Explore New FAQs & Learn More About Your Vehicle

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.,––At Serra of Traverse City, it's our goal to not only provide you auto service that meets and exceeds your expectations. It's also important to us to help you better understand your vehicle's needs. If you're not a technician or familiar with cars, figuring out how to take care of it or diagnose its problems can be difficult. Leave it to our expert team to answers all your questions about vehicle service! We've just added new topics to our FAQs page to assist you in getting to know your car. Explore our new FAQs and learn more about your vehicle.

The topics, questions, and answers you can find in our FAQs include:

Tires 

When should I get my wheels aligned?
Why do I need wheel alignments?
When should my tires be replaced?
How do I know what type of tires to choose?
How often should I get my tires rotated?
How much should I inflate my tires?
How long can I drive on a spare tire?

Wiper Blades

How do I know if my wiper blades need to be replaced?
How do I know which windshield washer fluid I should use?

Brakes

How often should I get my brakes checked?
How do I know if my brakes need to be replaced?
Why is my steering wheel shaking when I brake?

Oil Changes

How often should I get my oil changed?
What type of oil should I use in my car?
Should I consider getting synthetic oil?
My engine oil is milky brown looking. Is that normal?

Under the Hood

How often should my belts and hoses be replaced?
When should I have my A/C serviced?
How often should I have battery inspected?
When should I have my coolant changed or flushed?
How do I know which fuel type is better for my car?
When should I have my vehicle's suspension serviced?
How do I know if my car is having transmission problems?
When should I have my spark plugs replaced?
What does it mean if my check engine shows up on the dashboard?


Let our expert technicians help answer all your auto service questions. Explore our new FAQs and learn more about your vehicle on our website OR reach out to our friendly team for more information. If you notice an issue with your car while you're reading these questions and answers, make sure to schedule an appointment or stop by as soon as you can to help maintain your safety on the road and your vehicle's health. We look forward to seeing you at our Cherry Capital area dealership.

At Serra of Traverse City, we’re happy to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. You can find the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles at our North Campus location at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI. If you’re looking for the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, or our Collision Center, our South Campus is located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686. Our used vehicles and certified pre-owned headquarters is just across the street.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com
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Basic Routine Maintenance FAQs

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – As a vehicle owner, you should know that there's a lot that goes into making sure your car will run properly. Keeping up with routine maintenance will ensure your vehicle has a long and efficient life. Our descriptive service FAQs help to answer not only commonly asked questions, but also provide in-depth answers regarding your car, truck, crossover, or SUV's components and when they need to be serviced. Today, we're covering some basic routine maintenance FAQs and what you should know to keep your vehicle up to speed and running well!

Your vehicle is a big investment! Making sure your vehicle is up-to-date on routine maintenance is extremely important for your vehicle's efficiency and your safety on the road. Things like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections are all a part of taking care of your vehicle year round. Then there are services that should be done seasonally, such as A/C system inspections or recharges, Winter tire installations, or wiper blade replacements. 

Consider getting auto services like a chore: sometimes it's better to have a list or schedule to help you stay on track. We highly recommend keeping a service log to better prepare yourself for service needs as they arise. This way, you won't fall behind on critical services, like oil changes, and potentially cause unnecessary wear or damage to your engine. Many times you'll receive a sticker on your windshield, or even emails from your dealership to help remind you of upcoming service, but you can always keep a log for yourself just in case!

Knowing when these services should be done is important, but even more important to understand is why these services should be done. If you're not sure of these services or their benefits to your car's overall health, take a look at our basic routine maintenance FAQs and answers on our website. 

Some of the most frequently asked Routine Maintenance questions include:

• How often should I get my oil changed? 
• When should my tires be replaced? 
• How do I know if my brakes need to be replaced? 
• How do I know which windshield washer fluid I should use? 
• How often should I get my tires aligned? 
• When should I replace my wiper blades? 

All of these questions, their answers, and more information can be found on our Service FAQs page. We hope that our coverage on basic routine maintenance FAQs helps you to create a maintenance schedule and solve any concerns you may have. Have a question that wasn't on the FAQs page? Contact us and we'll get in touch to help best solve your auto issue! When you read through the FAQs and realize you need to have auto service done, schedule an appointment with us to get it resolved right away so your car can get you where you need to be.

At Serra of Traverse City, we’re happy to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. You can find the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles at our North Campus location at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI. If you’re looking for the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, or our Collision Center, our South Campus is located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686. Our used vehicles and certified pre-owned headquarters is just across the street.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Serra Cadillac Subaru Google+, Serra Nissan Volvo Google+, Serra Audi Toyota VW Google+, Serra Toyota Google+, Collision Center Google+, and YouTube

Kids Activities to Try Over Winter Break

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – Winter break is here and that means your kids are cooped up in the house or out playing in the snow! Once the cold sets in and the little ones are bouncing off the walls with unused energy, you're going to need something to keep them out of your hair. Try these kids activities over winter break! 

Dish Soap Foam

This project is good, clean fun! Whip up some frothy foam in your food processor using the dish soap from the kitchen! 

Crescent Pizza Rolls

Since the kids will be home for lunch, serve something they can help create themselves, like these crescent pizza rolls!

Snow Paint

When sledding and snow fort building get old, bring the craft paint outside to make awesome snow art!

Breakfast Sushi

Another kid-friendly meal to try at home is breakfast sushi. It's rather healthy and easy for kids to DIY.

Window Art

Try this project to create beautiful window art using just white glue, and food coloring! The best part? It's not permanent! 

Cloud Dough

Cloud dough can be made using flour and vegetable oil. It molds together and crumbles apart like sand! 

We hope you'll try these fun kids activities over winter break! Maybe you'll make a new winter break tradition with your family! Don't forget to take good care of your vehicle, as well as your family, this winter by utilizing our Routine Maintenance pages! Brake Service and Oil Changes are important to think about during the harsh winter months!

At Serra of Traverse City, we’re happy to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. You can find the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles at our North Campus location at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI. If you’re looking for the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, or our Collision Center, our South Campus is located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686. Our used vehicles and certified pre-owned headquarters is just across the street.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Serra Cadillac Subaru Google+, Serra Nissan Volvo Google+, Serra Audi Toyota VW Google+, Serra Toyota Google+, Collision Center Google+, and YouTube

Traverse City Community Events

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – As always, Serra of Traverse City is proud to support community events right here at home. Around the holidays, there are lots of fun happenings! Check out some of these Traverse City Community Events if you're looking for something fun and festive to do this season!

Mens Downtown Shopping Night

When: December 15th 5:00-9:00 PM
Where: Downtown Traverse City

Come downtown to enjoy food and refreshments while you take advantage of special deals and get some holiday shopping out of the way!

Sounds of the Season at Interlochen Arts Academy

When: December 15th 7:00 PM

Where: Interlochen Arts Academy Corson Auditorium

Enjoy the sounds of Interlochen Arts Academy students and faculty as they perform many holiday favorites! Click the link above for more details and to purchase tickets! 

Holiday Market

When: December 17th 1:00-6:00 PM

Where: Little Fleet

Head to Little Fleet on E. Front Street to check out some artisan vendors and get some shopping out of the way! There will also be a DJ for your enjoyment and it's free to enter!

Family Holiday Celebration at Black Star Farms

When: December 17th 12:00-5:00 PM

Where: Black Star Farms

Stop by the cafe for cookie decorating and other fun holiday activities! Kids eat for 50% off and admission is free! 

Cherry Drop New Year’s Eve

When: December 31st 10:00 PM
Where: Downtown Traverse City

Ring in the new year with us at the 8th Annual CherryT Ball Drop! Enjoy a live DJ while we count down to the new year!

We hope you get a chance to enjoy a few of these awesome Traverse City Community Events this holiday season! This time of year can be busy, but try to take a minute to slow down and support your local organizations! If you haven't yet, be sure to take a look at our new Routine Maintenance pages to help you keep your vehicle running smoothly this winter. We have helpful tips for things like alignment, brakes, oil changes, tire care, and wiper blades!

We're proud to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. At our North Campus, located at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, you'll enjoy the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles. Across the street, is our used vehicle and certified pre-owned headquarters. At our South Campus, located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, you'll find the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, as well as our Collision Center.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Serra Cadillac Subaru Google+, Serra Nissan Volvo Google+, Serra Audi Toyota VW Google+, Serra Toyota Google+, Collision Center Google+, and YouTube

Serra Cares About Your Car - See Our New Routine Maintenance Pages

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.––At Serra Traverse City, we know the winters and Michigan roads can be rough on your car. The best thing you can do to keep your car looking good and feeling great is routine maintenance. There are quite a few tasks that you need to do throughout the year such as oil changes, tire rotations, wheel alignments, wiper blade replacements, and maybe even brake repairs upon inspection. These service tasks can seem daunting, but we're here to make it easy for you! Serra Cares about your car, so see our new routine maintenance pages to learn about your car's needs and to schedule a service appointment at our dealership.

Oil Changes

This is one of the easiest ways to keep your car running like it should! A simple oil change helps your engine run smooth, and keeps your engine clean. Learn more and schedule your oil change at Serra Traverse City online!

Tire Rotations & Purchases

How often should you rotate your tires? How do you check for uneven tread wear? How do you know when your tires need to be replaced? On this page we cover all of those questions. As your tires are a big safety component, you'll want to make sure they get the attention they need! When it comes to purchasing tires, we've also got you covered with name brands and coupons.

Wheel Alignments

The bumpy roads of Michigan can often take a toll on your vehicle's wheel alignment and in turn take a toll on your car's performance. On this page, you can learn more about what a wheel alignment does for your vehicle, and signs that your vehicle needs and alignment. Plus, you can schedule service online, too!

Wiper Blade Replacements

Wiper Blades are so simple to replace, but the importance of replacing them can often go lost on drivers. Their job is to keep your windshield free and your view of the road clear, which means they're even more important in the winter. Learn more about signs of damage and when to replace them on this page!

Brake Repairs & Inspections

Your brakes are a HUGE safety component. Without them how would we get around safely? Your vehicle's brakes don't always need repair, but they should be inspected regularly. On this page we talk more about signs of wear or damage so you can recognize when to bring your vehicle in!


Serra Cares about your car and its overall health so you can not only stay safe on the road, but enjoy your car for seasons and years to come! Not to mention, routine maintenance will help you avoid some possible costly repairs down the road (pun intended), that can happen due to routine maintenance negligence. See our new routine maintenance pages to learn more about what your car needs. We'd be happy to help you with whatever service your Audi, Cadillac, Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, Volvo, or Volkswagen needs!

Our professionally trained and certified Service Technicians are able to work on any make or model with the goal of having you out the door and on the road in a timely manner. You can schedule your service online or by giving us a call at (866) 249-1772 for our Toyota, Audi, VW, Nissan, & Volvo North Campus OR at (866) 253-9698 for our Cadillac, Subaru, & Collision Center South Campus.

_____________________________________

At Serra of Traverse City, we’re happy to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. You can find the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles at our North Campus location at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI. If you’re looking for the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, or our Collision Center, our South Campus is located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686. Our used vehicles and certified pre-owned headquarters is just across the street.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Serra Cadillac Subaru Google+, Serra Nissan Volvo Google+, Serra Audi Toyota VW Google+, Serra Toyota Google+, Collision Center Google+, and YouTube