What is the difference between Wheel Alignment vs Wheel Balancing?

 

Wheel Alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are making contact with the ground evenly as well as parallel to each other. Why align the wheels? The purpose of these adjustments is to maximize tire life and to keep the vehicle tracking straight when driving.

Wheel Balancing insures that the tires and wheels spin correctly and without vibration. Balancing is accomplished by checking for any heavy spots on the wheel and or tire and making allowances for it by placing weights in specific spots on the wheel.

The sign of alignment problems are:

• Uneven or accelerated tire wear
• Pulling or drifting from a straight line
• Wandering on a straight level road
• Steering wheel off center while driving on a straight, level road.

The signs of a balance issue are:

• Steering wheel vibration at certain speeds.
• General vibration at certain speeds.
• Scalloped or cupped wear on the tire surface

Wheel Alignment: Check each tire for uneven wear patterns. Some times visible patterns can indicate that it may be too late to save the tire. We recommend regular alignment checks to avoid this issue.

At each tire, take a coin or small ruler and insert it in the tread at the inside, center and outside.

• If the tread is deeper on the edges than in the center, the tire is over inflated.
• If the tread is deeper in the center than at the edges, the tire is under inflated.
• If the tread is deeper on one side than the other, your alignment is an issue, have it checked immediately.

Run your hand back and forth across the tread, checking for uneven surfaces.

If the tread is smooth in one direction, but jagged in the other you have what is called a "feathered" wear pattern caused by incorrect alignment angles. Check alignment as soon as possible to avoid rapid tire wear.

If wear patterns are pronounced ask your alignment specialist for advice.

Aligned and balanced wheels are critical to the maneuverability of your vehicle as well as your safety on the road. Save money, save time, keep safe.

Call us with any tire and alignment questions and for all your automotive service and repair needs - Autovantage Service Center - 530-823-3456

Spring Cooling Maintenance - Radiator Flush

Most people know that the coolant in your radiator keeps your engine from freezing in the winter but it also helps keep things cool in the summer. All too often people are driving with the incorrect mixture or old coolant in their vehicles because they have not been educated on the service needs of their vehicle.

Radiator coolant actually raises the boiling point of the water, allowing it to carry more heat away from the engine, and that means a cooler running engine. If you're running low on coolant, things can get steamy fast. It only takes a second to check your coolant level. Most cars have an opaque coolant overflow tank right next to the radiator. It's white plastic, but you can see inside to see if there's enough fluid to keep things safe. You'll also see markings on the side telling you the low and high levels. Always check your coolant level when the car is cold.

What about a Radiator Flush and when do I do a radiator flush? A Cooling System Flush Service is important because the coolant in your radiator can break down and start to corrode the interior of your radiator and engine leading to cooling problems and preventable repairs. A cooling system flush once a year is an affordable insurance against cooling system repairs.Your car's radiator and cooling system needs to be clean to be cool. Your car's radiator builds solid deposits that can clog the cooling system. A cooling system flush can keep the system in shape.

Have more questions about auto repairs and maintenance – Call us at Autovantage Service Center Auburn, CA 530-823-3456

Spring Windshield Maintenance for your Car

With money a little tighter, many families who might have jumped onto a plane for a jaunt to places far away are opting for a road trip to visit family and friends or a different region of the country. Driving trips can be fun, what a great chance to get to know your family – probably more than you wanted but indeed an opportunity for bonding. Whether you're looking forward to 7 hours in the car with them or not, you do want everyone to arrive safely. Windshield maintenance is an often overlooked chore.

 

In snowy regions, we know that before we even take a short winter trip, we must have at least a half a tank of windshield washer fluid. Salty, muddy road conditions can affect your vision instantly without good wipers and washers. But in temperate weather, we seem to forget that we need things to be up to snuff. Since in most cases, you'll be traveling to an area you don't frequent, take a minute to check out your needs. If you're caught off guard by a storm, that's no time to realize your wipers are worn out. Do these quick jobs and you'll have some added peace of mind on your next road trip.

1. Replace your windshield wipers.

2. Top off your washer fluid.

3. Make sure your windshield washer nozzles aren't clogged and are aimed correctly.

Have more questions about repairs and maintenance – Call us at Autovantage Service Center 530-823-3456

How Do I Know When I Need New Brakes?

They may not be something you think about very often, but your vehicle’s brakes are one feature that should always be in top working condition.

There are two ways to check for brake wear on disc brakes: by looking and by listening. First, check for wear by looking at your brake pads through the spaces between the wheel’s spokes. The outside pad will be pressed against a metal rotor. Generally, there should be at least 1/4 inch of pad. If you see less than 1/4 inch of pad, you may want to have your brake pads inspected or replaced.

Have you ever heard a high-pitched screeching sound when you applied your brakes? That’s a small metal shim, called a wear indicator, which is giving you an audible warning that you need to replace your brake pads. You should be aware of this sound (which is loud enough to be heard while the windows are up, but not necessarily loud enough to be heard over the radio or air conditioner). If you hear it regularly, quickly make an appointment with your mechanic.

Here are some other signs of brake problems. If you experience any of these, you should visit your repair shop as soon as possible:

• Reduced responsiveness or fading. If your brakes are not as responsive as they should be or if the pedal “sinks” toward the floor, this could be an indication of a hydraulic problem in the braking system.

• Pulling. If your vehicle “pulls” to one side while braking, this could indicate a binding or failed caliper or hydraulic problem.

• Grinding or growling. This loud metallic sound usually means that you have worn down the pads completely. The grinding or growling noise is caused by the brake pad assembly’s metal backing making contact with the brake rotor. If this happens, do not be surprised if your mechanic tells you that the rotors need to be resurfaced or even replaced.

• Vibration. A vibration or pulsating brake pedal is often a symptom of warped rotors. Warped rotors are caused by severe braking for long periods, such as when driving down a steep mountain or when towing. Tremendous amounts of friction are created under these conditions, heating up the rotors and causing them to warp. The vibration is felt because the brake pads are not able to grab the surface evenly. This is a very common condition in the foothills.

For many owners, maintaining the vehicle’s brakes is something that is often overlooked. But keeping your brakes in good working order can prevent costly repairs down the line, and, more importantly, help you avoid a collision.

Call your Service and Repair Experts at Autovantage Service Center

530-823-3456