Tag Archive for: wheels

How do I know when I need a wheel alignment?

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Question:
How do I know when I need a wheel alignment?

Advanced Auto Clinic Answer:
When ‘ wheels are properly aligned they all point in the same direction. When they are out of alignment, most notice a couple of things. First the vehicle pulls to one side when driving. It could be slight or pretty severe. If your wheels have been out of alignment for a while, you’ll also start to see uneven tire wear – the shoulder on either the outside or inside of the tire is worn down more than the other.

A whole bunch of steering and suspension components are joined together. Everyday driving can cause ‘ wheels to go out of alignment over time just from the joints loosening up. That’s why most recommend an alignment check every couple of years. Depending on where you live in or the conditions you drive in (off-road driving, harsh winter conditions, poor pavement, etc.) – an alignment inspection every year at Advanced Auto Clinic may be called for.

Suspension and steering components wear over time as well which can lead to and alignment issues for . Of course, a big bump like hitting a curb or pothole can knock a wheel out of alignment or damage a steering or suspension part.

The type of wear provides clues for what might be wrong. Undercar parts are inspected for wear and damage. The alignment machine will provide a reading of how each wheel is aligned. The reading is compared with the alignment settings recommended by the , and then the makes the necessary adjustments and repairs to bring your wheels back into alignment.

Now putting off a wheel alignment in can get for because of tire wear: a bad alignment can chew through a tire pretty quickly. If you see uneven tire wear, if your steering wheel is off center, or your vehicle pulls to one side contact Advanced Auto Clinic about getting an alignment check.

Give us a call today at (262) 728-2944

Car Car Information – Axle

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Automotive Solutions from Advanced Auto Clinic Axle

If you hear a clunking sound from the front wheel when you make a turn, one possible cause of the trouble for drivers is a worn axle.

Front-wheel drive vehicles have axles that transfer power from the transmission to your front wheels. There is one for each front wheel. These axles are called constant velocity axles or CV axles for short. Auto owners with rear-wheel drive vehicles have axles that are in back and run between the differential and the rear wheels. Of course, all-wheel drive vehicles will have an axle at each wheel.

“…finding the trouble early will make the repair easier and less expensive”

When a front CV axle goes bad, it will commonly make a clunking noise as you make a slow turn. When a rear axle goes bad, the clunking or moaning sound will be in the back. Now there really isn’t any preventive maintenance you can have performed to make your axles last longer, but you can have them inspected from time to time to see if a problem such as a leaking seal or torn protective boot has arisen. Sometimes finding the trouble early will make the repair easier and less expensive.

Of course, axles do wear out and need to be replaced. This is essential and should not be put off by car owners because a severely worn axle can seize up causing costly damage to your transmission or other components. This could even lead to an accident for drivers who ignore a worn axle.

If you suspect an axle problem, have it looked at right away. Ask your knowledgeable Advanced Auto Clinic service specialist if it’s time for an automotive analysis of your axle.

Advanced Auto Clinic

1101 Ann Street, Delavan, WI 53115

262.728.2944

At Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan WI (53115) we install quality NAPA

replacement parts. Give us a call at 262.728.2944. To learn more about NAPA

AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.