by Network Automotive | Jan 23, 2021 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires
You are driving down a straight, flat stretch of road, you relax your grip for a second, and the car drifts toward the shoulder or the center line. If you have to keep constant pressure on the steering wheel just to hold a straight line, your vehicle is telling you something is wrong, and the most common culprit is a wheel alignment problem. Drivers in the Chandler area deal with this more than they realize, and the fix is usually straightforward once a qualified auto repair center takes a look. Here is how to recognize the signs, what causes them, and why putting it off costs you money.
What It Means When Your Car Pulls
Wheel alignment refers to the precise angles at which your wheels meet the road. Manufacturers set these angles, called camber, caster, and toe, so the vehicle tracks straight, steers predictably, and wears its tires evenly. When those angles drift out of specification, the tires no longer point exactly where the steering wheel says they should, and the car pulls to one side.
The pull can be subtle or severe. Some drivers only notice it at highway speed, while others fight the wheel in a parking lot. Either way, it tends to get worse over time, and the faster you drive, the more noticeable and more dangerous it becomes. A car that wanders on its own leaves you less margin to react when traffic does something unexpected.
Other Signs You May Need an Alignment
Pulling is the classic symptom, but misalignment shows up in several other ways:
- Uneven tire wear. Run your hand across the tread. If the inside or outside edge is noticeably more worn than the rest, your alignment is off. Healthy tires wear evenly across the full width.
- A crooked steering wheel. If the wheel sits off-center while you are driving straight, the alignment angles are compensating for something.
- Squealing tires in turns. Tires that are dragged across the pavement at the wrong angle protest, especially in slow corners and parking lots.
- Loose or wandering steering. The car feels vague on center and needs constant small corrections.
- Vibration in the steering wheel. This can also indicate a balance problem, which is a separate service, but the two often show up together and are checked at the same time.
You can read more about how tires, steering, and ride quality connect in our suspension, wheels, and tires articles.
What Knocks a Vehicle Out of Alignment
Alignment does not fail on a schedule. It fails from impacts and wear. The usual suspects include:
- Hitting a pothole, curb, or parking block harder than usual
- Everyday wear in suspension and steering components like tie rods, ball joints, and bushings
- Worn shocks or struts that let the suspension move beyond its intended range
- An accident or hard impact, even a minor one that left no visible damage
East Valley driving adds its own contributions. Construction zones, gravel shoulders, and the occasional monsoon-season debris in the road all give your suspension sharp hits that add up. If you recently smacked a pothole and the car has not felt right since, that is not a coincidence.
Why You Should Not Ignore It
A misaligned car is not just annoying to drive. It is expensive. Tires that are dragged at the wrong angle can wear out in a fraction of their normal life, and replacing a set of tires costs far more than the alignment that would have saved them. Misalignment also increases rolling resistance, which quietly hurts your fuel economy on every trip.
There is a safety cost too. A vehicle that pulls requires constant correction, which is fatiguing on long drives and slows your reaction in an emergency. And because misalignment often rides along with worn suspension parts, ignoring the symptom can mean ignoring a failing component underneath it. If your car has been pulling, call us at (480) 444-0242 and describe what you are feeling. It is often a quicker conversation than people expect.
What Happens During an Alignment Service
A proper alignment starts with an inspection, not a machine. A technician checks tire condition and pressure, then examines the steering and suspension components, because aligning a car with a worn tie rod is like squaring a door on a broken hinge. Once the underlying parts check out, the vehicle goes on an alignment rack where precise sensors measure each wheel’s angles against the manufacturer’s specifications. The technician then adjusts the angles back into spec and confirms the steering wheel is centered.
Afterward, the difference is usually obvious on the first drive: the car tracks straight, the wheel sits centered, and the steering feels calm again. It is one of the most satisfying repairs there is, because you feel the result immediately.
How Often Should Alignment Be Checked?
There is no single mileage number that fits every driver, but a few guidelines serve most people well. Have the alignment checked whenever you buy new tires, since starting a fresh set on a misaligned car throws away part of your investment on day one. Have it checked after any significant impact, a hard pothole strike, a curb hit, or a collision, even if nothing feels obviously wrong afterward. And have it checked any time steering or suspension parts are replaced, because new components change the geometry.
Between those events, an annual check is a reasonable habit, and many shops can verify alignment quickly during other routine service. It is also worth paying attention to your own hands. Drivers unconsciously compensate for a mild pull, holding a slight steering correction without noticing it. If you catch yourself doing that, or a passenger points out that your steering wheel is not straight, trust the observation.
The habit pays for itself. Alignment is one of the least expensive services on the car, and it directly protects one of the most expensive consumable items you buy, your tires, while keeping the car predictable and safe.
Drive Straight Again
If you are fighting the steering wheel on every drive, do not wait for the problem to eat a set of tires. Network Automotive Service Center is family-owned and has been serving East Valley drivers since 1995. Browse our services, then call (480) 444-0242 to schedule an alignment check. We will find out why your car is pulling and get it tracking straight and safe again.
by Network Automotive | Apr 27, 2020 | Oil Change & Maintenance
If you are worried about your car not running properly, one of the best things you can do is schedule regular maintenance with a Gilbert, AZ auto repair center. When your car is serviced regularly you can rest assured that stay running longer and is less likely to stall and break down on you.
Catch Problems Before They Become Severe
If your car has a minor problem that you are aware of but don’t get fixed promptly, it could turn into a larger problem very quickly. This could cause your car to stall or prevent it was starting when you need to get to work or an important appointment. When you take your car to a professional, they can diagnose any current problems or areas where problems are likely to occur. They may be able to make small repairs that can prevent larger ones in the future.
Maintain Fluid Levels
If your vehicle is serviced regularly it may be running low on essential fluids. Most people don’t check their fluids as often as they should or refill the reservoirs. Your vehicle needs fluids to operate properly and to help prevent the engine and other parts from locking up. Oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant levels can be checked when your vehicle is serviced
Spend Less Time Without A Car
Nobody wants to be without a car but if you put off your regular maintenance, you may find that you are faced with big repairs that take a lot of time. You may need to leave your car in a shop for a few days instead of just a few hours. You may not have a ride to work, or to places you want to go with friends and family. To avoid spending a lot of time without a car, make sure your vehicle is well-maintained and you follow up with regular maintenance appointments.
Save Money
While maintenance and regular service are affordable, neglecting your car can lead to more serious problems that can result in more expensive problems. The more severe the problem, the more costly the repair. If you want to save money you need to have your car inspected and maintained as scheduled to help prevent serious mechanical problems. The
If you want to learn more about the importance of regularly scheduled vehicle maintenance at a Gilbert, AZ auto repair center, or if you need to schedule an appointment for your vehicle, call Network Automotive Service Center. We are happy to make sure your vehicle is in good working order so you can feel confident about driving it anywhere. We will check for problems and fix anything that needs it. We are here to help with all your automotive needs. Just give us a call today to schedule an appointment. You can also stop by with your vehicle to schedule your maintenance appointment. We are here to help with all your car problems and maintenance needs and it’s our goal to keep your car on the road and running right for as long as possible.
by Network Automotive | Apr 20, 2020 | Exhaust & Emissions
If you own a car you know how important it is to keep it maintained so it performs well and is safe to drive. When your car does have problems, they may be difficult to diagnose. If you aren’t able to determine what the cause of the problems in yourself, should take your vehicle to a Mesa, AZ auto repair center for help. An emissions test can diagnose a variety of problems so you can have them repaired by a professional and protect your vehicle from severe problems. Network Automotive Service Center offers emission testing and repairs for your vehicle. Here are a few signs that you may need to consider emissions testing.
Clogged Air Filters
Air filters are a part of every car and they help catch dirt and grime from entering the vehicles engine. If they fail to work properly, they may cause your car to fail an emissions test. If your air filters aren’t working properly, they could be allowing metals and dirt to enter your engine. This can cause a lot of problems and even cause your engine to stop working after a while. Air filters can easily be replaced by a professional so your car can run properly.
Dirty Engine Oil
You don’t want to get dirt in your engine oil, as this can cause a variety of problems. It can cause the inner workings of your engine to lock up and allow dirt and grime to spread through your engine and your car’s entire system. This can lead to serious problems. When you have an emissions test done on your vehicle, it can tell you if there is a problem that could mean there is dirt in the oil or anywhere in the engine. If may be necessary to have the engine professionally cleaned so it can perform well.
Defective Catalytic Converters
The catalytic converter helps breakdown pollutants that are spread from the engine. They are required to be added to every vehicle and without them, the pollutants are released into the air where they can affect the environment. If your catalytic converter is broken or isn’t working properly, your exhaust may also make your car sound a little louder then normal. Catalytic converters can often be repaired but may need to be replaced if they are beyond repair.
If you having car problems like exhaust rattle and you believe it could be something going on with your exhaust system or if you just want to have your car’s emissions tested to make sure it’s working okay and not releasing too much pollution, bring your vehicle to a Mesa, AZ auto repair center for help. At Network Automotive Service Center we can perform emissions testing and tell you if there are suspected problems with your vehicle. We can also make any necessary repairs to help your car run properly and avoid more serious issues. If you are interested in emissions testing, be sure to bring your vehicle by or give us a call to schedule an appointment today.
by Network Automotive | Mar 23, 2020 | Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil changes are just one of the regular types of maintenance that car owners must manage. Most people don’t have the time, tools, or even the knowledge that allows them to successfully do an oil g themselves. You don’t have to do it yourself, you can take your vehicle to a Mesa, AZ auto repair center to have your oil changed by a professional. Here are a few reasons oil needs to be changed regularly.
Keeps Components Lubricated
The job of oil is to keep the engine lubricated. Engines have many moving parts inside and they need to be lubricated in order to work as they should. Without oil, the parts can hit each other or stop moving all together. This can cause the engine to stop working by allowing the parts inside to lock up. Keeping oil in the vehicle and keeping the oil changed can prevent severe engine problems.
Helps Keep Engine Cool
Oil helps keep an engine cool. When the components inside are not lubricated and are rubbing together, this can cause friction that produces heat. The heat can even cause the engine to stall from overheating. Oil helps reduce the friction and the heat so the engine doesn’t work as hard and stays cooler. It can help prevent too much stress on the engine and keep the car running in good condition.
Reduces Wear and Tear On Engine Components
The components inside a vehicle’s engine need to be lubricated so they can last longer. The oil covers the parts so they don’t grind against each other and can move more easily. Without the oil, they have to work harder and won’t last as long. Regular oil changes can prevent the components from wearing down as quickly.
Improves Gas Mileage
Most people are happy to improve their gas mileage any way possible and changing oil regularly can help with that. When the engine doesn’t have proper oil or the oil isn’t doing its job because it’s old, the parts have to work harder to make the vehicle move. This requires more gas. When the engine is working properly, it can use less gas. This can help save you money by making your car more efficient.
If you want to keep your car running well and want to avoid costly repairs, it’s a good idea to keep the oil changed regularly. You don’t have to worry about changing it yourself, you can take your vehicle to a Mesa, AZ auto repair center and have a professional mechanic check and change the oil. You can even plan your oil changes several months ahead of time to ensure that you never miss an oil change and your vehicle is always operating at its full potential. You can bring your vehicle to Network Automotive Service Center for all your repair needs. You can call us at (480) 407-6091. You can also visit our shop at 3007 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85213. We are here to help you with all your auto repair needs as well as basic maintenance.
by Network Automotive | Mar 16, 2020 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires
If your vehicle is not handling the road as it should or if it appears to have problems with the shocks, you may need to schedule an appointment for repair services with a Chandler, AZ auto repair center. Network Automotive Service Center is happy to help with all your repair needs. Whether you need to have your shocks checked, repaired, or replaced, you can get the help you need. Don’t drive your vehicle around when it isn’t working right or is making strange sounds. Get help from an experienced auto shop. Here are some signs your shocks may need to be serviced.
Uneven Tire Wear
If you notice that your tires seem to be wearing more on one side than it could be time to get new shocks. When your shocks are bad, they don’t support the car as they should. There can be more weight and pressure on one side of the car or on one wheel. This causes that tire to touch the road more and wears it down quicker. You may need to replace the shock and the tire to fix the issue.
Read also: Car Pulling To One Side? You May Need An Alignment From A Chandler, AZ Auto Repair Center
Swerving While Braking
If you hit the brakes and notice that the car seems to be swerving or pulling to one side, it could mean the shocks are bad. When the car pulls, it is trying to find the support of that shock. In some cases, only one shock may be back or in others, it could be more than one. Replacing the shock or fixing it can help save your brakes and prevent the swerving.
Vibrations While Driving
One of the more obvious signs of a bad shock is vibrations while driving. It can be hard to tell where the vibrations are coming from at times, but after a while, most people realize when it is from a problem with the shock. When a shock is bad, it can’t support the vehicle and can vibrate when there is weight put on it while driving. It’s best to get a vibrating shock fixed quickly to avoid more serious issues.
Squeaking Sounds
Bad shocks often make noises while the vehicle is moving. They can make a squeaky or grinding sound. The sound may be quiet at first and then get louder or appear more frequently as the shock gets worse. Eventually, the sound will turn into a clunking or metallic sound. This can be a sign that the shock just needs some grease, or it may be a sign that it needs to be repaired.
Read also: Call A Chandler, AZ Auto Repair Instead Of Ignoring These Common Problems
If your vehicle is showing signs that a shock or shocks are going bad, it’s a good idea to have it serviced as soon as possible. Bad shocks can make your car hard to stop and hard to steer. It can be dangerous to drive a vehicle with a bad shock. Let a Chandler, AZ auto repair center help you. Call Network Automotive Service Center at (480) 649-0839 to make an appointment to have your vehicle repaired. You can also stop by the shop at 104 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201 to schedule an appointment.