The Key to Smooth Rides: Understanding Vehicle Alignment

Posted on September 5, 2023 by autorepair

Vehicle alignment plays a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth, comfortable ride and prolonging the lifespan of your car’s tires. Misalignment can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and decreased fuel efficiency. This blog post will delve into the importance of regular vehicle alignment checks and maintenance, the process of tire rotation, and how these practices contribute to overall car upkeep.

So, fasten your seat belt as we navigate the roads of vehicle alignment – a key, yet often overlooked, aspect of car maintenance. Continue below to get started!

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The Importance of Routine Vehicle Alignments

Efficient and Safe Maneuvering

One of the key benefits of regular vehicle alignment check-ups is that it helps to ensure efficient and safe maneuvering. In a properly aligned vehicle, all four tires are angled correctly relative to the axles and wheels. This allows them to make contact with the road at ideal angles, improving handling and braking performance. Misalignment can cause tires to wear more quickly, reducing their lifespan and reducing fuel efficiency. It can also cause the vehicle to pull in one direction or vibrate while driving. All of these issues can be easily avoided by scheduling regular alignment checks for your car.

Tire Care

Another important component of car maintenance is tire rotation – the process of switching around an axle’s four tires at predetermined intervals (usually every 5,000 to 8,000 miles). This helps ensure even tire wear and extends the lifespan of all four tires. It is important to note that rotation should be done in a specific order since some vehicles may require a different sequence than others. Tire rotation also helps improve handling, ride quality, and fuel efficiency.

Car Maintenance Essentials

All in all, it’s clear to see that vehicle alignment and tire rotation are essential aspects of car maintenance that should not be overlooked. Regular alignment checks help ensure safe maneuvering, while proper tire rotation extends the lifespan of all four tires and improves handling. So, there you have it – the key to smooth rides! Make sure to schedule routine alignments and rotate your tires according to manufacturer’s recommendations for a smoother ride each time you hit the road. Happy motoring!

Bonus Tips for Keeping Your Car in Tip-Top Shape

In addition to scheduling regular alignment checks and tire rotations, there are a few extra tips that you can keep in mind when it comes to maintaining your car. Here they are:

Be aware of your vehicle’s service schedule. Make sure to stay up-to-date with your car’s service maintenance schedule. This will help you keep track of when it’s time for an oil change, tire rotation, or alignment check.

Change the air filter. A dirty air filter can hinder engine performance and cause poor fuel economy. Consider replacing the air filter with each oil change to ensure optimal engine performance.

Check your fluid levels. Checking your automotive fluids, such as the oil, brake, and coolant levels, is also essential for prolonging the life of your vehicle’s components. Make sure to check these fluids at least once a month or before long trips.

Look out for signs of wear. Pay attention to any subtle changes in your car’s handling or performance that may indicate it is time for an alignment check. This could include uneven tire wear, steering wheel vibration, or the vehicle pulling to one side.

Now that you are armed with a better understanding of how vehicle alignment and tire rotation play key roles in car maintenance, as well as some bonus tips for keeping your car in tip-top shape, you can hit the road with confidence. So, get out there and enjoy your smooth ride!

Make sure to keep up with scheduled alignments, tire rotations, oil changes and more for a safe and enjoyable journey every time you drive. Contact Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for ASE licensed and trained factory scheduled maintenance and car inspections in Indianapolis, Indiana. We work on all make and model vehicles!

7 Tips for Making Sure Your Tires Last Longer

Posted on March 27, 2023 by autorepair

Tires are an essential part of your car and keeping them in good condition is important for a safe and smooth ride. Unfortunately, many people neglect their tires until it’s too late – resulting in costly tire replacements or even worse, unsafe driving conditions. To ensure that your tires last as long as possible, here are seven tips to help you keep them in great shape: regular tire rotation; proper inflation pressure; check the tread depth regularly; avoid curbs and potholes when parking; drive with caution on hot pavement; inspect the sidewalls for any damage or wear-and-tear signs; and replace old tires before they become dangerous.

By following these simple steps, you can protect yourself from unnecessary expense while maintaining a safe driving experience.

Achieve Ultimate Tire Longevity With These 7 Tips

Tire Rotation and Balancing

Tire rotation and balancing is one of the best ways to extend the life of your tires. This involves regularly switching out your tires, placing the front ones on the rear and vice versa. Not only does this help even out any uneven wear that may be occurring, it also prevents bald spots from appearing sooner than expected. You should get your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or according to the manufacturer’s guidelines – whichever comes first.

Tire Pressure

Another important step in tire care is making sure the pressure is correct for each individual tire. This can typically be found on a label inside the driver-side door jamb or on the glove compartment door. Underinflated tires can lead to reduced gas mileage as well as worn-out tires faster than usual. Conversely, overinflated tires can create a bumpy ride and can also wear down the center of the tire quicker.

Tire Tread

It’s important to check your tire tread depth on a regular basis in order to ensure that you have sufficient traction. The best way to do this is by using a reliable tread depth gauge or penny test – placing a penny upside down in between each groove and checking if Lincoln’s head is still visible; if it is, then your tread has become too shallow. If the tread has become too shallow, replace your tires immediately for safety reasons.

Parking Tips

When parking your car, always try to avoid curbs and potholes. Driving over these obstacles can potentially cause damage to your tires, such as punctures or bulges. If you have to drive over them, make sure to do so slowly and cautiously.

Driving in Hot Weather

When driving on hot pavement during summer months, keep an eye out for any potential tire damage. The heat can cause the rubber to expand quickly which can result in a blowout if it’s driven at high speeds. Make sure to be extra careful when driving on hot asphalt or concrete – reducing speed and keeping an eye out for anything that might indicate tire trouble.

Tire Sidewalls

Inspecting the sidewalls of your tires is another important step in making sure they last longer. Look for any signs of wear-and-tear such as cracks, blisters, or missing chunks. Also, make sure to check for any punctures or bulges that could indicate a more serious problem.

Tire Replacement

Finally, it’s important to replace your old tires before they become dangerous. Tires that have aged past six years should be inspected closely and replaced if necessary – even if there are no visible signs of damage. This is because the rubber compounds used in tire manufacturing can break down over time due to exposure to the elements and other factors, making them less effective in providing safe traction on the road.

Get Optimal Tire Performance Year-Round

By following these seven tips, you can ensure that your tires last as long as possible while maintaining their performance and safety. Taking care of your car’s tires is essential for a smooth ride and peace of mind. So, remember to routinely inspect your tires, rotate them regularly, maintain proper pressure and replace old ones in a timely manner. By doing so, you’ll be able to protect yourself from unnecessary expense while maintaining the best performance from your car.

Are you looking for a qualified auto repair shop that offers the most competitive rates for tire services? Contact Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional tire service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Request a free estimate, or schedule service, today.

5 Reasons Why Your Car is Shaking

Posted on July 15, 2022 by autorepair

Cars are meant to move in all sorts of ways, but shaking, vibrating, and bobbing are not considered normal in terms of conventional automotive performance. If your vehicle is showing any signs of odd movement like shaking, it is important to diagnose the problem and resolve the issue before any more damage results.

Continue reading to learn the top 5 reasons why your car might be shaking, plus where to get dealership level automotive service and repair at neighborhood prices.

Auto Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-475-1846

Why Does Your Car Have the Shakes?

Car shaking and vibrating are not symptoms you should ever ignore. In most cases, such movements are indicative of a serious underlying mechanical problem. Other times, it can be something simple like uneven tire tread wear. Regardless of why your car is shaking, it is important that you take it into your local Indianapolis mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and resolve the issue. The longer you wait to repair whatever it is causing your car to shake or vibrate, then the worse your vehicle’s condition will get. This means costlier and more invasive repairs.

Whether the vibrating and shaking are happening intermittently, or every single time you drive, you can help your mechanic diagnose the issue by recounting when the shaking takes place. Does your car shake when you’re in idle? Does it shake intermittently as you drive? Does your car shake when you start the vehicle but then stops shaking as you begin to drive? Do you hear any odd sounds when your car begins to shake? Have you been in an accident recently, even a minor one like running over a squirrel? This is all important information that your mechanic will need to know in order to efficiently diagnose the issue and facilitate the needed repair.

5 Common Causes for a Shaking Car

Although there are many reasons why a car might be shaking and vibrating, the top 5 reasons typically involve issues with the wheels, tires, engine, or steering and suspension system. These are the areas your mechanic will focus on first as they begin the process of deciphering the issues causing your car shakes.

Tires

As mentioned earlier, sometimes cars will begin shaking if they have low or uneven tire tread. Imbalanced tires can also cause cars to shake. You might just need routine tire service to correct the issue, such as rotation and alignment, tire inflation, or tire replacement.

Wheels

If you can feel the shaking beneath your feet coming up through the floorboards, particularly at higher speeds near 50 miles an hour, the wheels could be to blame. A routine wheel balance should set you straight. However, it could be due to loosen lug nuts or broken wheel bearings, which are both easy and inexpensive to repair.

Steering and Suspension

Your steering and suspension system are responsible for keeping your car steady as you drive over rough terrain. If something is mechanically off within your steering and suspension, such as a bent axle, damaged CV joint, or faulty driveshaft, your car may begin to bounce or bobble as you drive when you reach higher speeds. Although much different from shaking and vibrating, this is still a problem that needs immediate attention.

Engine

If your car begins to shake when you are stopped in idle, it is likely due to mechanical issues within the engine. In most cases, spark plug replacement is the solution. Other than spark plugs, car shaking could be caused from dirty or clogged air filters, loose motor mounts, or disconnected spark plug wires.

Brakes

Car shaking can also present itself when the car brakes are engaged. If your car begins to shake or vibrate when you press down on the brake pedal, the issue could likely be due to worn-out brake pads or warped brake rotors. If you smell a burning order when you hit the brakes, you could have a brake caliper that’s stuck. All of these issues can be resolved with the help of a licensed mechanic.

Are you looking for a qualified automotive repair shop in Indy to resolve your car shaking issue at an affordable price? Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for superior, ASE licensed auto repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We service all make and model vehicles.