Services Front End & Alignments
Keeping to the Straight and Narrow
To maintain proper control of your car, you must keep your wheels in proper alignment. Otherwise, steering will become difficult, your tires will wear unevenly and your fuel economy will decrease.
Check to see if you need a wheel alignment:
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Then take your car for a test drive. Lightly rest your hands on the steering wheel, but don't steer. If your car drifts to either side, make an appointment with Duncan's Automotive.
- Inspect the tread on your tires for uneven wear. If the tread is worn down the middle, most likely your tires are over-inflated. If it's worn on the inside and outside of the tire, then your tires are probably under-inflated.
Computerized alignment equipment to diagnose your alignment angles including:
- Toe: the direction of the wheels towards or away from each (viewed from above the car).
- Camber: tilt of the wheels toward or away from each other (viewed from in front of your car).
- Caster: the angle of the steering axis in relation to the wheel. To visualize this angle, imagine a vertical line through the middle of your tire while standing on one side of the car.
- Thrust Angle: the relationship of all four wheels to each other. This time, imagine a centerline from bumper to bumper.
An alignment check at includes:
- Inspection of the steering and suspension components.
- Examination of the tires (size, inflation and wear).
- Comparison of your current alignment to the guidelines provided by your manufacturer.
Greater Improvements for Enhanced Driving
Increased driving comfort, as well as safer driving, is a result of improvements in suspension and steering. Other contributing factors include increased strength and durability of suspension components, as well as advances in tire construction.
During a check of your suspension system, Duncan's Automotive technicians examine your cars:
- Tie rod ends (inner and outer)
- Idler arm
- Pitman arm
- Rack and pinion unit
- Rack and pinion bellows boots
- Springs
- Shock absorbers
- All other suspension components
According to the Car Care Council, Americans spent an estimated 2 billion dollars last year due to vehicle neglect. Think of it this way: Which is more expensive, replacing your battery, or having it die and leave you stranded, paying for a service call and then replacing the battery anyway? In the overall scheme of things, getting your car serviced regularly is the best way for you to save money on automotive costs, and save time on easily avoidable mechanical problems.
Duncan's Automotive wants to keep your car running longer. Regular visits to Duncan's Automotive for tire and manufacturer recommended engine maintenance will help you avoid the problems that cost you extra time and money. Come see us today; it's the best investment you can make for your car.