by silsautocom on July 21, 2010
It’s relatively easy for most vehicle owners to determine when their tires, brakes and windshield wipers are worn out. Shocks and struts, on the other hand, aren’t nearly as simple to inspect, in spite of the fact that these safety-critical components are highly susceptible to everyday wear and tear.
Experts recommend replacement of automotive shocks and struts at 120,000 kilometers. Testing has shown that original equipment gas-charged shocks and struts degrade measurably by 120,000kms kilometers*. For many popular-selling vehicles, replacing these worn shocks and struts can improve the vehicle’s handling characteristics and comfort.
*Actual mileage may vary, depending upon driver ability, vehicle type, and the type of driving and road conditions.
STEERING
Worn shocks and struts can allow excessive body roll when turning, which affects the vehicle’s ability to safely steer around objects in the road.
STOPPING
Worn shocks and struts can allow too much weight transfer to the front wheels during braking, which could result in a measurable increase in stopping distance.
STABILITY
Worn shocks and struts can allow excessive roll, sway and bounce while the vehicle is in motion, which reduces the driver’s control.
Like most safety-critical chassis components, shocks and struts do wear out over the course of normal operation. The rate of wear depends on a wide range of variables, such as road and environmental conditions, your driving style and vehicle load.
In general, however, shocks and struts wear so gradually that the negative effects – reduced steering precision, stopping performance and/or vehicle stability – might not be easily recognized in normal driving conditions. In addition to these safety concerns, worn shocks and struts could negatively affect:
- passenger comfort
- rate and pattern of tire wear
- dynamic wheel alignment
- brake life
- durability of other chassis parts
Sils Complete Auto Care wants you to Ride Safe.
The next time you get in your vehicle – check your odometer and also check to see if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above. Are you possibly driving on worn shocks and struts?
by silsautocom on July 20, 2010
We perform expert service on shocks, struts, and coil springs for your car or truck. Make sure your vehicle is both safe and handles properly by allowing us to service your suspension system!
Visit Monroe Save a Squirrel for more interactive information on shocks and struts.
by silsautocom on December 17, 2009
Be sure to be safe this winter season! Bring your car or truck in to Sil’s Auto Centre 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!
Carlo
by silsautocom on May 5, 2009
A person’s vehicle is a tremendous investment and is a necessity in today’s life. We understand the need for service and also for peace of mind. Our Protection Plan has been designed to give each owner a confidence from vehicle maintenance. Click here for full details of our Lifetime Protection Plan.
Follow our shop-recommended service intervals to protect your vehicle for its lifetime (per service interval):
- Engine: Up to $4,000
- Engine & Fuel: Up to $4,000
- Drive Line: Up to $4,000
- Brake System: Up to $4,000
- Power Steering: Up to $4,000
- Cooling System: Up to $4,000
- Transmission: Up to $2,000
The next time you come in to Sil’s, ask us about whether your vehicle qualifies for the Lifetime Protection Plan.
Cheers,
Carlo
