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Steering and suspension training offered at Steve’s Auto Repair

In Shocks and Struts by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Our automotive technicians, service advisors and managers have become more knowledgeable about steering and suspension systems.

Representatives from NAPA AutoTech led a Modern Electronic Steering and Suspension Systems training at Steve’s Auto Repair and Tire recently.

A variety of topics were covered during the class.

One of our Master Technicians considered the steering and suspension training a nice refresher. Some of our younger technicians found it to be a great introduction that they took a lot of information away from.

Steering and suspension training.

Steering and suspension training

The NAPA AutoTech representatives talked about new features on vehicles.

One that stood out to an Apprentice Technician and a Service Advisor was how sensors can read the road and determine when a pothole is coming up. Instead of hitting the pothole, the vehicle will be pulled over it. 

A couple of attendees enjoyed learning about how MagneRide Suspension works. It uses magnetorheological fluid, an oil and iron mixture.

Other types of set ups were also discussed, including Active Ride Suspension, Air Suspension, and Nitrogen Suspension. 

We learned about electronic steering and Assist Maps, as well.

The steering and suspension training was helpful to those serving in different roles – whether they’re interacting directly with drivers or working on their vehicles.

For technicians, it brought different parts of the systems together. Meanwhile, Service Advisors were inspired to ask technicians more, deeper questions so they can better assist customers.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dale City, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Shock and strut problems

In Shocks and Struts by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Speed bumps, potholes, rough roads – shocks and struts are there to help you navigate each of these conditions.

Through daily use, these components eventually wear out and don’t work as designed. 

These effects may be felt when operating your vehicle and the impact can extend beyond the suspension system.

What are shocks and struts? What is the difference between them?

Shocks and struts are a part of your suspension.

A shock is independent from the coil, while a strut is inside the coil. The strut bolts to the knuckle, whereas a shock will go right to the control arm or rear axle.

When should I replace my shocks and struts?

Buick Verano shocks and struts.

Buick Verano shocks and struts

The lifespan for shocks and struts vary.

You should have an automotive expert check your shocks and struts when your vehicle reaches 50,000 to 60,000 miles.

They might need to be replaced at this point, or they could last until the 75,000 or 100,000 mile mark.

Aside from mileage, you will want to keep an eye out for certain symptoms that can indicate it’s time to replace the shocks and struts.

What are signs of bad shocks and struts?

You might need new shocks and struts if your vehicle dives when you hit the brakes or go around a corner.

We’re also looking for a poor response while going over bumps.

When the shocks and struts have become worn, control of the spring decreases. The result? Extra movement in the body that can impact brake wear. 

Other symptoms of bad shocks and struts include uneven tire wear and squeaking noises when traveling on rough roads.

There will be a pattern in the tire that is created when the pressure of the rubber isn’t as consistent as it’s designed to be.

What shock and strut problems do we look for?

Signs of shock and strut wear may be noticed when you bring your vehicle into a shop.

Our technicians look for wear on the tires and perform a bounce test.

Every vehicle will be different because of how they’re designed.

They should go down and up and that’s it. When the car goes down and up a few times, it usually means the shocks are bad.

Leaking fluid is one of the other shock and strut problems we look for. This is an oil that’s inside the cartridge. 

What should I do if I think something is wrong with my shocks and struts?

If you think there’s a problem with your shocks and struts, see if an autoshop you trust can take it for a test drive and look the vehicle over.

Having an automotive expert look into the problem can help you resolve any abnormal road manners and avoid additional costs that can stem from bad shocks and struts.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Manassas, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Mileage-based services: what does your car need and when?

In Alignment, Battery, Cabin Air Filter, Maintenance, Shocks and Struts by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

The lifespans of vehicles have lengthened over the years, which means that drivers are keeping them for extended periods of time.

To ensure that your car lasts as long as possible, it requires maintenance. After a period of time or as a vehicle reaches a specific mileage, certain tasks are recommended.

Some mileage-based services include flushes, replacing parts, and tune-up related items.

Year-based car maintenance

Every 3 to 5 years

Battery replacement is normally needed around every 5 years for good batteries. How long a car battery lasts can be impacted by the quality, type and size. Where you buy it from is another factor.

Worn tire on a Honda Pilot.No longer than 8 to 10 years

If it’s been 8 to 10 years since you last purchased tires, it’s time to invest in new ones. Depending on where you live, weather conditions and how you drive, your car may need new tires sooner.

Tires tread depth must be at least 2/32 of an inch. There shouldn’t be any chords showing or cracks in the sidewall. 

Mileage-based services

Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles

Oil changes on many vehicles should typically be performed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. We know that some manufacturers are recommending them every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or when the oil service light turns on. If you want to keep your vehicle for a long time, you may want to choose synthetic oil and have it changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

It’s a good idea to have tire rotations done every 5,000 miles, too. This service is a part of our oil change process.

Dirty cabin air filter on a Toyota Highlander.Between 10,000 and 20,000 miles

The lifespan of cabin air filters is normally 10,000 to 20,000 miles. This is determined by the kind of vehicle you have and the driving conditions.

How long air filters last vary, as well. They are among the components we check during oil changes. Air filter replacement can be suggested upon inspection or per the manufacturer’s guidelines. They could last somewhere around 10,000 or 15,000 miles.

Every 15,000 miles

Ram 3500 receiving a wheel alignment.It’s a good idea to have wheel alignments conducted once a year or every 15,000 miles. This service is also suggested when you purchase new tires and following any needed suspension repairs.

Tire balances and GDI induction services should be performed every 15,000 miles, too.

Every 30,000 miles

A few mileage-based services are needed every 30,000 miles. This can differ among vehicles and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Typically, every 30,000 miles is the suggested frequency for brake fluid exchanges, coolant fluid exchanges, transmission fluid exchanges, power steering fluid exchanges, and fuel induction services.

If you want to receive some sort of extended warranty, you may want to start earlier than what the manufacturer suggests.

When a vehicle has between 50,000 and 100,000 miles

Worn struts on a Toyota Camry.

Worn struts on a Toyota Camry

When your car has between 50,000 and 60,000 miles on it, we recommend taking a look at shocks and struts. 

Depending on the vehicle, you may need to replace them as soon as 50,000 to 60,000 miles. Generally, you change these suspension parts between 75,000 and 100,000 miles.

When a car gets to 100,000 miles

Cracking serpentine belt on a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Cracking serpentine belt on a Jeep Grand Cherokee

If a car’s serpentine belts haven’t been replaced by the time it reaches 100,000 miles, now is a good time to do so. Also called “drive belts”, serpentine belts go around various engine components, including alternators and water pumps.

Any original spark plugs should be changed, as well. Swapping out spark plugs when needed helps improve a vehicle’s operation and extends the lifespan of subsystems.

After 100,000 miles

After a vehicle hits 100,000 miles, it’s important to keep up with the mileage-based services needed every 15,000, 20,000 and 30,000 miles. The manufacturers will have different recommendations.

Wherever you have your car worked on, make sure that the mechanic or auto repair shop is aware of what maintenance it needs and when.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dumfries, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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What happens if I don’t replace my shocks and struts?

In Shocks and Struts by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

So you go to an auto technician, and they tell you that your shocks or struts are going bad. But what does that really mean? Why is it so crucial to fix them?

Because a lot of people don’t hear about shocks and struts often, they usually mistake them as an added component that is not crucial to their car functioning – but that’s incorrect. They are vital to keeping you on the road.

Before understanding why you need to replace your shocks or struts, it’s important to understand what they are and what they do in your car.

Shocks are pieces in the vehicle that work with springs to keep the tires in contact with the road. The shocks help to make your ride smooth and keep your tires from bouncing significantly when you’re driving on the road.

Struts are a combination piece, with a shock and a coil spring attached together. These are also part of the suspension in you vehicle that help keep it stable, moving safely and minimize bouncing when driving over bumps and uneven road.

You can read about why shocks and struts are needed in this article.

The importance of replacing shocks and struts

Now that you know what shocks and struts are, let’s talk about why they are crucial to replace. Shocks and struts wear out over time, and because of that, you’ll begin to see some impairment with your vehicle. Your drive may be bumpier, your tires may bounce, and you could hear squeaking and even see fluid leaking from your vehicle.

When you see these warning signs – it’s time to act. Having one of our certified technicians at Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire assess your vehicle when these issues begins happening will save you in the long run. Let’s talk about why.

When you have bad shocks and struts, they can’t maintain the stability in your car as well, which means you have tires that are bouncing up and down. Over time that will eat away at your tires and cause odd wear patterns and even smooth patches where the rubber has rubbed away, instead of normal standard wear patterns you would see on tires with functioning shocks and struts. The damage to your tires makes the care unsafe to drive, and you may very well end up having to pay to replace tires because of this issue.

Your brakes are impacted by bad shocks and struts too. When they’re worn out and you try to hit the brakes, your tires can actually go up into the air. While it’s only a couple of inches at the most, when your tires are not on the ground, it can be extremely dangerous. This is especially true when you’re on curves or making a turn, as your tires need to be firmly on the ground in order to make those moves in your vehicle safely. And when you’re trying to brake, you can actually lose 100 feet in braking space because of the impaired grip.

Additionally, because of that bouncing from the shocks and struts failing will also put a lot of strain on your car’s suspension system. By not doing it’s job – absorbing the shock – not having them replaced can lead to damage in the ball joints, wheel hubs, and many other components of the suspension. Without something to absorb the shock and energy of hitting a bump, it spreads throughout your car and will lead to damage. The repairs can be costly for suspension work – so by not replacing your shocks and struts at Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire, you will end up with not only a potentially unsafe vehicle, but potentially one that doesn’t drive at all.

The most important risk you need to know about when it comes to replacing your shocks and struts is safety related. You and the ones you love are often in your vehicle. When you are driving with failing shocks and struts, the handling, control and safety of your vehicle are seriously impaired. Continuing to drive with worn out shocks and struts could lead to you getting into an accident that hurts you and your vehicle – and potentially some else’s car.

We acknowledge that sometimes shocks and struts can be expensive, but they are a crucial piece of your vehicle. By working with the certified technicians at Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire, we will ensure that your vehicle is safe to use and help you get back out on the road.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Why shocks and struts are needed

In Shocks and Struts by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Every time your car hits a bump or a dip, it bounces.

Shocks and struts, which are part of the suspension, prevent it from continuing to do that as it travels down the road.

While working on a 2000 BMW, Brian noticed wetness around the shock and realized the shocks and struts were original to the car. Rust had also built up on the shock.

Kinds of shocks and strut setups

The shocks and struts set up for each vehicle varies. 

Most have a strut assembly — which is a shock and a spring combined — in the front. A lot of cars can have a strut or just a shock separately in the back.

The assembly connects to the car and the front wheels. The part that links with the wheels must be able to pivot as you turn.

When to replace shocks and struts

There are a few signs that shocks and struts need to be replaced.

They include a car making squeaking sounds or irregular tire wear patterns.

Another reason why you should replace these parts is it helps keep the tires in contact with the road, especially during an emergency situation when you want to have as much traction and control of the vehicle as possible.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.