News

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Pot holes and uneven road conditions have a great impact on your vehicles alignment, Outside of normal wear conditions when a vehicle impacts pot holes and curbs the impact can cause suspension parts to be bent and adjustment parts to be moved, A good  indicator that the vehicle is out of alignment is if the steering wheel is not centered, or if the vehicle is pulling to one side. It is recomended to have the alignment checked at least once a year or every 10,000 miles to ensure the alignment is whithin specs.

WHEEL BEARINGS

Most vehicles today have hub assemblies which have the wheel bearing and wheel speed sensor all in one unit, These units are sealed units and have lubricant inside them for the bearing. When pot holes and other extreme impacts happen the seal can be broken, When this happens it allows moisture and debris to break down the lubricant and eventually dry it out causing metal to metal wear. An indicator of this is a growling or buzzing noise that gets worse over time, Also the ABS or Traction Control light will come on. Because this can take months to become noticable it is a good idea to note when a severe impact happens so you know the reason when the symptons show.

SHOCKS AND STRUTS

One of the most common overlooked aspects of the suspension is the shocks and struts, Shocks and Stuts are vital to the vehicles handling, ride quality, and braking. The shocks and struts are designed to absorb the energy that is experienced when braking, cornering, and accelerating. When these are worn it puts stresses on other areas, most notiblaly the braking system, but also bushings, sway bars, etc. A good rule for the replacement of shocks and struts is between 50,000 and 70,000 miles on most vehicles depending on driving habits and conditions. Todays newer vihicles have much higher spring rates (stiffer)  than older vehicles so it is sometimes hard to tell when these parts are worn, but a few indicators are longer distances to stop, rattling or popping noises, and rougher ride than before.

Whith the current conditons of ourr roads it may be a good idea to have all these ares looked at.

Suspension, Tires, and Brakes are some of the most important aspects of vehicle safety.