Back To School: Basic Car Maintenance Survival Guide for Teen Drivers

September 05, 2018 · 9 min read

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.

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!

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Dec 25, 2019 in Service

Winter Care Car Tips

The cold weather can be hard on vehicles, especially when it lasts as long as it does here in West Michigan. With chilly temps and unpredictable weather for a few more months, it’s critical to know how to properly care for your vehicle before one of the usual winter mishaps occurs. Remember that typical setbacks in warmer weather could be detrimental to both your safety and the vehicle’s function in the frigid temps and winter weather. With safety and longevity in mind, below are a list of winter tips to keep your Ford or Mazda operating smoothly! Schedule a Service Check If you haven’t already done so, make sure you’re up to date on your vehicle’s regular service checks. Keeping the car at a healthy baseline is the best place to start! Borgman Service Center will ensure the basics are operating smoothly, and let you know if there are any concerns to look out for. Keep an Eye on your Battery Sometimes a battery that’s getting old will run perfectly fine in the warmer weather, but the moment the cold hits—it takes a dive. A Borgman Service Specialist can tell you about your battery’s life during a checkup, but for optimum problem solving during unexpected battery failures, keep jumper cables or a power pack starter in your vehicle. Tire Check If you don’t have winter tires or AWD, consider snagging a season-specific set to make sure you get in and out of wintery driveways and parking lots easily. If you’re good with what you have, ensure you’re monitoring tire pressure as the temperatures drop. For every 10 degrees in temperature outside, your tires may lose a pound of pressure. Keep an eye on them and keep them filled! Wiper Quality It seems obvious, but often drivers don’t notice the shabby performance of vehicle wipers until the need is dire. Sleet, snow, rain, ice, and even leaf piles can funk with wiper performance - both immediately and over time. Try to clean the windshield as thoroughly as possible each time you drive to eliminate obstacles, but most importantly, ensure your blades are good to go during whatever weather may fall. To prevent wiper damage, lift them off the windshield if snow or ice is expected to keep the elements away! Fill De-icing Fluid Since it’s winter in Michigan and the snow and ice is relentless once it starts, keep your wiper fluid filled up and possibly on hand at the house so you don’t run out. De-icing fluid is the best way to keep your windshield clear from ice and snow. Remember to never use hot water to clear ice or snow off of your windshield, as you’re risking a crack in the glass due to rapid surface temperature changes, which will lend you a far worse situation than you had before. Check Antifreeze A Borgman Service tuneup includes fluid checks, and your engine coolant should last you at least 5 years. If you haven’t been keeping up with normal service intervals, or you think it’s been over 5 years or 100,000 miles since your last flush, have us check out your coolant quality and level to ensure your engine runs smooth during the seasonal temperature shifts. Reduce Salt Exposure Salt and grime can cause rush and damage to the exterior of a vehicle. The best ways to protect your car from road salt is to: 1) wash your vehicle as often and quickly as possible in the case of acid rain or heavy salt treatment, 2) rinse the underside of your vehicle to rid salt buildup during the winter, 3) repair paint chips or scratches to prevent corrosion, and 4) protect and condition the vehicle’s finish with a paint sealant or undercoat treatment. We partner with Great Lakes Chemical Auto Appearance Specialists, who offer a variety of details that can help you combat corrosion, including rim protection, bedliner spraying, electronic modules, and rustproofing — all which help reduce the impact of recurring salt exposure in the winter months. If you still haven’t completed a basic service check or have questions or concerns about any of the tips listed above, trust the experts at the Borgman Service Center. We'll make sure the work—both maintenance and prevention—are done right to keep you safe and moving efficiently during the winter months. Check out our Service Specials and Schedule Your Appointment online today. If you have any questions, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help! Contact Us and come see why we're the Best in the West.

Sep 27, 2019 in Service

Fog Can Be Fatal: Safety Tips for Driving in Low Visibility

The fall and winter seasons are rolling in as fast as the fog that looms your cold mornings and evenings in Michigan. The thick clouds of atmospheric moisture can restrict visibility significantly, lending to hazardous driving conditions if extra precautions aren’t taken. Weather.com reports fog-related accidents contributing to over 32,000 crashes, 500 deaths, and 11,500 injuries annually! At Borgman, we’re focused on family and safety. Read our tips below to ensure safe driving for everyone when the fog rolls in. Ensure your headlights are working well. Using your headlights properly is key. We suggest ditching the high-beams and sticking to the low-beams for better visibility. If you think your low-beams aren’t bright enough, roll into Borgman for a headlight replacement and upgrade for optimal safety. Use your windshield wipers and defrost. Moisture alone can create a major glare off of your windshield, and combine that with ice and you have almost no visibility between the fog and your windshield. Clearing off the glass is essential to increasing your safety. Not sure if your wipers are fit for the fall and winter? Take advantage of our current Borgman service special on performance wipers! Leave extra cushion in front of you, and don't feel pressured to go faster if there's a car behind you. Remember to put as much as your safety in your own hands as possible. That means taking extra precautions while driving, regardless of other people on the road. Fog significantly debilitates a driver’s ability to perceive distance, so the slower you go and the more space you leave in front of you to increase space for a slower reaction time, the better. Don’t use cruise control, and make sure you brake gently. Cruise control doesn’t allow you to have full control over your surrounding speed and may cause you to sneak up on objects that were unseen only a few feet before. On the same note as the previous tip, you want as much space as possible in front of and behind you without increasing speed. Avoid collisions in front of you by staying in control of your vehicle’s speed, and be kind to those behind you by braking slowly! Use the road lines as a guide. Look for solid lines on the right side of the road as a guideline for your driving. Don’t use the lights of any other vehicles in front of you, as that could lend to multiple accidents. Stay in control of your vehicle, drive slow, and pull over off of the road completely (and put your hazard lights on!) if you’re feeling uncomfortable. If you haven’t had a tune up this year, bring your vehicle into Borgman Ford for a brake, tire, headlight, and wiper check—all components that are critical to your safety during the foggy commutes ahead. Our highly qualified technicians are here to provide exceptional service in a timely manner. We are dedicated to keeping our customers safe and maintaining top tier customer service, for both new and pre-owned car buyers! Contact our Service Center to schedule your appointment!

Oct 24, 2019 in Service

Borgman How-To: Winter Tire Shopping Guide

The winter weather is right around the corner for West Michigan, so if you've been thinking about getting a set of winter tires for your vehicle (or better yet, gifting someone a set for the holidays,) visit the Borgman Service Center today! Our trained experts will be more than happy to explain the benefits of using winter tires and matching them with high-quality rims that match the aesthetic of your vehicle. However, we also believe that knowledge is power when it comes to the care of your vehicle. For our latest Borgman How-To, we've put together a Winter Tire Shopping Guide to help demystify some tire terminology, explain what all those letters, numbers, and symbols mean, and give you a better sense of what kind of tire best suits your needs. Why Buy Winter Tires for West Michigan? Last year we wrote an article that takes an in-depth look at what makes winter tires so effective. The combination of rubber that stays soft in sub-freezing temperatures, specialized tread pattern, and shape all play a role, but the overall cost savings and benefit of extra safety are undeniable. How Do I Choose Which Type of Winter Tire To Get? Typically, if you have a larger vehicle and do most of your driving on country roads, we'd recommend a non-studded winter tire. These don't have metal studs in them (which are illegal in Michigan) but have big treads that act like cleats and really grab into densely-packed snow. However, driving on cleared pavement with these will wear them down faster. For the typical driver in the Greater Grand Rapids Area, Borgman will recommend Performance Winter Tires. These look like regular tires, but the tread pattern has been specifically-designed to pack snow onto the tire and use it for extra grip. If this sounds strange, think of it like rolling a snowman - snow sticks to snow pretty well, especially if it's slightly wet. What Do All of Those Symbols and Numbers Mean In The Specs? When shopping for winter tires, you might notice a symbol of a mountain and a snowflake pop up in the literature or on the tires themselves. This means that the tire has passed a traction test, but doesn't mean that it's a winter tire. You may also see an "M+S" next to it, meaning that it has been formulated for moderate snowy conditions. The numbers and letters separated by slashes on the sidewall of the tire tell you what roles it's for and which size rim it needs. If this looks confusing, don't worry. The staff at Borgman will be more than happy to help you. For the curious, they note the following in this order: Tire Type: Usually this will read "P" for passenger vehicles, but some pickups and larger SUVs will have "LT" for light truck. Tire Width: This is the measurement if the tire width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. Ratio: This is the height of the tire, measured as a percentage of the tire width. Construction: This refers to how the layers of rubber make up the tire. "R" will mean radially and is the most common. Diameter: This is the full measurement of the "donut hole" part of the tire. Which Brand of Winter Tire Should I Go With? Borgman Service inventories a wide selection of quality winter tires from trusted name brands. This includes affordable options all the way up to more premium offerings. For the budget-conscious, our affordable winter tires will still outperform all-season tires in snow and offer a lower barrier to entry. The more money you're willing to spend, you can expect even better performance and in a wider range of conditions. The bottom line is to look at what's available within your price range and choose which ones fit the needs of your commute the best. This includes how often your street gets plowed, how many hills you drive up and down, and so on. Name brands will research and develop their own proprietary rubber compounds and tread patterns, each with their own merits. The best thing you can do while choosing is to sit down and look carefully at each of them and decide which tire best-addresses the road conditions you dislike driving in the most. If you're short on time, or aren't sure what you're looking at, the tire experts at Borgman can match you with a "good, better, best" selection for you to choose from. The Borgman Service team will also educate you about how best to care for your tires, including the best storage environment, why dedicating a set of rims to them yields the best longevity, and how to tell when it's time to swap them with your warm weather tires. If you're thinking about equipping your vehicle with winter tires, beat the rush and Schedule Your Appointment with the Borgman Service Center today! Be sure to check our latest Service Specials too, and feel free to Reach Out To Us with any questions. Come see why we're the the Best in the West!

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