way to guard against this is referring to your owner's manual for tips on loading the trailer and checking tongue weight or postponing the trip on windy days. Should you notice your trailer swaying on the road, here's what you can do to save it. First, stay calm and resist the urge to hit the brake - this will only make things worse. Take your foot off the gas and gently apply the trailer brake. Newer Ford Vehicles equipped with Trailer Sway Control will do this automatically. Do this in short pulses until it straightens out; the trailer moving slower than your vehicle will "drag it" and only allow it to move forward, not side-to-side. In an absolute worst-case scenario, you can speed up a little bit to correct it on the opposite end, assuming you have room in front of you. However, your first instinct should be to apply the trailer's brakes and not your vehicle's. Be Aware, Be Safe, and Tow Like a Pro on Your Next Adventure in West Michigan Planning your next trip to the lake or up north this summer? No matter if you're going to use your new-found towing prowess or not, ensuring that your vehicle is in good working order is key to making your journey a success. The experts at the Borgman Service Center can help by performing a careful and thorough inspection of your vehicle's critical components like the engine, transmission, brakes, tires, and more. We can even help with more advanced features like the Trailer Sway Control or Trailer Backup Assist too. Take a look at our latest Service Specials or use our easy Online Service Scheduler to make your next appointment. During your visit, be sure to ask about our Lifetime Warranty on Brake Pads as well as our Low Price Guarantee on our selection of name-brand tires. Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

School's out for the summer and many West Michigan families are getting ready to hit the road. Whether you're going on a longer summer adventure, or just driving the family to the beach, understanding and maintaining two important systems in your vehicle will help avoid hot weather breakdowns. more Read More Keep Cool With Well-Maintained Air Conditioner A car, truck or SUV air-conditioner system does not simply blow cold air into the car. The air-conditioning system is actually designed to remove the hot air from within the vehicle cabin and dispel it to the atmosphere outside the car. In order to do so, the air conditioner system relies on a number of components to operate effectively. Like all mechanical parts, these items are prone to wear and regular system servicing helps to protect them from breakdown. The air conditioning system is pressurized by a gas known as a refrigerant. Each vehicle specifies how much refrigerant is used to fill the system. When the air in your air conditioning (AC) begins to lose power and the air doesn’t feel too cold, it may be time for an AC recharge. It must be noted, however, that recharging your AC is a temporary fix to a likely bigger problem. If your system is indeed missing refrigerant, your AC system has a leak and needs to be inspected and repaired. Refrigerant does not evaporate in an airtight system so air is leaking in. During our A/C Inspection, we check the following for function: Compressor Condenser Expansion valve or orifice tube Receiver, drier, or accumulator Evaporator From a quick tuneup or air conditioner flush to replacing components, let the experts at Borgman attend to your car’s air conditioning system – while you wait! Radiator Risks in Summer Heat While cabin comfort is important to the humans in the vehicle, proper engine cooling is equally important for the health of your vehicle's engine. Hot, summer air in heavy traffic or traffic jams can stress even a well-maintained radiator. Overheating is the #1 cause of summer breakdowns, according to ASE. Low coolant levels in high heat can kill your engine. Also be aware that if you have a damaged radiator or hoses, the coolant may leak causing your engine temperature to rise even more. In summer weather, always keep an eye on vehicle’s temperature gauge. Make sure your radiator is adequately filled with coolant at the right concentration — usually a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze, but check your car’s specifications. The radiator should be flushed every two years. If it hasn’t been serviced, do so before you hit the road. Also take time before a long trip to inspect your hoses, looking for leaks, cracks, peeling or separation. While the engine is still warm, squeeze along the hose’s length — it should feel firm, but not hard. If the hose is spongy or soft in even one section, consider replacing it before it fails and causes bigger problems. Carry duct tape, which may serve as a very short-term fix for a blown hose while you seek help. However, remember that duct tape can’t stand too much heat. Intermittent Overheating Causes If your car is overheating at idle, but it’s fine the rest of the time, then there are a handful of different problems that you might be dealing with. The most likely reason for this type of problem is that your fan isn’t working, but the reason, and the fix, will differ depending on the car you drive. Intermittent overheating problems can also be caused by low coolant, air in the cooling system, a bad coolant temperature sensor, or even a faulty gauge. Here are some of the basic things you can check when your car overheats at idle: The coolant level Only check when the engine is cool. Low coolant can cause overheating. Air bubbles in the cooling system can also cause issues. Only use the specified type of antifreeze to top off the system. Fan belt problems If the fan is driven by a belt, check the belt. A loose fan belt can result in overheating. If the belt is loose, frayed, or missing, replace it. Electric radiator fan problems If the fan is electric, check to see if it’s plugged in. You may be able to test the fans by turning on your A/C, which often causes the fan to turn on or cycle. The fan motor may be burned out, or there could be a problem with the fan switch, a resistor pack, or wiring. Visit Borgman for a cooling system checkup, and we'll inspect your vehicle’s system and replace any damaged or worn components, such as water pumps, thermostats, and hoses.

The Borgman Service Center - Your Home For Expert Brake Service in West Michigan Brakes do an awful lot of work, even on a simple trip around Grand Rapids or to the grocery store. Bringing a moving vehicle to a complete stop is no small feat, even though we may take it for granted. On the other end of that brake pedal are some clever feats of engineering that harness the power of hydraulics and friction to turn a vehicle's kinetic energy into heat. more Read More The Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids is your home for making sure your brakes and other systems within your vehicle are properly functioning and maintained. In our latest Borgman How To, we'll give you a general idea of how this system works and enough insight to know when it's losing performance. Here's the "Brake-Down" of major components: Hydraulic Components: The two main components connected to the brake pedal are the Master and Slave Cylinders, which compress fluid to multiply the force from the brake pedal. The fluid is distributed to the vehicle's wheels to power the brakes. Disc Brake Components: Disc brakes are very common on the front wheels because of their efficiency. They consist of a rotor, calipers, and pads with an open design to quickly dissipate heat. Drum Brake Components: Drum brakes are very common on the rear wheels because of their durability. They consist of a metal drum that spins with the wheel, and shoes that press against the insides. They require much less maintenance and are often used for the emergency brake. Hydraulic Braking System Basic Components Hydraulics are based Pascal's Principle: "Pressure exerted on a fluid is distributed equally throughout the fluid." This is possible because fluids don't compress the same way gasses do, enabling you to press down gently on a brake pedal and have that small amount of pressure affect all of the fluid in the system. It is then multiplied and used to stop the entire vehicle. The system you'd find in a New Ford or Mazda is more complex than this example, but here's a rundown of the basics: When you use the brake pedal, it pushes on a plunger in the master cylinder, building pressure. Brake fluid is forced through the plumbing to the 4 wheels of the vehicle, where slave cylinders further amplify the hydraulic force. This fluid then actuates pistons in the brakes with enough force to create enough friction to stop the wheel. Modern systems also use enhancements like a "brake booster" which uses vacuum to assist with compressing the master cylinder. This whole hydraulic system is responsible for stopping the vehicle and therefore your safety and those around you, so it is common to see redundancies like two master cylinders. If you notice your brake pedal feeling spongy or needing more pressure than usual, check your brake fluid level and schedule an appointment. Note on Brake Fluid: If you do your own fluid checks, and we highly recommend that you do, you might notice low brake fluid. A little fluid loss is normal as the pistons in the calipers extend with wear (the system is actually just getting bigger) but a dramatic loss usually points to a leak. While hydraulic theory applies to most liquids, brake fluid is specially-formulated for vehicles. It is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture, and this is to make sure the boiling point stays high (fluids boil under pressure) and that water cannot pool in the brake system. If you open a bottle of brake fluid and don't use all of it, seal it up tightly and write the date on the bottle. It's already started absorbing water from the air, so you'll want to use it in 3 to 6 months or throw it away. The Difference Between Disc & Drum Brakes Disc brakes, the ones you'll interact with most, are often found on the front wheels because they're more heat-efficient and easier to service. Here, pressurized fluid from the slave cylinder squeezes down on the rotor through the caliper pistons. The rotor is attached to the wheel and spins, but the caliper is mounted to the vehicle itself. Brake pads are fixed to the inside of the caliper and are made of high-strength and heat-resistant materials like ceramic or carbon. As they squeeze down to the spinning rotor, they generate enough friction to slow the vehicle. On the front wheels, brakes have to work harder and can reach temperatures of over 900°F. Disc brakes work best here because they cool much faster than drums - thanks to their open construction. The pads wear faster, but they're much easier to replace. Drum brakes are built differently. Instead of a rotor, a metal drum houses a series of shoes that push against the rotating edges from the inside. Their construction is more durable, but they tend to trap heat so they're often only used on the rear wheels. If the shoes (different type of pads) are heated well above 900°F, they lose their "grippiness" - colloquially called heat fade - and the vehicle may not be able to stop. Thankfully, the rear brakes are doing much less work than the front, and this is by design. As the weight of the vehicle shifts forward while stopping, too much braking force in the back can lock up the rear wheels and cause them to skid. The master cylinder sends less force to the back to counter this, making the rear brakes more supplemental than active. However, the emergency brake is usually connected to the back wheels, so it's important to have them inspected - even if they don't need service as often. Need Your Brakes Inspected or Replaced? Visit The Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids! If you're hearing a squealing noise when you stop, that's a metal tab rubbing against the rotor letting you know it's time to visit the Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids. Our highly-trained and certified technicians will make sure that any maintenance on your brakes is performed properly, and keep an eye on connected components for faults - so you can get back to exploring West Michigan safely. During your visit, be sure to ask the Borgman Quick Lane staff about the Lifetime Brake Pad Guarantee. Now whenever you need new brake pads, we'll waive the part cost and replace them with dependable, long-lasting Motorcraft pads for as long as you own the vehicle. You can browse the latest Service Specials, Schedule an Appointment online, or Contact Us with any questions you may have. Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

As crews around Grand Rapids work to patch up our numerous potholes, the best way to protect your tires from cracks, splits, and other shock-related damage is to rotate them regularly and keep them properly inflated. From the outset, the concept of a tire seems pretty simple. Their rubber construction and treads grip the road in many different driving conditions. They're filled with air to act as a cushion, push back onto the road, and keep wheel weight down - and therefore fuel efficiency up. more Read More In truth, there's a bit more going on here. In our latest Borgman How To, we'll expand upon our previous Tire Article and go over why it's important to keep your tires balanced and rotated. What a Tire Rotation Is and How It Saves You Money Here's a scenario: about a year ago you put four brand-new tires on your car. You notice that the rear tires still look fairly new, but the front ones, especially on the edges, look a little more worn. Instead of replacing the front tires, you can simply have them moved to a different position on the car, or rotate them. Generally, your front tires wear faster than the rear ones because they're doing a lot more work. All of the turning, braking, and acceleration (in a front-wheel drive car) happens here, and the rear wheels are more-or-less just along for the ride. Front tires also feather on the edges from turning, so rotating wears them in a different place and grants you thousands more miles out of them. Plus, it reduces the risk of blowing a tire due to concentrated wear on specific areas. A fringe benefit of having this done on a regular basis is that our technicians can keep an eye on your brake and suspension components for wear. With the wheels off, they'll be able to spot hidden issues before they cause expensive problems or make the vehicle unsafe. Removing the wheels also allows a thorough inspection of the tire itself. It can be looked over for cracks, pits, or bulges - all of which will need some sort of intervention. It also makes things like cupping or bald patches much easier to spot, which almost always point toward an issue with your alignment. What Does It Mean To Have Your Tires Balanced? The term 'tire/wheel balance' is pretty self-explanatory. Because tires and rims are not perfectly round, they need to be adjusted on a special machine to counteract any uneven weight distribution. A tire can have a static imbalance (up and down) or a dynamic imbalance (side to side,) and both will generate vibration and road noise. Unbalanced tires can also contribute to uneven tire wear and put stress on other components, like your axles. We can check for this when we do a rotation or adjust your alignment and will attach weights to precise locations on the wheels as needed. Bonus: How to Change A Flat Tire Learning to change a spare tire is something best learned in the daylight and in your own driveway, rather than out of necessity on the side of the road. Your tire removal procedure may be found in your owners manual, but there are a few things that can help make the process easier, and a couple of safety tips too. First, find a safe, level area to pull over and place reflective warning markers near your vehicle to alert other drivers. Before you raise the vehicle, use the wrench to 'crack' the lug nuts loose while the tire is still on the ground. Sometimes it takes a lot of force to do this and if the vehicle is raised you'll only spin the wheel - and run the risk of the vehicle falling off the jack. Once the lug nuts are loosened a little bit, begin to raise the vehicle, consulting the owner's manual for lift points and proper jack procedure. Now you may fully remove the lug nuts and the wheel. Place the spare wheel back on the posts and replace the nuts following a star pattern. If you repeat this pattern gradually, you ensure that the wheel is evenly affixed to the hub. A severely dynamically unbalanced wheel can work the lug nuts back off while you're driving! After the wheel is back on and the lug nuts are snug, lower the vehicle and use your wrench to tighten them down a little further. Spares are not designed to be driven around at high speed or long distances, but if you don't have another choice, be sure to stop and check that the lug nuts remain on there tight - the wheel can settle a bit as it's driven and needing to tighten the lug nuts again is normal. Visit the Borgman Ford Service Center for Complete Tire Care in Grand Rapids! Whether you need your tires rotated, balanced, or replaced, the Borgman Ford Service Center is here to help. Our highly-trained and certified staff will make sure that your tires are in proper working condition, are balanced, and installed correctly. We'll also inspect different parts of your vehicle while you're here to keep an eye on its overall health. You can check out our latest Service Specials, Schedule an Appointment Online, or Contact Us with any questions. Remember to check your snartphone's app store for the Borgman Service Rewards App and get a Free Oil Change on your 5th visit! Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

Shock & Struts Smooth Your Ride and Keep West Michigan Drivers Safe After the West Michigan winter finally clears, you might notice that your daily commute is a little bumpier than you remember, or that it's a little harder to turn the steering wheel. If that's the case, it could be a sign that you need new shocks or struts, and the Borgman Service Center is here to help! more Read More What Are Shocks & Struts? What Do They Do? Depending on which vehicle you drive, it will be equipped with either shock absorbers, struts, or both. It's worth noting that a single wheel will have one or the other - never both. Shocks and struts are parts of your vehicle's suspension, and they control how your body interacts with the wheels. This affects your steering, stopping distance, and weight dynamics. They also filter out bumps from the road and smooth out your ride. While these two parts have similar duties, they are not interchangeable. Here's the main difference: a strut is an integral, structural part of your suspension, and a shock is not. A shock, or shock absorber, is a pair of interleaved metal tubes that extend or shrink at a controlled rate, forcing the wheels to move or "travel" smoothly when going over a bump. It does this by squeezing oil through its own internal valves. Think of it like a bicycle tire pump that you can only go up and down at certain speeds. What this does is make sure that you don't feel every single bump in the road, and that your wheels are held firmly to the pavement to maintain traction. Without them, you're in for a very bumpy ride and your steering gets a bit sloppy. A strut, properly called a strut assembly, consists of a shock absorber (the actual strut) with mounts for the different suspension parts, and a huge spring at the top to hold up the body and chassis. A strut is functionally similar to a shock, except that it's designed to completely support the vehicle and tie all the suspension parts together. Without them, your vehicle would sit the ground and wouldn't be able to move. How Do I Know When It's Time For New Shocks or Struts? We don't really notice our suspension until there's an issue, but these unsung heroes can travel up and down a million times during their lifespan. If you're cruising along and you feel like you're riding in a bowl of jelly or on an old bumpy roller coaster, it's definitely time for new shocks or struts. However, sometimes the signs aren't as obvious. Here are a few things you can check for: The Bounce Test. Place your hands on the fender directly above the wheel and press the body down. Now let go and watch carefully. Your vehicle should rise back up and stop. If it bounces, your suspension needs to be inspected. This can give you vital clues but isn't an end-all-be-all test. How's Your Steering? If you feel like it's a little harder to turn the wheel, but your power steering is ok, it could be related to your suspension. Worn out shocks or struts also contribute to that "floaty, loosey-goosey" feeling when turning or going over a bump. The Brake Test. As we know, objects in motion stay in motion unless acted upon. If you think of your wheels and body as two separate objects, that means if one stops the other needs to be acted on to stop too. That's a big part of what your suspension does. Go to an empty parking lot, pick up a little speed and brake hard. If you feel like you're in a nose-dive, or your rear end bounces a bit, there's a suspension issue that needs to be addressed. Check Your Tires. Uneven tread wear or bald spots on your tires are a good indicator that there's something wrong with your suspension. It could be that worn shocks or struts are allowing the tires to wander around, but it could also mean you just need an alignment. For the mechanically inclined: Strut replacement should be done by a professional, and the biggest reason for this is safety. Without the proper tools or knowledge, removing the coil spring from the strut is extremely dangerous, and it could happen by accident. The second reason is that you will need an alignment afterward. While it's not impossible to do yourself, it's not fun and we have the know-how and equipment to do it quickly and accurately. What's The Benefit to Having Shocks or Struts Inspected Regularly? The big thing about having your suspension parts inspected is safety. With a well-maintained system, your input on the steering wheel is much tighter and your stopping distance shortens dramatically. Your traction in bumpy or slippery conditions is much better too. This helps you keep control of the vehicle if you need to stop suddenly. If shocks or struts are neglected, they can cause other serious problems in the long run. If your wheels aren't being held in place very well, your tires and the bushings in your suspension parts feel it the most. You might notice some bald spots on your tires from bouncing around or worse, the coil can rub against the tire and slice the inside sidewall. Bushings are little rubber donuts that help reduce vibration where suspension arms link together. Lots of movement will wear these down faster, and without them, the suspension parts will start to damage each other. Visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids for Shock or Strut Inspection or Repair If you think it's time for some new shocks or struts on your vehicle, or if something just doesn't feel right anymore, bring it into the Borgman Ford Service Center. Our highly-trained service technicians inspect your shocks or struts for leaking, dents, bends, or other more subtle signs of wear. You can easily Schedule an Appointment online or Contact Us to set one up or if you have any questions. Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

Now that we've made it about halfway through the winter season in West Michigan, it's probably a good time to know where you stand in terms of your vehicle's alignment. I don't think anyone was surprised to find the roads an absolute horror show after the latest thaw, as we were reunited with our old friend the pothole. These gaps, pits, or large craters in the asphalt are formed when water seeps into cracks and expands when it re-freezes. While your vehicle will eventually need an alignment from normal driving, if you hit a pothole or a curb it may need one sooner. more Read More Simple Things To Check Before You Bring Your Vehicle In Whether you drove through a pothole recently or not, you might notice your vehicle pulling to one side, vibrating or shaking on the highway, or just feeling a little squirrely on turns. These are all signs that something isn't quite right and should be checked out. Before you bring it in though, look and make sure your tires are properly inflated, as this might clear up the issue if they are not. Also, during the winter, check and make sure your wheel wells aren't caked with snow and ice. Shaking on the highway could just be some ice caught in your rim and throwing the wheel off-balance. Snow buildup behind the wheels can make the steering feel different too. An hour or two in a warm garage will clear these issues up no problem. What is a Wheel Alignment? When your vehicle was manufactured, the wheels were adjusted a certain way for optimal performance, stability, and tire life. This is your alignment, and there are three different measurements at play here: 1. Camber: This is the angle at which your tires meet your vehicle vertically. It's easier explained using the top of the tire - if it's closer to your car (tipping in) than the bottom, then you have a negative camber. 2. Toe: To best describe this, look down at your feet. Point your toes out like a duck, or in towards each other. Adjusting your tires' toe follows the same basic concept, and is the root of most alignment issues. 3. Caster: This is a measurement of the steering axis, and is almost never adjusted. However, it is related to your alignment and worth mentioning. How Do I Know If My Alignment Is Off? The signs of a poor wheel alignment usually aren't subtle, especially if you do a lot of highway driving. However, having a skilled professional take a look once a year will ensure that this easily-corrected issue doesn't turn into a big expensive one. Here are a few things you can watch out for: Vibrating, shaking, or wobbling - especially at high speeds Pulling to the left or the right Tires wearing down unevenly Crooked steering wheel when going straight Something just feels "off" - especially when turning Why Properly Aligned Wheels Are Important Wheel Alignments serve a few different purposes, and the biggest one is safety. Properly aligned wheels are tuned to how the manufacturer intended, and the tires to interact with the road in the way they have determined is the most stable and predictable. This is most important in heavy rainstorms or during the winter. Schedule Your Next Wheel Alignment with Borgman While there are a number of routine maintenance tasks you can do yourself with a little know-how, a wheel alignment should not be one of them. We have the proper facility, specialized tools, and highly-trained professionals to align your wheels to your vehicle's spec with pinpoint accuracy - ensuring your safety and the longevity of your tires and suspension. Our technicians can also spot other issues while doing this, such as worn out bushings, tie rods, and other simple repairs that can be done before a tow truck gets involved. If you need an alignment, or just want to have it checked by a certified and trusted technician, give us a call at 616-534-7651, or schedule an appointment online. Be sure to visit our Service Specials page for the latest coupons and offers. Drive safe, West Michigan!

How To Inspect Your Wiper Blades Before The West Michigan Winter Hits During the warmer months, we only really use our wipers during a rainstorm or cleaning gunk off of the windshield. However, once the snow flies, making sure wipers can do their job becomes more of a safety issue. At the very least, worn wiper blades will make a lot of horrible noise and leave streaks on the windshield. When they get really bad, and especially during a snowstorm, they leave you with little to no visibility in an already precarious driving situation. more Read More When wipers are in good shape, they will smoothly and quietly remove all water from their path. Checking your wipers for wear is pretty easy. Just pick it up and take a look for any ripples or cracks in the rubber. If you don’t see any glaring issues, sit behind the wheel and spray the windshield with washer fluid. When the wipers engage, keep an eye open for the following issues: Wipers do not clear all of the washer fluid in one stroke or leave streaks. Wipers make a lot of noise, even when wet. Wipers bounce up and down or stutter as they travel – indicating that some part of the assembly is bent. Windshield wipers should ideally be replaced every six months. However, if you’re looking for an easier way to tell if your wipers need replacing, visit the Borgman Ford Service Center and ask about Motorcraft Wiper Blades with wear indicator. These wiper blades have a spot that will change from black to yellow when they need to be replaced. Good Windshield Wiper Habits For West Michigan Weather Wiper blades are a relatively low-maintenance feature of your vehicle, but there are a couple of things that will wear them down faster: Operating while the wipers are dry Operating while under excessive load Both of these things usually happen completely by accident, and once or twice is probably ok. If they happen repeatedly though, it can damage the wiper, bend the arm, or even fry the motor. In most cases, “excessive load” means that the wiper motor is pulling against wipers that are frozen stuck or pushing big piles of snow off the windshield. Both can be prevented by making sure your wipers are off and at rest before getting out of your vehicle. What’s the verdict on standing wipers up before a snow storm? Whether you’ve seen this trend out in the wild or not, we want to address the idea of sticking wiper blades up before a snow storm. On one side, the claim is that by leaving them up, you prevent them from freezing directly to the windshield, and prevents damage from getting them unstuck. On the other end of it, people say that snow and ice can completely encase the blade, which can cause damage or bend wiper parts – especially in high winds. Here’s our advice: Before you turn your vehicle off, always make sure that the wipers are switched off and have returned to their resting position. That way when the vehicle is turned back on, the wipers won’t automatically turn on either. Turn on the de-icer and start brushing off the snow and scraping away the ice as normal. It’s a good idea to check your tailpipe to make sure it’s clear too. By the time you get to the windshield, it should be warm enough to not even be an issue, and you’ll be able to simply pick them up and scrape under them. Some vehicles, such as the 2018 Ford Escape, even come with windshield wiper warmers as an available feature. Don't pour hot water on your windshield! There’s one more thing we want to discourage, however tempting it may be on a sub-zero morning. Never pour hot or even warm water on your windshield to clear away ice. Hot water will shock the glass, which can cause chips or even huge cracks. Warm water lessens this danger, but more often than not will just refreeze and make a bad situation worse. Washer fluid, which contains methanol and other de-icing agents, will work to break up frost on the windshield by lowering the water’s freezing point. Before you spray with washer fluid, make sure you’ve scraped the windshield as smooth as possible to avoid damaging the wiper blades! Visit the Borgman Service Center For Quality Windshield Wiper Replacement in West Michigan If you’re looking for quality windshield wipers that are a perfect fit for your vehicle, stop by the Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids and talk to one of our parts specialists. We proudly stock genuine Motorcraft wiper blades, which come in four different varieties. Depending on your vehicle, preferences, and season we’ll be able to make a recommendation as to which one is the best fit for your needs. Many of these wiper blades also boast the yellow wear indicator feature. Replacing wiper blades yourself is fairly easy, but if you’re short on time we’d be happy to do it for you. Contact our Service Center for hours and info!