When should car shocks be replaced?

Shocks are part of your vehicle's suspension system that aids in the car's stability and handling. The many different parts that make up the suspension and steering systems play a big role in keeping your ride smooth and safe. What is the purpose of shocks, you ask?  Consider the following:

• Helps maintain consistent handling and braking
• Keep your tires in contact with the road
• Controls spring and suspension movements
• Reduces car roll, bounce, sway, brake dive, and acceleration squat
• Prolongs the life of other components in the suspension, such as car axles
• Prevents gradual deterioration of ride quality

Shocks wear down slowly over time as the miles add up.  And because they wear gradually, by the time a driver notices an issue, it’s well past the time that they should be replaced, and damage could be occurring to other parts, such as car axles.   Many shocks may want to be replaced at 30,000 miles, while on other vehicles they can go as long as 60,000 to 100,000 miles.  How fast they wear depends largely on how you drive and the situation of the roads.  Driving consistently over bumpy streets and bad roads, your shocks and struts will want to be replaced more often than traveling short distances on the level ground every day.    

Here are various good indicators that it's time to have your shocks checked by a certified auto mechanic and replaced as compulsory:

• You notice the poor steering response.
• Steering performance is stiff.
• Your car sways when turning and changing lanes.
• Your vehicle bounces excessively when driving.
• Braking performance is unbalanced.

Are you wondering when should car shocks be replaced? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about the suspension system and to request an appointment.  Our automotive shop proudly serves car owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

Do you know What Should Car Service Include?

In many components of the county, people are enjoying the cooler fall days.  Probably the last thing on their mind is car maintenance.  Though, winter will soon be here with its rain and snow.  Just as you prepare your wardrobe for the cold and rain, don’t forget to get your car ready too.  

Ask your auto mechanic about what should car service include to get ready for winter driving.  The first thing to do is to schedule a full-point inspection on all the systems and parts of your vehicle so that you know are driving as safe as possible. This inspection should include:

• Car Battery--The battery connections should be clean, tight, and corrosion-free. Get your battery tested so you’re not left stranded some icy morning.  It may simply want to be recharged, or if it is starting to fail, it may want to be replaced.
• Windshield and Wiper Blades--Wiper blades usually start to lose their effectiveness in as little as 6 months. If there are streaking areas of glass, they should be replaced.  Chips in your windshield could become large cracks if not repaired.  Or, to be on the safe side, have your windshield replaced. 
• Lights-- Inspect that all the lights are working and clean so that you'll have optimum visibility at night or on dark days so that other drivers can see you coming or going.
• Oil-- Normally, multi-viscosity oil that has a "W" in the viscosity index can be used year-round as it provides the best oil flow at either hot temperatures.  Also, inspect the oil level frequently.
• Radiator, Hoses, and Belts-- Have the radiator and hoses inspected for cracks, leaks, or contamination from oil. The hoses should be firm yet pliable.  Ask your auto mechanic to inspect the antifreeze mixture in your radiator.  It may be time to really flush the radiator and add a new anti-freeze.
• Tires-- If you drive a lot in snowy conditions, you may want to use all-season or snow tires. Inspect inflation pressure every month.  Under-inflated adversely affect steering and fuel economy, plus wearing out the tires faster.
• Brakes-- If you feel any vibration, hear squealing, or the brake pedal feels “soft,” have your brakes checked and repaired as soon as possible for better-stopping performance.

Need to find quality car repair?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about what should car service include and make an appointment.  Our car repair shop proudly serves car owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

How Many Miles Should Brakes Last?

Many car owners may have read through their service manual to try to find out how many miles should brakes last before needing some form of repair.  Inappropriately, there is not a set schedule to go by for brake service.  The fact is, every time you feel you are starting to notice stopping issues is the time to have your brakes checked.  

Taking care of your brakes is critical for safe driving.  If you know your car, you should be able to notice when your brakes begin to fail and lose their usefulness.  If you cannot stop your car when and where you want to, you could be just minutes away from an accident.

It is smarter to put out a few dollars upfront to make sure your vehicle is driving as safe as possible rather than driving a vehicle that is not safe.  In terms of driving safety, brake repair is worth every penny!

Neglecting just one of the several components that make up the braking system can cause damage to any or all of them. The 3 most common components that want to be replaced periodically include:

• Brake Pads – A squealing sound when the brakes are engaged may be the sound of metal on metal. This means that the brake pads have worn down and want to be replaced. If not replaced in a timely manner, damage can occur to the calipers. 
• Calipers – Calipers squeeze the brake pads against the rotors, causing your car to come to a stop. If calipers want to be replaced, the cost of brake repair will be more expensive than replacing pads or rotors, so make sure to have them checked regularly. 
• Rotors – The brake pads are pushed by the calipers against the wall of the rotor, creating the friction that brings your car to a stop. Rotors have a minimum width specified by the manufacturer.  If your rotor does not go under that minimum width, it may only want to be reappeared instead of replaced.

Remember:  Brake repair should not be neglected.  Spending a few dollars now on simple brake repair is worth the peace of mind you gain knowing you are driving as safe as possible! 

Do you want to know how many miles should brakes last?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about brake repair service and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

Why the Oil Change is Important for Your Vehicle?

Whatever type of vehicle you drive, whether it’s a loaded SUV, an over-size truck, or a small compact car, it is possibly one of the biggest purchases you may ever make.  The cost of a new vehicle is escalating every year so it only makes financial sense to take good care of your vehicle. Otherwise, you may find yourself spending a lot of time and dollars in an auto repair shop.   

Did you know that the basic, and inexpensive, oil change is one of the most vital aspects of car maintenance? Regular oil change intervals are a major factor in how your vehicle performs and how many miles and years of service it will deliver you.  

So if you’re wondering why the oil change is important for your vehicle, here is a little good reason:  

1. The correct weight – Normally, a 5W-30 performs better in colder weathers, 10W-40 for warmer weathers. Understanding the difference in weight can help the overall performance of your engine.
2. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations – Be sure to use the oil recommended by your car's manufacturer. Using the wrong oil could void the manufacturer’s guarantee. 
3. Synthetic oil – Synthetic oil delivers better protection for the engine, longer intervals between oil changes, greater resistance to breakdown, increased cold weather starts, and increased fuel mileage.  With synthetic oil, many vehicles can go as much as 10,000 to 15,000 miles between oil changes.  Synthetic generally costs a little more, but the benefits may be worth it.  
4. Clean oil – During usual operation, engines produce metal fragments that can harm your engine. Regular oil changes will flush out these fragments. 
5. Choose a quality filter – A high-quality filter adds extra protection and is worth the extra cost. 

Do you want to know more about why the oil change is important for your vehicle?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive to ask about our oil change coupons and to schedule an oil change service.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

How Often Should You Replace Brake Rotors?

Many drivers don’t keep a schedule in their heads when it’s time to replace certain parts of their vehicles.  And for some parts, there isn’t a set schedule. You replace them when they fail.  This is the case with brakes.  So maybe you’ve thought about things like when should the brake pads be changed, or how often should you replace brake rotors?

                

The brake pads and rotors are the most common components of the braking system that want to be replaced periodically.  Normally, your brakes should give you around 40,000 to 60,000 miles or more of service before they want to be replaced.  How Lifespan for brake parts depends on how well you, the car owner, take care of them. It also depends on the quality of the parts you use in your car.  Just remember that these parts will wear out ultimately as even steel gives out under repeated pressure.

           

So how often should you replace brake rotors?  And when should you consider a brake replacement?  As a happy medium, it is a good idea to check the wear on the rotors every time the brake pads are replaced, which is normally about every 70,000 miles under ideal conditions.  If you start to notice signs of heavy rust, grooves or scoring in the rotors, your auto mechanic may recommend a couple of brakes repair options:

• Resurface the rotor (which means to smooth out the grooves on the surface of the rotor); or
• Replace the rotor

One of the good things is that brake pads generally come with a built-in wear indicator indicating when they want to be replaced. Though, if the pads are allowed to wear down too low, the indicator drags on the rotor creating a high-pitched squeal.  If you delay until you hear your brakes screeching, you’ll be replacing both the brake pads and rotors more often.

Are you wondering how often should you replace brake rotors?  Consult our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about brake replacement and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan,NE.

When should you replace your car battery?

As simple as the car battery sounds, it is the most important piece of equipment your car wants in order to be driven down the street.  The battery is an energy storage component that relies on a chemical reaction to produce electricity. This stored energy operates the starter motor, ignition system, and fuel system. Once the motor is running, it is really the alternator that supplies the electricity needed for all the other electrical systems, plus keeps the battery charged while the car is running.

 

Don’t delay for your battery to fail totally and leave you stranded on the side of the road on a hot summer day.  If you keep driving with a weak battery, the alternator can be overloaded which then affects the operation of the auto electrical system.

So when should you replace your car battery?  These situations are good indicators that it’s time for a car battery replacement:

• Car won’t start. As for battery ages, the cranking amps become lower than the original rating. Once the cranking amps fall below a certain level, your car won’t start.
• Battery warning light. If the battery warning light illuminates on the instrument panel while driving, have the battery charge inspected to see if it wants to replace it.
• Electrical components don’t work.  As the battery starts to go bad, the voltage it produces drips, resulting in the other electrical components in your car start goes malfunction.

Remember:  Normally, a battery will give good service anywhere between 4 to 7 years.  Although a battery will die ultimately, it is possible to extend its service life with good maintenance.  If you happen to have a new battery and it keeps dying, there is something else going on under the hood.  Ask your auto mechanic to check it out!

Wondering when should you replace your car battery?  Consult our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

How Often Do Alternators Go Bad?

If you’re noticing that your car is having issues starting, you may be wondering just how often do alternators go bad? Alternators can usually last a long time, about 7 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles.  But many auto mechanics report that they are replacing alternators at about 80,000 miles.  

Do you want to know just how the alternator works?  It is located on the engine, provides power to the battery, and continuously charges the battery and the car’s electrical systems and computers. The battery is to start the car, but the alternator keeps it running.  The quality of the alternator, the way in which the car is driven, and how many electronics are being used inside the car all affect how long an alternator will actually last. Unfortunately, it’s hard to know if starting issues are caused by issues with the car starter, the car battery, or the alternator.  

There are a few problems that could make the alternator go bad, such as jump-starting the car the wrong way or installing an accessory that overloads it.  Leaking fluid in the alternator or a tight belt can also cause damage to the alternator bearings, causing premature wearing.  When the alternator goes bad, the electronics try to draw all of their power from the battery, which then causes the battery to die. This is why you should inspect the alternator even if you suspect the car starter or battery may be the cause of the issue.  

Often, the alternator can go out with little or no warning.  But there are a few signs that will let you know it is about ready to die:

1. The dash warning light ("ALT" or "GEN") illuminates.
2. The lights are dimmer than normal and may pulsate from dim to bright.
3. Other electrical systems, such as power windows, power locks, dashboard lights, air conditioning, radio, GPS, etc, will start to act up.
4. Bearings in the engine may fail, creating unusual rattles. 
5. There might not be enough power in the spark plugs to start the engine, or to keep the engine alive, causing it to stall.
6. The battery will drain because the alternator is not keeping it charged.  

Remember:  Check out the alternator too if you are having starting issues before replacing the car starter or battery.

Are you wondering how often do alternators go bad?  Consult our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about car starters, alternators, and batteries and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

Why Wheel Alignment is Important?

Unfortunately, many drivers don’t understand why wheel alignment is important.  Misalignment issues are more damaging than most drivers know and they don’t always show up until some type of damage has already taken place. Alignment issues can develop over time, but they’re more likely to be caused by a specific incident, no matter how minor.

What does it mean when your wheels are out of alignment?  Simply stated, the tires of your vehicle are not pointing in the same direction as the steering wheel.  A wheel out of alignment significantly increases the wear and tear on your tires together with the components of your vehicle’s suspension system.

If your vehicle is out of alignment, you may experience one or more of the problems below as you drive down the road:

• Vibrating felt in the steering and seat.
• Uneven tread wear on the tires.
• Increased fuel consumption.
• Vehicle pulling to the left or right.
• A Steering wheel is crooked while driving straight or it feels loose.

Here are five good reasons why wheel alignment is important:

• Treadwear is reduced;
• Your vehicle will be safer to drive because it will respond better and ride smoother;
• Wheels point in the same direction as the steering wheel, which means you are driving straight;
• Fuel economy is improved, saving you money at the pump, and
• Prevents damage to the steering and suspension components.

Be a safe driver and have the car alignment inspected at least every 10,000 miles, or at every other oil change.  A car alignment service is much more cost-effective than paying for a new set of tires or replacing shocks!

Do you want to know more about why wheel alignment is important?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about our car alignment services and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

How Often Should You Service Your Car?

Knowing the right kind of vehicle maintenance your car needs is the first step in making sure it will keep running stronger and longer than usual.  Just how often should you service your car, you ask?  Typically, a full service is suggested about every 12,000 miles, or every 12 months, whichever comes first.  The purpose of this service is to evaluate the components and the operating systems for general wear and tear, which includes the condition of the fluids, brakes, engine, tires, and more. 

In addition to the advice of your trust auto mechanic, your vehicle’s service manual outlines a recommended schedule of vehicle maintenance. This schedule typically includes:

• Oil changes, including filter replacement
• Lights, tires, exhaust systems
• Brakes and steering systems
• Tune up, including spark plugs, fuses, wiring 
• When to replace fluids, such as hydraulic fluid, transmission, and coolant
• Air Conditioner system, including the radiator, belts, and hoses
• Suspension system--shocks, struts, axles
• Wheel alignment and tire balancing
• Car Battery-including the alternator and starter

Many of today’s newer vehicles have an in-vehicle service reminder system for some of these maintenance services. Though, for older vehicles, service intervals are still based on the number of miles driven within a certain time period so it is vital to know what your owner’s manual recommends.

Taking care of the suggested vehicle maintenance items before they turn into expensive repairs will save you time and money later down the road.  A well-maintained vehicle can also help prevent an accident and even save lives!

Are you wondering how often should you service your car? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about vehicle maintenance and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

What Happens When You Rebuild an Engine?

Are you worried that the engine on your vehicle is damaged beyond repair?  Even just usual mileage wear and tear, lack of service, and lubrication issues could cause signs of engine damage, such as:

• Excessive smoke coming from the tailpipe
• Knocking sounds
• Oil burning up faster than normal
• Excessive overheating

However, this does not necessarily mean the end of your vehicle.  When many vehicle owners hear the term “engine repair,” they rush out to buy a new vehicle.   This may not be the best decision.  If you consider the cost of engine repair versus purchasing a new vehicle, the economic benefit of keeping your current vehicle would be the better decision, either with a rebuilt engine or a replacement.

So what happens when you rebuild an engine?  A rebuilt engine involves removing the engine block from the vehicle and totally disassembling it.  Once it has been cleaned and checked, damaged parts are replaced with new or refurbished parts.  All new gaskets, seals and lubricants are used that will meet OEM standards.  Major parts are replaced only as needed, such as camshafts, crankshafts and pistons.

There are normally only two scenarios in which an engine cannot be rebuilt.  First, the engine block has been damaged internally due to broken connecting crankshaft. Second, the exterior of the engine block has been cracked.  Otherwise, a rebuild is the best engine repair option.

Once the engine is rebuilt, you can be confident in knowing that everything has been closely checked and now has new parts.  You will be able to keep driving for many more miles!  It has been said that rebuilt engines are better than the engines originally installed at the factory—dependable, reliable and backed by warranties. Inspect with your auto shop on their guarantee for rebuilt engines before making a final decision.

Of course, not all engine issues require an engine rebuild.  Many times the issues are not serious and may only require relatively minor engine repair, such as a simple fan belt adjustment.  

Are you wondering what happens when you rebuild an engine?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about engine repair and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

What is involved in a Major Car Service?

If you ask many vehicle owners, they might admit that at one time, they have procrastinated when it came time to take care of a required maintenance service.  They may blame it on their busy schedule. Some may think that they are saving cash, but in reality, they may really spend more on an emergency car repair than the cost would have been for the regular maintenance service.  

Vehicle manufacturers publish a service schedule for a good reason—they want to make sure that the car operates dependably and safely for the vehicle owner.  Not only does regular maintenance help drivers avoid expensive car repair, it is essential for keeping your car roadworthy, protecting yourself, your passengers, as well as other drivers.

So how do know where to find what is involved in a major car service?  If you said your owner’s manual, you are right!  It lists the recommended mileage or time interval for every maintenance service, as well as the relevant details.   You can also ask your trusted car repair mechanic for expert advice.

There are three general levels of car service:

• Basic Service - This Basic service usually includes simple oil and filter change and a visual check up of the key components of your vehicle to ensure that everything is in the best condition possible.  Fluids will also be topped-off.    
• Full Service - This service usually consists of basic service plus additional 15-30 checks on the components of your vehicle.
• Major Service - This is the most comprehensive service available.  It not only includes the whole thing covered in the basic and full services described, but it also includes wear, service, and repair of all vehicle components and operating systems as recommended by the manufacturer.

So if you want to know what is involved in a major car service and how much it will cost, your car repair technician can help you determine what is needed and then give you an estimate of the cost before beginning work.

Are you looking for quality car repair?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about what is involved in a major car service and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

What are the Symptoms of a Bad Radiator?

An important vehicle maintenance problem to take care of after making it through the harsh winter weather is the radiator, especially if you have not yet had it inspected.   Freezing temperatures cause the coolant in the radiator to freeze and expand, putting stress on the radiator.  If this is a constant issue, the radiator will crack, resulting in coolant leaking out, which can then lead to extensive damage to the engine and transmission.

So if you’re wondering what are the symptoms of a bad radiator, here are five common issues that could develop: 

• Overheating of the engine –There is not enough flow of coolant to the engine. 
• Leaking coolant– There may be cracks in the radiator unit.
• Cracked hose – The hose connecting the radiator to the engine has developed a crack. 
• Thermostat Failure– A failing thermostat prevents the flow coolant to the engine.
• A smoking muffler – It’s possible the head gasket has been damaged from a hot engine.

What does basic radiator service include?

• Make sure the coolant (radiator fluid) is at the proper level.
• Make sure the radiator cap on tight and not cracked.  It keeps the entire coolant chamber pressurized.
• Clean sludge out of the radiator (about twice a year).
• Have a radiator flush and fill (at least once a year). 

Are you looking for quality radiator service?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about what are the symptoms of a bad radiator and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

How Many Miles Do New Tires Last?

Purchasing a complete set of tires is a big investment in your vehicle.  So a common question to ask is how many miles do new tires last?  Normally, most new tires are rated to last for about 50,000 miles.  When purchasing new tires, you will find that most manufacturers list the specific lifespan so that you will know about how long you can expect your tires to last.  

Just as important as it is to have a regular oil change, it is important to take good care of your tires. The cost of regular tire service is relatively inexpensive when compared to the cost of new tires.

So just what is regular tire service?    

• Visual Inspection – Tires may sustain damage or significant wear without you even realizing it.  Look for excessive tread wear, nicks in the rubber, or nails or punctures.
• Inspect Inflation Pressure – This will ensure optimal contact with the road; increasing fuel economy and helping the tread wear more evenly.  Cold weather causes tire pressure to fluctuate more rapidly so keep an eye on the pressure level.
• Load Index – Tires are designed to withstand so much weight so consult your owner’s manual.  Overloading tires can lead to overheating and damage to your tires.
• Tire Rotations – Moving tires around to a different position prevents against uneven wear of your tire tread. Have a tire rotation about every 6 months, or 6,000 to 8,000 miles, or about every other oil change.  
• Wheel Alignment – Alignment refers to an adjustment of the vehicle’s suspension so that the angles of the tires affect how they make contact with the road.  
• Tire Balancing – Keep your tires in balance (weights added to particular areas of the tire) for smooth rolling of the tire. 

Regular tire service will ensure that you get the most miles out of your tires while maximizing the safety of your vehicle.

Are you wondering how many miles do new tires last?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about tire repair service and to make an appointment.  Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

Wondering How Often Should Brake Pads Be Replaced?

Do you know your vehicle?  Inappropriately, not every driver pays attention to how their vehicle performs in several situations.  Knowing what to listen for and understanding how your vehicle operates will help you maintain your vehicle so you are driving as safe as possible.  One of the biggest safety problems is fully functioning brakes.  How do you know when brake rotors want to be replaced?  How often should brake pads be replaced?  Do you want to replace the calipers? A brake repair expert will be happy to answer your questions.

How do brakes work, you ask?  When you step on the brake pedal, the calipers cause the brake pads to clamp down on the brake rotors. As pressure and friction is applied to the brake rotors, it prevents them from spinning, bringing your car to a stop.  Most brake rotors are made from gray iron because it disperses heat well—vital for preventing overheating and brake fade. Ceramic rotors are lighter and more stable for higher speeds and temperatures but are more costly.  Some brake rotors have a special rust-inhibiting coating that helps them last longer.

So how often should brake pads be replaced?  Normally, brake pads need to be replaced after about 50,000 miles. Some need to be replaced after 25,000, while others can last for 70,000 miles, Of course, this will depend on your style of driving, the weight of your vehicle, the quality of the braking components, and the use of your vehicle. Both brake pads and rotors should be replaced in pairs for even stopping performance. 

Here are some signs of brake issues to watch for:

• There are grooves worn into the rotor by the brake pads
• You hear squealing, squeaking, or grinding sounds when braking
• You feel vibration or wobbling when braking.

Are you wondering how often should brake pads be replaced?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about brake repair service and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE,  Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

Wondering what causes a broken axle?

The answer to this question is relatively simple.  If your car shocks are becoming worn, hitting any bump or pothole in the road could cause damage to your car axles.  Because the axle is continually rotating and flexing to accommodate different road conditions, it can wear out and fail, resulting in a broken axle.  

The performance of your vehicle's wheel and suspension systems is essentially dependent on the condition of the car axles. Axles are involved in the steering, driving, and braking of the vehicle, linking the power from the engine to the tires, plus carrying the whole weight of the vehicle and its components.

If an axle is bad, it puts extra stress on the car shocks, causing them to wear out prematurely, resulting in expensive repair bills. Bad axles can also result in excessive wear to your tires, costing you even more money in replacing your tires. 

Most people don’t keep a vehicle long enough for a car axle to break, though, it’s vital to know the indicators of failing car axles:

• A sudden clunking sound heard when you put your vehicle into gear
• Vibrations felt in the car when driving, braking, or going around a bend.
• Power is not being transferred from the engine to the wheels.

Also, it’s good to be aware of what causes a broken axle:

• Overload. When there is too much load, such as too much cargo or too many passengers, the axles may not have sufficient strength to hold the weight of the vehicle.
• Metal fatigue. This is especially prevalent in older vehicle models, high mileage vehicles, or vehicles that carry excessively weighty loads. As cars age, axles become more brittle, reducing their strength.
• Off-road conditions. Too much stress and force caused by bumps in the road or potholes are being put on the axles in carrying the weight of the vehicle.

Are you wondering what causes a broken axle?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about the suspension system and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.