Car Care Tips: Shocks & Struts

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Advanced Auto Clinic Car Care Tips

Shocks & Struts

 

 

 STRUTS

Struts are a structural part of the suspension system and are mounted to the chassis of the vehicle on the top, and they come down through. They give us a place to mount the coil spring, and the spring is what maintains the height of the vehicle, so we have a plate in here for the spring.

Car Struts are used on the front end of nearly every front-wheel-drive vehicle. They are more than shock absorbers and with a different name. A strut integrates numerous different suspension parts into one compact assembly. This includes:

The Coil Spring
The Spring Seats
The Shock Absorbers
The Strut Bearing
The Steering Knuckle
The shock absorber portion of the strut is the most commonly serviced part of the strut assembly.

 

Struts perform two jobs: They provide a dampening function like shock absorbers, and they provide structural support for the vehicle suspension. That means struts deliver a bit more than shock absorbers.

 

SHOCKS

A shock absorber keeps the vehicle from bouncing. It limits the rapid movement of the wheel when it hits something , like a pot hole. A shock absorber is basically an oil pump placed between the frame of the car and the wheels.

Upper & Lower Mounts
The upper mount of the shock connects to the frame & the lower mount connects to the axle, near the wheel.

Twin-tube design: the upper mount is connected to a piston rod, which is connected to a piston, which in turn sits in a tube filled with hydraulic fluid. The inner tube is known as the pressure tube, and the outer tube is known as the reserve tube. The reserve tube stores excess hydraulic fluid.

When the car wheel encounters a bump in the road and causes the spring to coil and uncoil, the energy of the spring is transferred to the shock absorber through the upper mount, down through the piston rod and into the piston. Orifices perforate the piston and allow fluid to leak through as the piston moves up and down in the pressure tube. Because the orifices are relatively tiny, only a small amount of fluid, under great pressure, passes through. This slows down the piston, which in turn slows down the spring.

In modern shock absorbers the faster the suspension moves, the more resistance the shock absorber provides. This allows shocks to adjust to road conditions and to control all things such as bounce, sway, brake dive and acceleration squat.

When To Replace Your Shocks & Struts:

  • Noticeable fluid leak
  • Shocks, struts or mounts look dented or damaged
  • Tires show unusual wear patterns

 

Because shocks and struts have so much to do with the handling of a car, they can be considered critical safety features.

 

ShocksStrutsBuy4for3Right now at Advanced Auto Clinic you can buy four qualifying NAPA Shocks and Struts for the price of three! Plus, with your purchase, receive a $50 NAPA AutoCare Center Service Card to use on a future service or repair of $75 or more! If your shocks and struts are worn, it may be time to replace them, so schedule your inspection today!

Advanced Auto Clinic
1101 Ann St., Delavan, WI 
262-728-2944

 

Offer good September 1 through October 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
http://www.pepboys.com/lp_monroe_shocks_struts_sept2012/
http://www.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_purpose_of_a_shock_absorber
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-suspension2.htm
http://news.carjunky.com/how_stuff_works/car_struts_what_are_they_abc169.shtml
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-suspension3.htm

2014 Best of Walworth County: Vote for Advanced Auto Clinic

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VOTE ADVANCED AUTO CLINIC

2014 Best of Walworth County

 

The Gazette of Janesville, WI  invites you to vote for your favorite people, places and businesses to determine the best that Walworth County has to offer!

 

Vote Advanced Auto Clinic in the category of

Auto Service/ Repair

 

Register Here: bestofwalworthcounty.com

 

Voting is open September 10 through October 10, 2014

Look to The Gazette on Sunday, November 23, 2014 for the Results! Special results section to publish in the Walworth County area.

 

VOTE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN AN IPAD!!!!

Auto Maintenance Basics: Forced Induction

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Advanced Auto Clinic Auto Maintenance Basics: Forced Induction

 

Most Delavan motorists associate turbochargers and superchargers with hot rods and racing. However, the number of everyday cars and trucks coming to Darien from the factory with chargers is growing every year. Here’s why:

 

You need three elements for combustion: fuel, oxygen, and ignition (spark plug in gasoline engines and compression in diesels). Superchargers and turbochargers deal with the oxygen part of the formula. In the normally aspirated engines Delavan drivers are familiar with, air is just drawn in from the outside by vacuum pressure created as the engine runs. Turbochargers and superchargers compress the air that goes into the engine’s combustion chamber, forcing in more oxygen. This forced charge of air allows an engine to make more power than a similarly sized normally aspirated engine.

So today we have small 4-cylinder turbocharged engines on Delavan expressways making more power than a full-sized V8 did twenty years ago and getting far better MPG. And the power on charged six and eight cylinder engines is through the roof.

In addition to power and fuel economy, charged engines deliver essential benefits for Delavan motorists at higher altitudes. As the air thins with an increase in elevation, there is less oxygen available to burn in the engine resulting in a significant power loss. Charging forces more air and oxygen into the engine, preserving much of the power at altitude. Turbochargers use exhaust from the engine to spin an impeller that compresses the air sent to the engine. Because there is a short time between when you step on the accelerator and the time the exhaust pressure builds up enough to spin the turbo up to speed, there is a short lag in power. To combat this “turbo lagâ €, some automobile manufacturers use two turbos: a small one that quickly spins up when engine speed is low and a larger one for when the engine is running fast. Others use a variable vane technology in the impeller to accomplish the same thing.

Superchargers are driven by a belt connected to the engine’s crankshaft.

There is no lag because charging starts immediately (it doesn’t have to wait for exhaust pressure). Superchargers are less efficient for Delavan drivers because they require engine power to run the compressor whereas turbochargers are powered by an exhaust. In both types, the air heats up as it is compressed. In some engines it is necessary to cool the air before it goes into the engine. In those engines, the air passes through what is called an intercooler to bring its temperature down to the proper range. An intercooler is like a small radiator and may be cooled by air flow or by liquid coolant.

Delavan owners of superchargers and turbochargers should always use the fuel grade recommended by their vehicle manufacturer. This is important in charged engines because of the extra pressure as the fuel and air is compressed. Using fuel with too low of an octane rating could lead to premature detonation which can cause pricey damage.

Generally speaking, turbochargers and superchargers do not require regular maintenance. But they do wear like any other part in your vehicle and will eventually need repair or replacement. All of your vital regular vehicle maintenance should be done on schedule – things like oil changes and transmission service and so on. Talk with your knowledgeable Advanced Auto Clinic tech about any concerns you have and about the next services your vehicle needs.

 

Advanced Auto Clinic

1101 Ann Street, Delavan, WI 53115

At Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan WI (53115) we install quality NAPA
replacement parts. Give us a call at 262.728.2944. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Car Care News and Information: Wiper Blade Design

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WiperBlades

Advanced Auto Clinic Car Care News and Information: Wiper Blade Design

Wiper blades may not be the most exciting topic for most Delavan car owners, but they are pretty important. Most of us Delavan drivers have had an experience when a sudden snow or rain storm hits while we’re driving; then when we turn on the wipers, nothing but streaks. This can be especially disconcerting at night when the glare of on-coming headlights distorts your vision.

Simple answer: change your wiper blades BEFORE they fail. Check them out every couple of months just to see how they are working. Of course, the more you use your wipers, the sooner they’ll wear out. Delavan auto owners with lots of storms or those who drive a lot in WI where there are bugs and road grime will use their blades more.

But even when you’€™re not using your blades, they are exposed to sunlight, ozone, soap, and extreme hot and cold WI temperatures which lead to deterioration. Your blades can just rot away and fall apart before you need them. Of course, using your wipers when the blades are torn can lead to scratches in your windshield. Car owners don’€™t want to risk a steep windshield replacement over the cost of a couple of wiper blades.

WIPER BLADE UPGRADES

Now let’€™s talk about wiper blade upgrades. Delavan car owners can upgrade both the design and the wiper material. Let’s start with the material.

Traditional black rubber blades do a great job of clearing your windshield when they are new. Over time all of the conditions mentioned above damage them and degrade their performance.

Silicone blades are far less affected by environmental conditions and will simply perform better for a longer time for Delavan motorists.

WIPER BLADE DESIGN ELEMENTS

There are two elements to the design. First, the wiper blade itself: Some have a single wiping edge. Others have multiple edges, kind of like a multi-blade razor. The idea is to maximize wiping power during both swipes of the blade.

The other design element is with the wiper frame. This is the structure that applies pressure on the blade as it passes over the windshield. A conventional frame has four to six contact points on the blade. These apply pressure used to clear water and snow. A beam frame provides uniform pressure along the entire surface of the wiper. Their shape catches the wind passing over the vehicle to provide additional downforce to help get a clean swipe. A hybrid frame has four to six contact points as with a conventional blade, but also incorporates an airfoil to provide additional downforce as with beam blades.

So which blade should you select?

Well always use at least the grade and design that came with the vehicle from the vehicle manufacturer. Upgrade for better performance and longer lasting blades. The extra cost of premium blades is a good value for this important safety system.

While you‒re at it, make sure you have plenty of windshield washer solvent (use a winter formulation when Delavan temps drop below freezing) and that your washer nozzles are working well.

Talk with your knowledgeable Advanced Auto Clinic tech about upgrading your wiper blades.

 

WiperBladesNAPASpecialAdBUY 1 Get 1 FREE! (NAPA Special)

When you drive, almost all of the decisions you make are influenced by one thing: your ability to see clearly. So with inclement weather ahead, now’s the time to get to Advanced Auto Clinic for a great deal on windshield wipers and premium headligh capsules!

Have one NAPA Wiper Blade or qualifying headlight installed and we’ll give you the second blade or capsule FREE!!

Offer good through Decemember 31

 

 

 

Advanced Auto Clinic

1101 Ann Street, Delavan, WI 53115

262.728.2944

At Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan WI (53115) we install quality NAPA

replacement parts. Give us a call at 262.728.2944. To learn more about NAPA

AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Car Car Information – Axle

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Automotive Solutions from Advanced Auto Clinic Axle

If you hear a clunking sound from the front wheel when you make a turn, one possible cause of the trouble for drivers is a worn axle.

Front-wheel drive vehicles have axles that transfer power from the transmission to your front wheels. There is one for each front wheel. These axles are called constant velocity axles or CV axles for short. Auto owners with rear-wheel drive vehicles have axles that are in back and run between the differential and the rear wheels. Of course, all-wheel drive vehicles will have an axle at each wheel.

“…finding the trouble early will make the repair easier and less expensive”

When a front CV axle goes bad, it will commonly make a clunking noise as you make a slow turn. When a rear axle goes bad, the clunking or moaning sound will be in the back. Now there really isn’t any preventive maintenance you can have performed to make your axles last longer, but you can have them inspected from time to time to see if a problem such as a leaking seal or torn protective boot has arisen. Sometimes finding the trouble early will make the repair easier and less expensive.

Of course, axles do wear out and need to be replaced. This is essential and should not be put off by car owners because a severely worn axle can seize up causing costly damage to your transmission or other components. This could even lead to an accident for drivers who ignore a worn axle.

If you suspect an axle problem, have it looked at right away. Ask your knowledgeable Advanced Auto Clinic service specialist if it’s time for an automotive analysis of your axle.

Advanced Auto Clinic

1101 Ann Street, Delavan, WI 53115

262.728.2944

At Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan WI (53115) we install quality NAPA

replacement parts. Give us a call at 262.728.2944. To learn more about NAPA

AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Automotive Solutions: Service Intervals

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Automotive Solutions from Advanced Auto Clinic: Service Intervals

 

Confused about auto service intervals for various items on your car? Advanced Auto Clinic can help!

 

The simple answer for Delavan drivers is to follow the auto manufacturer’s recommended service intervals listed in your owner’s manual or in your service center’s database. But the team at Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan sympathizes with motorists because of the confusing intervals for modern vehicles.

The days of simple rules of thumb that applied to most vehicles are long gone. For example, let’s look at an oil change: automakers’ recommendations run anywhere from every 3,000 miles to 15,000 miles. This big range comes from engine design and recommended types of oil – so Delavan car owners really do need to ascertain and follow the recommendations for their specific vehicle.

Your owner’s service manual will have a schedule for critical maintenance services and inspections.

Service items include:

Tire rotation, wheel balancing, oil change, coolant service, transmission

service, brake system, power steering system, fuel system, differential

service, and transfer case service.

Inspections will include:

Alignment check, air conditioning, brakes, suspension, axles, exhaust,

tires, lights emissions, belts and hoses, and steering.

It’s essential for Delavan car owners to remember there is no exception that would make it OK to extend an interval. These intervals already assume “best case” conditions for a safe margin of error. However, you may live or drive in Delavan conditions that are harsher than average. Your owner’s manual may have a modified schedule for “severe service” – things like extreme WI temperatures, towing, hauling heavy loads around Darien, short trips, stop-and-go interstate conditions, etc.

Consult your owner’s manual or with your Advanced Auto Clinic service specialist about your driving situation and adjust your service intervals accordingly.

Advanced Auto Clinic

1101 Ann Street, Delavan, WI 53115

262.728.2944

At Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan WI (53115) we install quality NAPA

replacement parts. Give us a call at 262.728.2944. To learn more about NAPA

AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Car Care News & Information: Serpentine Belt

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Advanced Auto Clinic Car Care News and Information: Serpentine Belt

 

My Advanced Auto Clinic service professional said I need a new serpentine belt but I don’t see any cracks in it. Does it really need to be replaced?

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Old style neoprene belts crack with age, making it pretty obvious to Delavan motorists when they needed to be replaced. Nowadays, serpentine belts are made from a different material that doesn’t crack or glaze the way neoprene did.

Stepping back, the serpentine belt transfers power from the engine to various essential accessories like the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor – even the power brakes and water pump on some vehicles. Modern serpentine belts have several grooves running their length. These grooves mate with the pulleys on the accessories. When the belt is within its useful life, it spins the accessories at the designed speed.

Over time, belt material is worn away. When as little as 5% of the material is lost, the belt can slip and not properly spin the accessories leading to detrimental stress and expensive damage.

Using a special tool,  an Advanced Auto Clinic service specialist can measure the material lost in your serpentine belt. We will ascertain if it needs to be replaced.

It’s critical for Delavan auto owners to understand that the serpentine belt is part of the accessory belt drive system which also includes the serpentine belt tensioner and any idler pulleys. The belt tensioner has the same service life as the belt itself, so if it is time to replace the belt, you should also replace the tensioner and idler pulleys as well.

A worn belt tensioner can cause belt slip and enough belt-slap to really hammer the accessory upstream from the tensioner. Running too long with a worn belt, tensioner, or idler pulleys typically causes excessive heat at the accessory pulleys, resulting in inefficiency, expensive damage and premature replacement.

Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan, WI can perform a diagnostic examination to see if your belt or tensioner is worn and should be replaced. Ask your service advisor if it’s time for a serpentine belt system replacement.

Give us a call!

Advanced Auto Clinic

1101 Ann Street, Delavan, WI 53115

262.728.2944

At Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan WI (53115) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 262.728.2944. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.