Americus & Leesburg Auto Repair

Your vehicle’s shocks and struts are key components of the suspension system. They are designed to keep your tires in contact with the road, absorb bumps, and maintain control while driving. When they wear out, your vehicle’s handling, safety, and comfort are all affected. Because shocks and struts wear down gradually, many drivers do not notice the problem until it becomes serious. Understanding their role and the signs of wear will help you stay ahead of costly repairs and avoid unsafe driving conditions. The Role of Shocks and Struts Shocks and struts serve similar purposes but are built differently. Shocks are separate components that work with other suspension parts to control movement. Struts combine the shock absorber and structural support into one unit, playing a larger role in the vehicle’s suspension geometry. Both help control the motion of the springs, keeping your tires firmly on the road surface. Without them, your car would bounce ... read more

If you've ever noticed your car pulling to one side or requiring constant correction to stay straight, it’s more than just an annoyance — it can be a sign of underlying mechanical issues that affect safety and performance. While driving straight should feel effortless, several problems can cause your vehicle to drift or pull. Knowing about these causes and addressing them promptly is crucial to ensure your vehicle handles as it should and keeps you safe on the road. Wheel Alignment Problems The most common reason a car won’t drive straight is poor wheel alignment. Alignment involves adjusting the angles of your wheels so they’re set to the manufacturer’s specifications. When alignment is off, your tires point in slightly different directions, causing the vehicle to pull left or right. Misalignment often results from hitting potholes, curbs, or driving over rough roads. In addition to pulling, misalignment can cause uneven tire wear ... read more

When you think about the parts that keep your car moving, you probably picture the engine and the transmission. But one of the most essential components in transferring power to your wheels, especially in front-wheel-drive and many all-wheel-drive vehicles, is the CV joint. Short for a “constant velocity” joint, this critical part ensures your wheels get consistent power while allowing for smooth movement as the suspension travels and the wheels turn. Unfortunately, CV joints don’t last forever. When they begin to fail, they can cause serious drivability issues and lead to further damage if ignored. What Does a CV Joint Do In Your Vehicle The CV joint sits at each end of the axle shaft, connecting it to the wheel and transmission. Its job is to maintain even torque while the suspension moves and the wheels turn. Without it, your car wouldn’t be able to maintain power to the wheels during cornering or while going over bumps. To protect the jo ... read more

Your vehicle’s brakes are one of its most critical safety systems. When they’re working properly, they help you stop quickly and avoid collisions. But like any part of your car, brakes wear out over time. The good news is that they don’t fail suddenly—there are usually several warning signs before they reach a dangerous point. If you’re unsure whether your brakes are due for service, here are the most common signs to look out for. Squeaking or Squealing Noises Brake pads are designed with a small metal tab that makes a high-pitched noise when the pads get too thin. This sound is your early warning that it’s time to replace them. If the squeaking goes away when you apply the brakes, it’s likely due to this built-in wear indicator. However, persistent squealing or grinding could point to more serious problems, such as metal-on-metal contact if the pads have worn down completely. In that case, delaying repairs could damage you ... read more

If your steering wheel starts to shake the moment you press the gas, it’s not just an uncomfortable feeling—it’s a sign that something is off in your vehicle’s drivetrain or suspension. Vibration during acceleration doesn’t happen without reason, and while the issue could be minor, it’s often something that should be checked out before it gets worse. Let’s look at the most common causes of steering wheel vibration under acceleration and what they might mean for your vehicle. Unbalanced or Damaged Tires Tires are often the first place to look. If a tire is out of balance, improperly inflated, or damaged, it can create vibration that travels up through the steering system. During acceleration, any imperfection in the wheel or tire is more noticeable as weight shifts and speed increases. In some cases, the issue may come from a tire with uneven wear or a belt separation inside the tread. These problems can feel like a wobble o ... read more