What is That? Check Engine Light Service At Central Avenue Automotive

Posted by & filed under Diagnostics.

Okay. You went to your local Kent car wash and while your SUV was under the dryer, the check engine light started flashing. Panic! What did you just do? Something is seriously wrong with the SUV! You head for the nearest Kent service station, but on the way, the check engine light stops flashing, and just glows red. Hmm. Maybe things aren’t as bad as they seem. You decide to wait until payday to take your SUV in to get serviced. In the meantime, the check engine light goes off. What? You decide the light must be faulty, or that when it comes on it doesn’t mean anything, or that it’s just in your SUV as some sort of scam to get you to pay for unnecessary costly repairs. You’re glad you didn’t take your car to the Kent repair shop and resolve to ignore that engine light in the future.

Whoa! Let’s look at what really happened. Your SUV was under an air dryer. Your air intake sensor measured too much air running through the engine. It sent its report to the engine computer, where a warning was triggered: there shouldn’t be that much airflow when the SUV engine is idling. This is a serious problem that could cause permanent engine damage. Warning! The check engine light starts flashing, letting you know you need to take immediate action to prevent that damage.

You drive out from under the dryer, and the air intake sensor sends a new message to the computer. The computer realizes that everything is normal and tells the check engine light to stop flashing. The SUV doesn’t need immediate attention; but there was a problem, and it should be checked out by your service specialist. After a few days the computer senses that the problem is gone, so it turns off the warning light.

You may think this story illustrates the uselessness of a check engine light, but you should remember that a computer can’t think for itself, it can only follow its programming. It doesn’t know the difference between a car wash air dryer and a serious malfunction in your SUV engine. That doesn’t make it useless. It just means you have to be the smart one.

Being smart doesn’t mean ignoring your SUV check engine light. It lets you know when something is wrong, and you can prevent a lot of damage to your vehicle by paying proper attention to it.

Your engine computer is constantly collecting data about what is going on inside your SUV engine. It knows what parameters are normal, and when a reading may indicate a problem. It uses the check engine light to let you know when something isn’t right. It then stores a code in its memory that a service advisor can retrieve that indicates which reading was abnormal.

The service professional uses this code as a starting place to find out what’s wrong with your SUV. It’s like going to the doctor with a fever. The fever is the reading that is abnormal — your temperature is too high — but the doctor still has to figure out what’s causing it. It’s probably an infection, but what kind? Sinus infection? Appendicitis? Flu? The problems and their solutions are quite different. But a fever also tells a doctor what’s NOT wrong with you. Fevers don’t accompany stress headaches, ulcers or arthritis, so there’s no sense in testing for those conditions.

Your Kent tech responds to a trouble code in your SUV’s computer in the same way. The code doesn’t say exactly what’s wrong, but it does give the technician a good indication of where to start looking —and where he/she doesn’t need to look.

Now, you wouldn’t consider diagnosing yourself with a serious medical problem; good medical advice — unless you’re a doctor. So you shouldn’t consider trying to diagnose your vehicle’s troubles by yourself; good auto advice — unless you’re a trained mechanic.

There are cheap scanners available on the market and some Kent auto parts stores offer to read trouble codes from your SUV engine computer for you, but these are really not good alternatives to taking your vehicle to a qualified service center such as Central Avenue Automotive in Kent. Your engine’s computer has both short-term and long-term memory, and there are some codes that are specific to a particular make of vehicle. Cheap scanners can’t read an engine computer’s long-term memory nor can they interpret manufacturer – specific codes. That’s why manager Blake Walker at Central Avenue Automotive spends a lot of money on high-end diagnostic tools.

It’s as if you had a choice between a doctor who had a tongue depressor and a thermometer and one who had all the latest medical diagnostic equipment on hand. Honestly, which would you choose?

Getting your codes read at your Auburn auto parts store isn’t really a money-saver, either, unless you’re a trained mechanic. You’ll end up with a code that tells you a symptom. What usually happens next is that the Auburn parts store sells you something that directly relates to the symptom. It may or may not fix the problem. It’s actually cheaper to just go to the Central Avenue Automotive in Kent and get things fixed right the first time.

Remember, a fever can indicate a sinus infection or appendicitis. An antibiotic may be okay for that sinus infection, but it won’t help your appendicitis. Is it really wise to wait around to see if the antibiotic helps when you might have appendicitis?

Part of good car care is knowing where you can get a problem fixed, and fixed right. Preventive maintenance goes a long way to keeping you out of the repair shop, but eventually, we will all have a problem that needs fixing. Let’s do it right the first time at Central Avenue Automotive. In the long run, it’s actually the less pricey choice.

Keeping Up With Your Exhaust Service

Posted by & filed under Exhaust.

Whenever we talk about exhaust service, most people normally think about exhaust pipes and mufflers. Well, actually, exhaust service is a lot more comprehensive these days. For example, catalytic converters were mandated in 1976 and on-board emission control computers in 1990. Governmental emissions requirements have forced manufacturers to come up with much more sophisticated ways to comply with environmental regulations.

Exhaust service has really become exhaust and emissions service. High-tech computer controlled emissions devices are now a big part of the overall service. Because it is so sophisticated, your vehicle manufacturer recommends you have your emission system checked out by a qualified Kent exhaust technician regularly to make sure everything is working right – usually every 6 months or 10,000 miles/16,000 kilometers.

If your Check Engine light comes on, especially if it’s flashing, get your car looked at right away. Technicians at Central Avenue Automotive handle emission problems every day. You might have exhaust or emissions trouble if your car is difficult to start, runs rough, or is noisy or smoking. Call Central Avenue Automotive at 253.854.6762 to schedule an appointment if you experience these problems.

exhaust service

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Let’s review the exhaust system. We will start from the top with the exhaust manifold. That is the part that attaches to the engine and collects the exhaust from the cylinders and directs it into the exhaust pipe. Exhaust gaskets help seal the connection with the manifold and various other joints along the way. If the manifold is cracked or loose, or a gasket is leaking, dangerous gases could escape into the passenger compartment, where you ride. Carbon monoxide can be deadly, so it is important that your exhaust system doesn’t leak. The exhaust pipes connect the various components. They can rust or be damaged by a rock, so they need to be inspected periodically.

Next is the catalytic converter. This part looks like a muffler. It changes chemicals that are dangerous to your health and the environment into harmless carbon dioxide and water. It doesn’t require any maintenance itself, but eventually they wear out. You will discover this when your car fails an emissions inspection.

Now the muffler. Its main job is to quiet engine noises. Mufflers work by either absorbing or baffling sound, and you can actually customize your car’s sound with different mufflers – anything from whisper quiet to bad-boy rumbley. Rusted or road-damaged mufflers can leak and need to be replaced right away.

The exhaust system is attached to the car by a series of hangers and clamps. These fasteners hold the system in place. When hangers come loose or break, hot exhaust components can touch and melt wires, hoses and lines.

Finally, we end at the tailpipe. This is the final outlet for the exhaust. These can be plain-Jane or pretty flashy. Also, the oxygen sensors monitor the oxygen content of the exhaust so the engine control computer can adjust the fuel-to-air mix to keep the car running right.

Exhaust service covers plain old pipes and high-tech computers. It impacts everything from life and death safety due to exhaust leaks, to fine-tuning the sound of your ride. This is why it’s so important to make sure to have it serviced regularly. If it’s been a while, make an appointment today and come on by!

Wheel Balancing at Central Avenue Automotive

Posted by & filed under Tires and Wheels.

So you love your job, and your family life is great. Congratulations! You have achieved balance. But can you say the same for your wheels? Kent car owners can tell if their tires are out of balance by vibrations at higher speeds on WA freeways. If one of the front tires is out, you feel the vibration in the steering wheel. If it’s a back tire, you’ll feel the vibration in your seat.

Tires and wheels are pretty heavy. When a tire is mounted on a wheel at Central Avenue Automotive, it is usually not perfectly balanced. So the service advisor will spin the tire on a machine to determine where it’s too heavy. He will then place weights on the wheels in strategic locations to balance it out. When a tire is out of balance, it actually bounces down the road instead of rolling smoothly. Since the average size tire rotates at about 850 revolutions per minute at 60 MPH, it is actually slamming into the pavement 14 times a second. That’s where you get your vibration.

Most Kent auto owners are surprised at how smoothly their car rides after balancing all four wheels.

Most high-quality tires sold in Kent hold their balance pretty well for auto owners. They just get out of balance gradually with normal wear and tear. If you suddenly feel a vibration, it is probably because you lost a wheel balancing weight along the way. Definitely get a balance at Central Avenue Automotive in Kent if you feel a vibration, change your rims or have a flat repaired. Putting off a needed balance job leads to excessive and harmful tire wear, wear to your shocks, struts, steering and suspension parts. Wheel balancing not only improves your ride and handling, but also can save you some expensive repair bills and possibly an accident. Additionally, you will get better fuel efficiency.

Some Auburn motorists have their tires balanced at every rotation. Others do it every other time. Check your owners’ manual for your requirements, or ask your considerate Central Avenue Automotive tech. Doing this will put you on the path to mechanical wheel balance.

Getting Your Coolant System Checked

Posted by & filed under Cooling System.

The coolant system is a vital part of your vehicle. It is also the second most common cause for vehicle failures. Even though coolant system failure is fairly common, it is easy to prevent.

The most recognizable part of the coolant system is the radiator. It is connected to the engine with hoses and is filled with coolant. The coolant draws heat off the engine, and then goes into the radiator. Air passes through cooling fans to reduce the temperature of the coolant, and then it’s back to the engine again.

There are several ways for the cooling system to fail. The most common issue is with the coolant itself. Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze. The proper mixture keeps the coolant from either boiling away or freezing, both of which can result in massive engine damage.

coolant system

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Another very important coolant issue that is often overlooked is the age of the coolant. Antifreeze has additives that protect the coolant system from corrosion. As these additives are depleted over time, they can’t protect the radiator and other parts from rust, scaling, and corrosion. Old coolant may still keep your engine cool, but it won’t protect it from corrosion.

If you see a warning message to check the coolant or if the temperature gauge is in the hot zone, your coolant system needs to be checked. It’s OK to add water or antifreeze yourself, but you need to be cautious. Remember four things.

  • First, you never want to open the radiator pressure cap. You could be severely burned.
  • Second, try to get to your Kent service center at Central Avenue Automotive immediately if your coolant is low. If that is not possible, follow the directions in your owners manual – it will direct you to only make additions to the coolant overflow bottle.
  • Third, remember that you need a proper mixture of water and antifreeze. If you make an emergency addition to your cooling system, follow-up with your local service center where we can make necessary corrections.
  • Fourth, not all cars use the same type of antifreeze. You need to check your owners manual to make sure you use the right kind. Mixing antifreeze types or using the wrong kind of antifreeze may void the manufacturers warranty on your cooling system. Again, another reason to rely on your Central Avenue Automotive service center to do things right.

Remember, your service center has the equipment to change your coolant quickly and inexpensively. Let us help!

Budget For Maintenance in Kent

Posted by & filed under Maintenance.

Sometimes busy Kent residents dream about going back to the “simpler” days of our grandparents. But if you could travel back in time and take a road trip around Auburn in a Model T, you might change your mind. The improved designs and quality of today’s automobiles have significantly reduced the amount of time Kent car owners spend at the side of the road during breakdowns. With proper maintenance, today’s vehicles can stay on the road longer than ever before.

Some of those improvements, however, have led to higher repair costs. For example, older cars often broke down from vapor lock. Gas vaporized while traveling from the gas tank to the fuel pump. No gas, no power. The car quits going. The solution was simple — you just sat by the road until the car would start up again. Today’s Kent car owners would hardly tolerate that kind of inconvenience; and it’s likely that yesterday’s Kent drivers didn’t care much for it, either. So on today’s vehicles, the fuel pump is actually located inside the gas tank. Problem solved. No more vapor lock. The downside is that now it costs a lot more to repair or replace a fuel pump at Kent area auto service centers.

Kent car owners should certainly should be grateful for the improvements in auto design that keep us off the side of the road, but it comes at a price. Car care in Kent is simply more costly than it used to be. So if you think about it, WA drivers can avoid many expensive SUV repairs by preventive maintenance. If we plan for maintenance, we can avoid a lot of costly repairs.

Edmunds.com has a great calculator to help you estimate car repair costs. Auburn auto owners can enter the year, make and model for your vehicle, and the calculator will give you an estimate of what it will cost to service and repair your vehicle for the next five years. It also estimates the costs for depreciation, financing, insurance, taxes and fuel.

These estimates can be used to set up a reasonable budget to manage your car repair and maintenance expenses. Of course, they are just estimates. All Federal Way motorists know that life hands out a lot of surprises — some good, some bad, so there’s no way to know exactly what your SUV will need. But a good estimate helps you make a good budget, and a good budget is always helpful when it comes to car repairs.

Let’s look at one example. For a 2003 Toyota Camry, here is Edmunds’ estimate for the cost of repairs and maintenance for the next three years (as of the time of this writing):

Yr. 1 Yr. 2  
Yr. 3 
3-Yr. Total  
Maintenance 748    
225      
794     
1767  
Repairs 352      
409 476 1237  
                           Total 1,100 634 1,270 3,004  
Monthly Average 92 53 106 83  

According to this estimate, the owner needs to set aside about $83 a month to defray the costs of car care. That sounds like a lot until you compare it to the payment on a new automobile. And even if car repairs are more costly than expected, that $83 is going to make the bills a lot less painful.

Just a bit of auto advice from Central Avenue Automotive: If you like new cars and can afford them, then buy them. But if you are buying a new car every few years because you’re afraid of the higher repair costs for older vehicles, then you ought to take a second look at the numbers. You can save a lot of money on car payments and WA auto insurance with an older Kent vehicle, and preventive auto maintenance can help you avoid most car repair bills. And if you budget for important preventive maintenance in WA, it can become as routine as a car payment — only a whole lot less costly!

The Lowdown on Custom Wheels and Tires

Posted by & filed under Tires and Wheels.

It seems like everywhere you go, you see custom wheels. Big trucks, little cars, mini-vans – it doesn’t matter, car owners are expressing themselves with custom wheels. Some local motorists want smaller tires and wheels, some want larger, and some want them enormous. So where do you start if you want new wheels? We suggest you start with your budget. We know, that sounds so practical, but if the look you’re after goes beyond just new tires and wheels and enters into the world of suspension modifications, you need to be prepared for the additional cost.

Let’s start with something easy – you want to give your ride a unique look, and the stock wheel size is just right for you. One of the concerns you may have is whether the new wheels have the same offset as your SUV factory wheels.

First, what is offset? It’s the distance from the inside edge of the wheel to the point at which it bolts on. If the new wheel has a different offset from the factory, the tires may rub on the inside or outside of the wheel well. That could lead to catastrophic tire failure.

Your tire and wheel professional at Central Avenue Automotive in Kent can help you find the right sized wheel or install adapters to make your new wheels fit. All you have to do is pick from the hundreds of styles available.

custom wheels and tires

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So, what if you want to upsize? Well, you want bigger wheels but you want to keep the same overall tire diameter, that’s pretty easy. The same offset concerns apply. You need to know that the tires will likely be a little bit wider than the originals and could rub when you make sharp turns. Your tire professional at Central Avenue Automotive will help you avoid this.

It is also important to keep the same overall tire diameter because changing the rolling diameter can mess with your SUV’s anti-lock brakes and stability control systems. Are you starting to see why you want to consult with a tire and wheel expert before making modifications? Is “super-size me” your motto? If it is, you are going to have to lift your vehicle to make room for those huge tires. A mild lift doesn’t require extensive modifications. An extreme lift means a lot of new hardware under the vehicle. It also means a lot of stock electronic systems need to be recalibrated to the new tire size. For example, your speedometer and odometer will give false readings if they aren’t recalibrated. You don’t want to risk getting speeding tickets on WA expressways because your speedometer shows a lower-than-actual speed.

You should also be aware of possible performance issues. Bigger tires and custom wheels weigh more. WA automotive experts refer to this as “unsprung weight” because it isn’t held up by your SUV’s suspension system. Increased unsprung weight affects performance in different ways than an equivalent amount of groceries or little soccer players in the SUV passenger compartment. Acceleration is negatively affected. Stopping distances may also be increased, sometimes significantly. If you want really big tires and wheels, you might need to upgrade your brakes to compensate.

Heading the other direction, some car owners like to run smaller than standard wheels and lower the suspension. All of the same fitment issues still apply, as well as calibration issues. Don’t think that SUV suspension modifications are a bad thing. Many systems actually improve ride, function, and performance over the stock set-up.

Regardless of your budget, you want your SUV to continue to do all the things you need it to do. Some of those show cars and trucks you see on TV look fantastic, but have been modified in ways that may not suit your needs. For example, if you put large rims on your SUV with low profile tires, you may be in for busted rims if you go off-roading a lot. There just isn’t enough sidewall to absorb the impact of thumping over rocks.

Some car owners stuff the largest possible tires and custom wheels on their vehicles but have to severely restrict suspension travel so that the tires aren’t rubbing all day. That can lead to a very harsh ride. Again, talk with your Central Avenue Automotive wheel professional about all of these things: how you drive in Kent, what look you are going for, your budget, and what compromises you are willing to make.

At the end of the day, you’re going to be rollin’ out of there with one sweet ride.

It Is Time To Check Your Intervals

Posted by & filed under Inspection.

Part of the engineering that goes into designing a vehicle is testing the components to ensure that they meet durability and safety standards. Because of this, manufacturers have a good idea as to how long the parts in your vehicle will last under normal driving conditions. For this reason, they give us guidelines to follow regarding how often to inspect the various parts and systems on our SUVs.

Vehicular components are required to meet certain standards. The government mandates some of these standards. Others are set by the auto industry. Recommended car maintenance schedules are designed to help Kent auto owners maintain these standards. Disregarding routine maintenance or procrastinating preventive maintenance will result in lowered performance and reduced safety for a vehicle.

Maintenance schedules are designed to ensure three areas of vital automotive performance for Kent auto owners: protection of the vehicle itself, fuel economy, and safety.

Protection

Your vehicle’s components need protection from dirt, road damage, rust, corrosion and fuel and combustion by products. Protective components include filters and fluids.

Most of the fluids in your SUV are there to keep the vehicle running smoothly and to protect the vehicle from corrosion, damage or harmful contaminants. These fluids need to be changed regularly in order to continue protecting your SUV.

For example, motor oil lubricates your engine, when keeps it running well, but it also contains detergents and other additives that clean your engine and protect it from corrosion. Your vehicle’s engine was engineered for best performance with a specific weight and type of motor oil. Kent drivers should always be careful to use the right motor oil for their engine.

Over time, the vital additives in motor oil are depleted, and the oil becomes contaminated by dirt, water and waste gases from combustion. So in order to keep your engine clean and to continue to protect it from corrosion, the oil has to be changed periodically.

Efficiency

Over time, your vehicle’s systems will get dirty and parts will wear down. Cleaning dirty systems and replacing worn parts will improve the efficiency of your vehicle, which is usually measured in terms of fuel efficiency and power output.

For example, your fuel system components gradually get clogged up with gum and varnish from gasoline. This restricts fuel flow, which lowers your engine’s efficiency. Gas mileage drops as a result. Cleaning your fuel system will restore MPG and improve gas mileage.

Safety

Some of your SUV’s systems must be maintained for safety reasons. Your brakes are a prime example of this. Brake pads and brake fluid need to be replaced in order to ensure good braking power. Poorly maintained brakes lead to accidents for Kent car owners.

Your owner’s manual is your first resource when it comes to knowing when and how to maintain your SUV. Of course, you can consult with a your Central Avenue Automotive service advisor. He can give you good auto advice on how to adjust your service schedule to account for climate, local road conditions and your driving distances.

Beyond routine maintenance, your vehicle also requires regular inspections. These inspections are usually recommended at specific mileage intervals, like fifteen or twenty thousand miles. The interval is based on the known life expectancy for particular components in your SUV. Regular inspections will identify vehicular components that need to be repaired or replaced before damage is done to the vehicle or safety is compromised. They are also designed to safeguard the efficiency and performance of your vehicle.

The multi-point inspection that comes with a full-service oil change does not cover all of the regular inspections your vehicle needs for peak performance and safety. Check with the automotive professionals at Central Avenue Automotive in Kent to find out what additional inspections your vehicle needs and how often. Good car care requires regular and consistent maintenance. But good maintenance pays for itself in better MPG and fewer costly repairs. It may even save your life.

Caring for Your Water Pump

Posted by & filed under Cooling System.

Your cooling system is very important. It circulates coolant through the radiator and your engine to protect your car from overheating. There are five main components to the cooling system:

  • the radiator
  • the radiator cap
  • the hoses
  • the thermostat
  • the water pump

The water pump’s like the heart of your cooling system, circulating the fluid throughout. It’s a small pump that’s driven by the engine — usually by belt, but sometimes by a chain or gear.

water pump

Your car’s pump doesn’t actually look like this, but hey… pretty flowers!

The pump only operates when the engine’s running. Water pump failure is pretty common because they’re used so frequently. Some start failing at around 40,000 miles, but most fail by 100,000 miles. Consult your owners’ manual or service technician to see what’s recommended.

Since a water pump either works or it doesn’t, you need to change it when it fails. These pumps fail in one of two ways: the bearings fail or they begin to leak. It’s possible to have a leak from a cracked pump, but it usually leaks at the gasket where it attaches to the engine.

So how can you tell when the water pump is failing? If you can hear a low-pitched grinding sound coming from the part, it’s got a problem. If you can see coolant in that area, you’ve got a leak.

Some water pumps are driven off the timing belt. They might be under a plastic cover so you can’t see them clearly. Look for coolant on the driveway. If you see some, have your service center check it out.

Most timing belts need to be changed at 60,000 miles, some last longer. It’s a good idea to change your water pump at the same time if it’s the sort that’s driven off the timing belt. To start with, 90% of the work’s already done with the timing belt change. Plus, if you don’t change it and develop a leak later, you’ll have to change the belt again along with the water pump because the belt will have been contaminated by the leaking coolant.

You can replace your water pump with a brand spankin’ new one or with a rebuilt pump. Rebuilt will save you some money, but ask your technician what he thinks. Don’t feel too bad if your pump gives out — they will all wear out eventually. Your service technician can get you back on the road and on with your life.

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Getting a Spring and Fall Tuneup

Posted by & filed under Maintenance.

When I was a kid in Kent, my dad always made sure he took the cars in for a Spring and Fall tuneup. I was telling a friend that it’s about time to go in for my checkup and he said that he read on the internet that modern cars don’t need seasonal service.

My friend is (technically) right about some things, but from a practical standpoint, a seasonal check up still makes sense.

Back when my dad was teaching me about how to take care of the family SUV, most cars used a different weight of oil in the winter and in the summer. However, most of today’s modern engines run the same oil year round. High-tech engines and high-tech motor oils are better able to handle the seasonal changes.

Spring and Fall Tuneup

Your owner’s manual or service adviser at Central Avenue Automotive can tell you the right oil to use.

Of course, you may be concerned about the coolant or antifreeze. You don’t want to overheat in the summer or freeze up in the winter. Your engine cooling system protects against both of these things. Modern coolant or, as it’s sometimes called, antifreeze, is up to doing both very well. It’s designed to last for more miles than most people drive in a year or two.

So how does a Spring and Fall tuneup fit in? Let’s start with Spring. Summer is coming. That means heat, more miles driven, and road trips. It just makes sense to check your fluid levels and do a visual inspection to see that everything is up to snuff.

You may not be scheduled to drain and replace the coolant for some time, but you need to make sure you have enough and that you don’t have any leaks or hoses that are about to fail. That’s all pretty practical — a check-up to see if there are any problems or emerging conditions that could later become a problem, like a cracked belt.

The same principle applies for getting ready for winter. Cold weather means lots of failed batteries. It takes more power to crank up a cold engine, and cold also decreases the available cranking power the battery has available.

A battery test in the Fall could tell you if you’ve got a battery that is running on its last legs. Of course, if you live where winter temperatures get below 45 degrees or you have ice and snow, you’ll want to consider changing to winter tires.

So Spring and Fall auto checkups at Central Avenue Automotive are practical reminders to get ready for the demands of the hot and cold seasons to come.

Odds are good that you have one or more routine services that are due anyway. Like a transmission service, brake or power steering fluid, differential service – stuff like that. Are your wiper blades still good? Are your headlamps starting to dim?

So Spring and Fall: change your clocks, replace the batteries in your smoke detectors – and get a check-up for your cars.

See, dad was right again.

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Tracking True In WA: Wheel Alignment In Burton

Posted by & filed under Alignment.

Wheel alignment is often overlooked by busy Burton and Kent auto owners until serious tire damage has been done. One wheel can be knocked out of alignment by hitting a curb or pothole on a Auburn interstate or surface street.

When a vehicle’s out of alignment, one or more of the wheels does not track true and pulls against the others. This causes several serious problems. First off, the tires will wear out faster and will need to be replaced prematurely. It could also lead to expensive SUV suspension problems.

Tracking True In WA: Wheel Alignment In Burton

But the big issue for Burton, Kent, and Kent motorists is safety. When your SUV wheels are out of alignment, the vehicle will pull to one side, which could lead to an accident. When you’re out of alignment, you should have it taken care of right away at Central Avenue Automotive in Kent.

When undergoing an alignment service at Central Avenue Automotive, your SUV is put on an alignment rack where the tires, steering and suspension parts are checked for damage. Then the alignment is charted and checked against the factory settings.

Precision adjustments are made to bring the wheels back into alignment. This gets all four wheels going in exactly the same direction.

Kent motorists should be aware of the signs of alignment problems. These include the car pulling to one side. Also, the steering wheel may not be centered when you’re going straight. If you see the edges of one or more tires rapidly wearing down, you should have your Auburn service center look it over. If you’ve been in an auto accident in WA that involved a wheel, you should get your alignment checked.

Obviously, a big jolt can seriously knock things out of alignment, but Burton drivers also need to understand that a series of smaller ones can add up.

That’s why manufacturers recommend periodic alignment checks. If your SUV owner’s manual doesn’t specify, once a year might be appropriate. Or check with Blake Walker or your service advisor at Central Avenue Automotive in Kent.

One thing’s for sure: the cost of the alignment at Central Avenue Automotive is cheaper for Burton auto owners than having to buy a couple of new tires because of neglect.