by 4thlineautocom on July 19, 2010
Shocks and struts are important to maintain as they affect your vehicle’s stopping distance, tire wear, and steering control.
The main purpose of shocks, struts, and even coil springs is to absorb the pressure when driving so you encounter a comfortable ride. Shocks dampen or eliminate spring oscillation (up and down movement) by using a plunger, a cylinder, and non-compressible liquid.
When you drive over rough roadways or encounter a pot hole, shocks and struts go to work to help maintain an even ride so your vehicle’s steering system is more in control and tires remain on the road surface.
Longterm spring oscillation or bouncing can cause shock and strut components to wear allowing for added bouncing and poor tire wear. It also takes longer to stop your car or truck when these parts are worn.
If you are encountering a bumpy ride, nose dives when stopping, or unusual tire wear, make sure to have your shocks or struts checked for worn parts. It really is all about driver safety and being able to properly steer, control, and stop your vehicle.
Bring your vehicle into Fourth Line Automotive and have your shocks & struts inspected!
by 4thlineautocom on December 14, 2009
Be sure to be safe this winter season! Bring your car or truck in to Fourth Line Auto and take advantage of our Winter Maintenance Special (
click here for coupon).
Winter Maintenance Special includes:
- Oil and filter service
- Multi-point inspection, including brakes
- Coolant Flush Service
- Inspection of all heater and radiator hoses
- Tire inspection, rotation and balance (if needed)
- Check and top off all underhood and vital fluids
- And more!
And while you’re out there on the roads, keep these following tips in mind:
- Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
- Drive with your headlights on.
- Avoid using cruise control or overdrive. Don’t let your car make a bad decision for you.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
- If you lose traction and your vehicle feels like it’s floating, gradually slow down. Don’t slam on the brakes.
- Use caution when driving on bridges or concrete highways. These surfaces are the first to freeze and become slippery when the temperature drops.
- Slow down in advance of shaded areas, especially on curves. Shaded areas are cooler and may have ice that is difficult to see.
- Don’t pass snowplows or sanders, and don’t follow them too closely.
- Don’t get overconfident with four-wheel drive. It won’t help you stop any faster.
- Winter road conditions often result in longer stopping distances. Give yourself room. If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal.
- Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady spots. These all have potential to develop black ice.
- Avoid abrupt actions while steering, braking or accelerating to lessen your chance of losing control.
- Look farther ahead in traffic. Actions by other drivers will alert you to problems and give you extra reaction time.
- Trucks take longer to stop. Don’t cut in front of them.
And just in case, make sure you pack an emergency kit in your trunk with the following items:
- Rechargeable flashlight
- Cell phone and car adapter
- Extra food and water
- Flares
- Tools: jack, lug wrench, shovel
- Road maps
- Blanket/sleeping bag(s)
- Extra warm clothes, boots, hat and gloves
- First aid kit (if you take prescription medicines, keep a few handy in your kit)
- Pocket knife
- Matches or lighter
- Battery jumper cables
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Paper towels
- Extra washer fluid
Be safe and be warm out there!
Gino
by 4thlineautocom on November 28, 2009
Look for the peaked mountain with snowflake symbol when you purchase your winter tires. Tires marked with this symbol meet specific snow traction performance requirements and have been designed specifically for use in severe snow conditions.
Tires marked “M + S” (Mud and Snow), or “all season” tires that do not have the peaked mountain with snowflake symbol, may provide safe performance in most weather conditions, but are not designed for snow and ice-covered roads.
At temperatures below 7°C, standard tires begin to lose elasticity, resulting in reduced traction. Winter tires retain their elasticity to grip at much lower temperatures.
Wide, high-performance tires, other than those specifically designed as winter tires, are not suitable for use on snow-covered roads. As a tire wears, traction is reduced. Tires that are worn close to the tread wear indicators should not be used on snow-covered roads.
We carry a wide selection of tires. Call us today to find out which tires are best for your vehicle and driving needs.
Cheers,
Gino