Tag Archives: suspension

Why Repairs Get Harder as Your Car Gets Older

Why Repairs Get Harder as Your Car Gets Older

Why Repairs Get Harder as Your Car Gets Older As your vehicle ages, regular maintenance and repairs can start to take a little longer — and sometimes cost a little more. It’s not because technicians are taking their time; it’s because older parts don’t always cooperate like they used to. Over the years, exposure to the elements and everyday driving conditions can take a toll on even the best-maintained vehicles. Corrosion and Rust: The Silent Culprits One of the biggest challenges with aging vehicles is corrosion. Moisture, humidity, and oxygen cause metal components to slowly rust. Add in Utah’s winter road salt, and corrosion can happen even faster. That white crusty buildup you sometimes see on bolts or undercarriage parts? That’s oxidation — and it can make simple repairs much more difficult. When metal parts fuse together with rust, bolts seize, brackets break, and lines can become fragile. A job that m ... read more

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Know Your Ride

Understanding Your Alignment Readings

Understanding Your Alignment Readings

Understanding Your Alignment Readings When your shop hands you an alignment printout, do you really know what all those numbers and terms mean—or do you just notice the Christmas colors of red and green? Most of us understand that red means bad and green means good, but what exactly do those colors represent? Let’s break down the three main terms you’ll see on your alignment report: caster, camber, and toe.Caster   Caster measures how far forward or backward the steering axis tilts compared to the vertical axis of the wheel. It affects steering stability, steering effort, and how well your vehicle tracks straight down the road. Positive caster helps keep your steering wheel centered and improves high-speed stability. Negative caster makes steering feel lighter but ... read more

CV Axle Popping in Your 2018 Honda Odyssey: What It Means and How to Fix It

CV Axle Popping in Your 2018 Honda Odyssey: What It Means and How to Fix It

If you're hearing a popping or clicking noise when turning or accelerating in your 2018 Honda Odyssey, it could be a sign of trouble with your CV (constant velocity) axle. This component plays a vital role in delivering power from the transmission to your front wheels while allowing for the movement of the suspension—something especially important in a front-wheel-drive vehicle like the Odyssey. Common Causes of CV Axle Popping in a Honda Odyssey One of the most common reasons for that popping noise is a worn or damaged CV joint. The CV joint in your Odyssey is designed to bend and rotate while maintaining consistent power delivery. It’s protected by a rubber boot filled with grease. Over time, this boot can crack or tear, allowing dirt and moisture to get in and grease to leak out. When that happens, the joint wears down—and that’s when you start to hear clicking or popping sounds, especially during sharp t ... read more

When Is It Time to Replace Your Tires? A Guide to Safer Driving

When Is It Time to Replace Your Tires? A Guide to Safer Driving

Tires are the unsung heroes of your vehicle. They provide traction, ensure smooth handling, and play a critical role in your overall safety. However, like all components, they wear out over time and need replacement. Knowing when to replace your tires is essential for keeping your car safe and performing at its best. Key Signs You Need New TiresTread Depth: The tread on your tires provides the grip necessary for safe driving. Over time, this tread wears down. Use the "penny test" to check your tread depth: Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing downward. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires. Ideally, replace them when tread depth falls below 2/32 of an inch. Cracks and Bulges: Tires exposed to extreme weather or simply aging can develop cracks in the sidewall or bulges. These are signs that the tire structure is compromised, which can lead to blowouts. ... read more

Unlocking the Importance of Struts: A Key Component for Vehicle Performance

Unlocking the Importance of Struts: A Key Component for Vehicle Performance

When it comes to the smooth operation and safety of your vehicle, few components are as vital as the struts. Often overshadowed by more recognizable parts, struts play a fundamental role in ensuring a comfortable ride, stable handling, and overall vehicle integrity. Let's dive into why struts are indispensable for your vehicle's performance and your driving experience. 1. Support and Stability: Struts are an integral part of your vehicle's suspension system, providing support and stability to the chassis and body. Unlike traditional shock absorbers, which only dampen vibrations, struts serve a dual purpose by also supporting the weight of the vehicle. This structural support is crucial for maintaining proper wheel alignment, minimizing body roll, and ensuring consistent tire contact with the road surface. 2. Enhanced Ride Comfort: A smooth and comfortable ride is something every driver desires, and struts play a significant role in achiev ... read more

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