Strutting Your Stuff (Shocks and Struts)
November 17, 2024
Ever wonder how your vehicle is able to move over bumps, potholes and other irregularities in the road and you hardly feel a vibration in the cabin? It’s your shocks and struts doing the hard work along with the rest of your suspension and tires. They keep the ride smooth and are important for your vehicle’s safe operation.
So, how do you know when your shocks and struts are wearing out? One way is to look at the surface of your tire (where the rubber meets the road—where the tread is). You might see some little indentations in certain spots, known as tire cupping. If your vehicle takes longer to stop than it used to, takes a dive when you hit the brake pedal or bottoms out (scrapes) on a big bump in the road, that’s another sign, as are loud, odd noises.
You may also notice your vehicle sways more than it used to. Every once in a while, look around at your shocks to see what shape things are in. If you see the rubber cover cracked or worn out or see a fluid outside your shocks, those are signs to bring your vehicle in to us so we can see what’s going on.
Since shocks and struts contribute to the safe operation of your vehicle, this service is important. Shocks and struts are what help your tires stay in close contact with the road and help stabilize your vehicle. They also help electronic safety systems work properly, including anti-lock braking, stability control, and collision avoidance. Bad shocks and struts are just going to get worse with time.
It's best to have regular maintenance done before anything goes wrong with your struts and shocks. Your vehicle’s manufacturer has guidelines for how long those intervals are. If you do start to see some of the warning signs, head on over so we can evaluate any problems. We’ll replace the parts your vehicle needs and have you strutting your stuff once again.
Charlie's Fast Lube Anna
1215 East Vienna St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
618-833-4999
http://www.charliesfastlubeanna.com
Need Service?
More articles from Charlie's Fast Lube Anna
The Neglected Windshield (Windshield Care)
December 1, 2024
You look at it every day, yet you don't really see it. We're talking about your vehicle's windshield, and if you're not seeing it at all, that's probably a good sign. The fact is that unless our windshields get fogged up, hazy or cracked, we don't pay all that much attention to them. Consideri... More
Alleviate the Creaks and Squeaks (Chassis Lubrication)
November 24, 2024
If your vehicle creaks and squeaks when you drive down the road, it may mean that some of the metal parts are rubbing against each other and need to be lubricated. Those could be parts of the suspension, steering system and the drivetrain. Years ago, most vehicles had to have their chassis (wha... More
Fears and Gears (Signs of Automatic Transmission Problems)
November 10, 2024
Automatic transmissions rule. The old days of shifting your own gears are a thing of the past for most drivers. But automatic transmission trouble can be a big inconvenience for any driver if it comes at the wrong time in the wrong place. Here are some signs to look out for that may mean you ar... More