Alternator Facts (Failing Alternator)
March 27, 2022
If you notice that your headlights are flickering at night, that's something to pay attention to. While there could be many different things that could cause that problem, one possibility is your vehicle's alternator. The alternator takes mechanical energy from the engine and turns it into electr... More
New Life for Your Older Car in Sterling Heights
March 20, 2022
Isn't it amazing how much of our stuff is disposable these days? Clothes, electronics, housewares, furniture.Remember the days when Sterling Heights families mended their clothes, polished their shoes and neatly put away their toys every night? If something was lost or ruined through neglect, you... More
Straight Ahead (Wheel Alignment)
March 13, 2022
If every road was straight and smooth, we wouldn't have to worry much about wheel alignment. But they're not, so we do. Hitting potholes or driving on rough pavement can knock your vehicle out of alignment and you'll notice it in one of several ways. Your steering wheel may not be centered when ... More
To Fix or Not To Fix: That Is the Question.
March 6, 2022
No matter what vehicle you drive, when certain things break, you have to make a decision. Should I get it fixed now, later or never? Air conditioning is one of those things. You can certainly live without air conditioning, but it sure is nice to have on a sweltering day. Let's say your air con... More
Automotive Tips from Sterling Tire & Auto: When to Replace a Damaged Tire
February 27, 2022
Repair or Replace? Thats a question Sterling Heights drivers ask when they have tire damage. Some punctures cannot be repaired because of their size or location. Punctures larger than a quarter of an inch (6.4 mm) are considered too large to be safely repaired. Punctures in the sidewall or near t... More
The Vivacious Vernal Vehicle (Preparing Vehicle for Spring)
February 20, 2022
Most of us look forward to spring because the days are longer, the weather's warmer and we can finally get our vehicles into warm weather mode. Here are a few things that will breathe fresh energy into anyone's car, SUV, truck or van. First thing is a good cleaning, especially underneath. If you... More
Such a Little Part (Climate Control Resistor)
February 13, 2022
You expect your heater/air conditioner to work like it should. You have a control for temperature and one for fan speed. You even have a control for what vents the air comes out of. Don't be surprised one day if your blower fan develops a mind of its own and starts going crazy. Most of the ti... More
I NEED All Wheel Drive (Pros and Cons of AWD)
February 6, 2022
So winter has arrived and you don't feel confident in how your 2-wheel drive vehicle does in the snow and ice. You envy all those people with all-wheel-drive (AWD) and 4-wheel-drive (4WD) cars, trucks and SUVs. You start thinking, "I need one of those. I'll be able to go anywhere without any w... More
Keeping Your 'Old Faithful' Auto Running
January 30, 2022
At Sterling Tire & Auto we've had a lot of Sterling Heights customers asking how they can make their vehicles last longer. These questions are actually a reflection of a trend that's been building for several years in Michigan. The median age of personal vehicles is now over nine years. And 33 pe... More
Not Too Hot and Not Too Cold (Temperature Gauge)
January 23, 2022
You know your body temperature is supposed to be 98.6 degrees F, 37 degrees C. Your vehicle has a normal temperature, too, and if you pay attention to it, that can save you some big headaches down the road. Many vehicles have a temperature gauge on the dash that takes the temperature of the engi... More