HOW'S THE RIDE??

Here are a few symptoms of failing shocks and struts you can feel and hear:

1. The Vehicle Bounces - when shocks and struts are stuck, damaged or loose, the tires can lose contact with the road as the vehicle is driven, resulting in a bumpy, uncomfortable ride.  Your vehicle's shocks and struts help control the movement of the springs so that the wheels don't move up and down excessively.
2. The Front End Dives and/or the Rear Squats - Shocks and struts help keep the vehicle stable during acceleration and braking.  When a vehicle's shocks and struts are damaged, the front end can dive upon braking while the rear end squats during acceleration.  This happens when these components aren't strong enough to handle the weight of the vehicle.  New shocks and struts not only makes your ride smother, but can also make a vehicle corner and brake like when it was new.  They also can give extra stopping distance, better control, and more confidence in emergency situations.
3. The Vehicle Exhibits Signs of Body Roll - Does it feel like your vehicle is leaning into a turn, even on slight turns?  Over 50,000 miles, the dampening capabilities of a shock or strut will degrade to the point where it can impact ride and handling.  This can be a safety issue that requires immediate action since it can impact braking and steering effectiveness.
4. You Hear Unusual Noises - As shocks and bushings wear, they lose their ability to properly support the strut.  The result is that the strut can bottom out.  When the  strut bottoms out, the metal-to-metal contact can cause a knocking sound that emanates from the front or rear wheels.  Irregular tire wear such as cupping or scalloping, can be another cause of suspension related noise.

If you have experiencing any of the above symptoms please contact The Auto Analyst, your local one stop auto repair facility, by calling (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com.

 

WINTER BATTERY SERVICE

Lead-acid batteries have an average service life of roughly three to five years depending on the climate while some other batteries may last a few years longer, both are prone to failure as the temperature dips.  The only way to spot a weak battery is by testing it.

How old is the battery in your vehicle?  When was it last tested?  Don't be caught with a dead battery, contact The Auto Analyst, your one stop auto repair facility, today to schedule a battery test.  Please call (530) 621-4591 or schedule online at www.theautoanalyst.com.

3 REASONS TO REPLACE CABIN AIR FILTERS IN WINTER

There are three major reasons to replace a cabin air filter in the Winter:

1. Increased particulate Emissions - as cars idle on cold winter mornings, the exhaust can pump out damaging emissions that are harmful to drivers' respiratory systems.  The most damaging component of tailpipe emissions are particulates.  Vehicle emission particulates range in size from 2 microns to 10 microns in diameter, and can aggravate the lungs when inhaled.  The one thing that can stop exhaust particulates from reaching vehicle occupants is a cabin air filter.
2. Defroster performance - In the winter, clogged cabin air filter can restrict defroster performance, making it harder to see out of the windshield.  If a cabin air filter is clogged, it will create a restriction that will decrease the amount of hot air the blower can deliver to the windshield, which diminishes visibility and adds time that it takes to defrost the window.
3. Summer and Fall can be brutal on cabin air filters - Following months of battling heavy pollen, dust, leaves, bugs and other debris, winter is the perfect time to give a your vehicle a fresh cabin air filter.

When was the last time your vehicle's cabin air filter changed?  Give us a call and we can check our records and if needed get you an appointment scheduled, (530) 621-4591.

The Auto Analyst, your local one stop auto repair shop.  Visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com to schedule an appointment today.