Undercar Services: Maintenance & Repair
Undercar Repairs in Slidell
At Automotive Center of Slidell, we take a holistic approach to vehicle care, beginning with a thorough evaluation of your car or truck's foundation. Prior to inspecting the internal components of your vehicle, we prioritize ensuring that you have a strong undercarriage.
Our comprehensive undercarriage inspections and services address this vital but often overlooked area of your vehicle, affording it the care and attention it deserves.
Alignment
Wheel alignment consists of essential car maintenance that involves adjusting the wheel angles to follow the manufacturer's specifications. This process ensures that the suspension and steering systems operate at their intended angles, thereby reducing tire wear.
Anti-Lock Brakes
Anti-lock brakes are designed to prevent wheel lock-up during rapid deceleration by automatically modulating brake pressure during emergency stops. This system allows wheels to maintain traction with the road while braking.
Brake System Flush
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture. This moisture absorption lowers the fluid's boiling point and can lead to corrosion of the lines and cylinders. In extreme cases, the brake fluid could boil during heavy braking, resulting in a loss of braking capability. To counteract the effects of moisture absorption, auto manufacturers recommend periodic brake system flushes.
Brakes
Brakes are mechanical devices designed to slow down or halt a vehicle, primarily through the use of friction. In essence, brakes impede your vehicle's motion, allowing you to stop whenever and wherever necessary. Brakes rank among the most critical vehicle components, and without them, you would be unable to bring your vehicle to a stop.
Chassis
The chassis serves as the internal framework of your vehicle, providing support for various components such as the wheels, engine, transmission, driveshaft, differential, and suspension. A weakened or damaged chassis can lead to a weaker vehicle overall.
Driveline
The driveline represents a vehicle section that connects the engine and transmission to the wheel axles. This component consists of powertrain parts excluding the engine and transmission. A driveline failure translates to an immobilized vehicle, as energy cannot be transmitted from the engine to the wheel axles.
Exhaust
In motor vehicles, an exhaust system consists of piping designed to guide exhaust fumes from the engine to the vehicle's rear. A well-functioning exhaust system not only sounds better but also benefits you, your vehicle, and the environment. Automotive Center of Slidell in Slidell has expert technicians ready to service your car's exhaust system.
Lift Kits
Got massive monster tires? Truck owners in Slidell come to Automotive Center of Slidell to install high-performance lift kits that will increase clearance and provide that aggressive monster truck stance. Securely installing strut mounts, longer springs, new shocks, and a range of hardware to raise up your truck is a tough job. Precisely calibrating the ground clearance larger wheels need is important for optimal safety and performance. Trust the auto repair experts at Automotive Center of Slidell to transform the look and function of your truck. Take on rugged terrain or just look cool when cruising by giving your truck a little lift. Call 985-641-1975 or stop by our auto repair shop at 40355 US Hwy 190 E to set up an appointment.
Shock Absorbers
Shocks, or shock absorbers, are mechanical devices engineered to smooth out rough road surfaces. They achieve this by converting kinetic energy into another form of energy. Properly functioning shocks minimize the impact of traveling over uneven terrain, leading to an improved ride quality and enhanced vehicle handling.
Struts
Much like shock absorbers (shocks), struts serve to dampen the effects of road surfaces as you drive. By absorbing road shocks, struts enable passengers to experience a smoother ride. Struts differ from shocks in that they provide structural support for your vehicle's suspension.
Tires
As tires age, they lose traction and degrade internally, increasing the risk of tire blowouts. Such blowouts can lead to sudden loss of vehicle control. Maintaining good tire condition is crucial for vehicle performance and safety. For all your tire-related needs, don't hesitate to contact Automotive Center of Slidell at 985-641-1975 today.
Suspension FAQs
How often should shocks be replaced?
Experts recommend that shocks be replaced at 50,000-100,000 miles. If you are a more aggressive driver or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster. Shocks don't go out all at once, they deteriorate slowly over time. If you are noticing problems with handling, making smooth turns or ride smoothness have one of the professionals at Automotive Center of Slidell inspect your shocks.
Are struts difficult to replace?
Replacing struts is simple and fast for a professional. Replacing your front struts yourself is not recommended, especially if you need a new complete strut assembly kit. When you get your truck's struts replaced you also need to have the front-end alignment checked. Ask the professionals at Automotive Center of Slidell to replace your struts and we will complete the work quickly and easily.
What is the difference between shocks and struts?
Shocks and struts are both parts of a vehicle's suspension system. However, each has a very specific job. Your vehicle has either shocks or struts. You cannot replace your shocks with struts and vice versa. Shock absorbers are hydraulic components that help minimize movement generated by the vehicle's springs. These springs absorb some of the jolts you might feel from uneven or damaged roads. Struts are structural components of certain vehicles' steering and suspension systems. They usually consist of a spring and a shock absorber. Struts are designed to be much stronger than shocks since they are designed for vehicles that carry heavy loads.
Is it necessary to get an alignment after strut replacement?
Automotive Center of Slidell recommends performing an alignment anytime shocks, struts or other steering and suspension components are replaced. Getting your vehicle's alignment within factory specifications ensures optimal tire wear and helps prolong the life of your tires.
What happens if I only replace one strut or shock?
If you replace only one shock or strut, it will create poor handling when changing lanes or driving over bumps. If your car is new, replacing only one strut or shock absorber may be ok since the opposite side shock is not worn out yet. Generally, Automotive Center of Slidell recommends replacing both shocks or struts.
To learn more about our Undercar services, call us at 985-641-1975 or request a quote by clicking below:
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Discover More About Undercar Repair Services At Automotive Center of Slidell in Slidell
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What Our Customers Are Saying
I drive my car from Covington to Slidell to be serviced by them! They are so friendly, helpful, and always willing to go above and beyond to assist you in getting your car serviced to the utmost capacity. The servicemen also appraise you of upcoming repairs you will need as your car ages. Mine is ten years old and drives as if it is brand new! I also love the owners.They are good Christian upstanding pillars of the community.
Car & Truck Care, near Slidell, LA
Wonderful group of people dedicated to keeping your car on the road.
Car & Truck Care, near Slidell, LA
Best vehicle service and repair experience every time I go!
Car & Truck Care, near Slidell, LA
Every interaction I've had here has been fantastic - from the owner, to the service technicians who've worked on my vehicles, to the friendly staff at the front desk (shout out to Andy for his fabulous customer service ALWAYS!) . Their rates are very reasonable, and they've always done exactly what they said they would. They stand by their work, and I've never had a single issue with anything they've repaired or serviced from major work completed with a rear differential replacement all the way to just stopping in to have one of my 37 tires plugged from snagging a nail on the road. Heck, even if I just have a mechanical question Andy has always been there willing to chat. What really sets them apart is their honesty. They don't sugarcoat or try to upsell unnecessary work - they're straight with you, and that means a lot. On top of that, they're friendly, genuine, and just good people. Honestly, these have been the best experiences I've ever had at any automotive service establishment in my adult life. I can't recommend them highly enough.
Car & Truck Care, near Slidell, LA
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