Tag Archive for: auto

Car Care Tips: Shocks & Struts

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Advanced Auto Clinic Car Care Tips

Shocks & Struts

 

 

 STRUTS

Struts are a structural part of the suspension system and are mounted to the chassis of the vehicle on the top, and they come down through. They give us a place to mount the coil spring, and the spring is what maintains the height of the vehicle, so we have a plate in here for the spring.

Car Struts are used on the front end of nearly every front-wheel-drive vehicle. They are more than shock absorbers and with a different name. A strut integrates numerous different suspension parts into one compact assembly. This includes:

The Coil Spring
The Spring Seats
The Shock Absorbers
The Strut Bearing
The Steering Knuckle
The shock absorber portion of the strut is the most commonly serviced part of the strut assembly.

 

Struts perform two jobs: They provide a dampening function like shock absorbers, and they provide structural support for the vehicle suspension. That means struts deliver a bit more than shock absorbers.

 

SHOCKS

A shock absorber keeps the vehicle from bouncing. It limits the rapid movement of the wheel when it hits something , like a pot hole. A shock absorber is basically an oil pump placed between the frame of the car and the wheels.

Upper & Lower Mounts
The upper mount of the shock connects to the frame & the lower mount connects to the axle, near the wheel.

Twin-tube design: the upper mount is connected to a piston rod, which is connected to a piston, which in turn sits in a tube filled with hydraulic fluid. The inner tube is known as the pressure tube, and the outer tube is known as the reserve tube. The reserve tube stores excess hydraulic fluid.

When the car wheel encounters a bump in the road and causes the spring to coil and uncoil, the energy of the spring is transferred to the shock absorber through the upper mount, down through the piston rod and into the piston. Orifices perforate the piston and allow fluid to leak through as the piston moves up and down in the pressure tube. Because the orifices are relatively tiny, only a small amount of fluid, under great pressure, passes through. This slows down the piston, which in turn slows down the spring.

In modern shock absorbers the faster the suspension moves, the more resistance the shock absorber provides. This allows shocks to adjust to road conditions and to control all things such as bounce, sway, brake dive and acceleration squat.

When To Replace Your Shocks & Struts:

  • Noticeable fluid leak
  • Shocks, struts or mounts look dented or damaged
  • Tires show unusual wear patterns

 

Because shocks and struts have so much to do with the handling of a car, they can be considered critical safety features.

 

ShocksStrutsBuy4for3Right now at Advanced Auto Clinic you can buy four qualifying NAPA Shocks and Struts for the price of three! Plus, with your purchase, receive a $50 NAPA AutoCare Center Service Card to use on a future service or repair of $75 or more! If your shocks and struts are worn, it may be time to replace them, so schedule your inspection today!

Advanced Auto Clinic
1101 Ann St., Delavan, WI 
262-728-2944

 

Offer good September 1 through October 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
http://www.pepboys.com/lp_monroe_shocks_struts_sept2012/
http://www.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_purpose_of_a_shock_absorber
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-suspension2.htm
http://news.carjunky.com/how_stuff_works/car_struts_what_are_they_abc169.shtml
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-suspension3.htm

Exhausts and Brakes

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EXHAUSTS

Keeping up with your vehicle’s exhaust will reduce noise, environmental pollution, and risk of engine failure. A typical exhaust system includes: the exhaust manifold, downpipe, catalytic converter, center section, and rear silence assembly. All working together to keep you safe and sound and quiet on the road.

Custom Mufflers Bending Machine Mufflers Exhaust Advanced Auto Clinic, Delavan, Wisconsin

 

BRAKES

Keeping up with brake maintenance, paying attention to the signs of brake wear and choosing the right equipment for your vehicle is very important to keep your car safe to drive.

Neglecting your braking system can lead to increased repair costs, or worse, no brakes at all.

The most obvious indicator that your vehicle’s brakes need attention is an incredibly high pitched squeal when you come to a stop. Brake pad manufacturers include a little piece of metal called an indicator on the pad itself.

Rotors are a little trickier, as they can usually last through two or three sets of brake pads before needing to be replaced. If your steering wheel wiggles in your hands when you come to a stop, it’s a good idea to get some new ones.

 

Get repairs on exhausts and brakes at Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan, WI near Lake Geneva.

 

 

Winterizing Your Vehicle

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As Winter Approaches it is important to make sure your vehicle is in a condition where you are traveling as safe as possible. To help better prepare for this season of driving here are some tips and suggestions on winterizing your car:

 

Check Your Antifreeze

Your antifreeze (the juice that goes in your radiator) is an essential part of your car’s winter protection. Your car contains a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. Make sure the level is full and the mixture is close to 50/50. Many auto service stations and repair centers will check this mixture free, or you can buy a tester for around $5.

Only fill with premium brand anti-freeze, make sure to check your owners manual for proper anti-freeze type

Inspect Your Tires

Tires are frequently the most neglected vehicle component but are among the most important. Check tire pressure and tread depth before winter sets in. Under- inflated and worn tires will not provide sufficient traction – especially on wet or icy roads.

Replace Your Wipers

Install good windshield wiper blades

Check Your Windshield Fluid

Fill wiper fluid reservoir with de-icing solution

Check the battery

 Icy-cold temperatures can reduce a vehicle’s battery power by up to fifty percent. If the battery is barely turning the engine over now, it is likely to fail during winter. If your vehicle battery is older than three years, have it tested. Also, make sure the posts and connections are free of corrosion.

Inspect Your Spark Plug Wires

Cracked up plug wires affect performance, gas mileage and general reliability

Inspect Your Brakes

Quick visual inspection will give you peace of mind driving in cold harsh conditions

Check Your Engine Oil

Dirty oil makes it harder for the engine to turn over, especially in cold weather, resulting in premature engine wear. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil change frequency and replace the oil with the appropriate grade for the seasonal temperatures in your area.

Check Belts and Hoses

Modern materials have made belts and hoses very durable with relatively long lives, but they can deteriorate over time and fail without warning. 

Tune up the motor

Air, Oil and Fuel filters, including new spark plugs, ignition cap, rotor and wires. Ignition system needs to be in top shape to battle the cold.

 

Winter Vehicle Emergency Kit Items

Blanket – wool is best, as it still warms even when wet

Empty Gas Can – in case you run out

Warning light, hazard triangle, or Road Flares -make it easier for someone to find you if things are really bad

Snacks – (durable ones) such as granola bars, jerky or dried fruit

Water – make sure you empty a little out of the tops of bottles in case they freeze

Flashlight (with batteries) – preferably waterproof

First Aid Kit

Jumper Cables or a Portable Battery Booster – cold decreases battery life

Ice Scaper/snowbrush 

Car shovel

Hand Warmers

 

Advanced Auto Clinic is a full service, automobile repair and auto repair maintenance shop serving the Delavan and Lake Geneva area with many years of consistent and friendly service. Click here to see all of the services offered: https://www.aacdelavan.com/automotive-services/