DW Campbell Goodyear

Textbook Symptoms of Poor Wheel Alignment

Learning more about common car maintenance issues can make them easier for drivers to detect. The following auto care tips can assist car owners in identifying alignment problems before they worsen:

Uneven Tire Wear: Properly aligned vehicles allow for an even tire wear pattern—that’s why drivers can use discrepancies in tread as an early red flag for repairs. Excess wear on the outside of tires can indicate a turned-in toe, while heavier wear on the inside of the tires is evidence of a tire with a turned-out toe position. This tire damage will continue as long as your suspension remains out of order. Be sure to weigh the cost of one alignment repair against the ongoing financial burden of multiple replacement tires.

Pulling and Wandering: Learning more about your vehicle’s alignment can help you identify problems while you drive. “Camber” is the term used to describe the angle where your car tires meet the road. Positive camber refers to tires whose tops are tilted outward, while tires with inward-tilted angles are referred to as having negative camber. If your vehicle has a habit of gliding horizontally during travel, you may be experiencing the results of camber damage. The same problem also produces uneven tire wear. “Caster” is used to refer to the angle of your vehicle’s steering pivot. Drivers who actively struggle to stay moving in a straight line should have their vehicle checked for misaligned caster.

Technician or Manufacturer Suggestions: Even if your car hasn’t shown signs of drifting to the side, you may want to schedule regular inspections. This is especially important before a long trip. Check your vehicle’s manual for factory suggestions on when you should visit the auto repair shop. Investing in a high-quality alignment repair can also help your car maintain the maximum fuel efficiency.

Don’t let a warped suspension cost you hundreds of dollars in reduced gas mileage and tire replacement. Dial DW Campbell at (678) 269-7844 for more tips on the importance of proper vehicle alignment.

Learn the Consequences of Leaving Your Vehicle's Fluids Unchanged

Don’t let disregard for routine automotive maintenance result in an expensive engine failure. The following auto care tips explain why it’s important to change your vehicle’s fluids regularly:

• Engine Oil: The fluid that keeps your engine running should be a top maintenance priority, as neglecting to change your oil can result in devastating consequences for your vehicle’s performance. Dirty, thin oil can cause your engine to wear prematurely as gears and levers grind together. Regular oil changes will keep your engine components smooth and help you avoid costly engine repairs down the road.
• Coolant and Brake Fluids: Like engine oil, fluids for cooling and braking systems should be changed regularly to avoid problems. Failure to manage your coolant levels may result in total A/C failure during a sweltering afternoon. With the engine cold, check the capped container adjacent to your radiator to determine the coolant level. More seriously, a leak in your brake fluid system may result in unexpected brake failure. Avoid uncontrollable collisions by having your brake system examined by professionals during each scheduled maintenance visit.
• Transmission Fluid: Depending on the nature of your transmission, the fluid levels can be checked in one of two ways. Automatic transmission fluid levels can usually be checked with a dipstick located near the engine oil, while manual transmissions require a bit of work beneath the vehicle. Using a wrench, drivers can remove the fill plug and check for the presence of transmission liquid with a finger. Poor lubrication from inadequate transmission fluid levels can cause transmission function to decline. Overheating and bursting components are common symptoms of transmission failure.

Oil, fluid, and filter changes are essential maintenance repairs that keep your auto in top condition. The automotive professionals at DW Campbell specialize in brakes, wheel alignments, steering system, and transmission service. Call us at (678) 269-7844 to learn more.

Automotive Maintenance Resources

Automotive education is a vital resource for car owners looking to save money on repairs. The right maintenance advice can save car owners hundreds of dollars each year. For additional auto care tips, contact DW Campbell at (678) 269-7844.

• Learn the symptoms of a crooked alignment with this eHow.com article.
• CarsDirect.com provides this resource for boosting vehicle traction and gas mileage.
• Use this Earth 911 guide to identify the most important fluids necessary for long-term car care.
• HowStuffWorks.com instructs readers on knowing when to address suspension problems.
• Find out how to keep your engine in top shape with these helpful maintenance reminders from Autos.com.

Car Maintenance: Definition of Preventive Maintenance

The right preventative maintenance routine can help keep your vehicle on the road and out of the garage. This eHow.com maintenance video instructs auto beginners on basic tips for helping your car run smoothly.

The first important lesson offered by the video is to understand which parts have wear limits. Replacing these components early will keep your machine performing at maximum efficiency and avoid additional repairs. The video host also identifies common spots to check for leaking systems.

The friendly staff at DW Campbell is dedicated to bringing the highest quality of automotive repair service to the Marietta area. Call us at (678) 269-7844 to learn how an engine diagnostic test can make the most of your preventive maintenance.

Learn More About Car Maintenance with These Resources

Maintaining your car is the best way to keep it safe from accidents and out of repair shops. Some maintenance must be done on a regular schedule, while certain issues only need special attention when there is a problem, in which case your check engine light will warn you. To learn more about vehicle maintenance, take a look at these helpful links:

• Take a look at this publication from AAA about recognizing car trouble with all of your senses.
• Read this article from Consumer Reports to learn what you should do if the check engine light turns on.
• Learn about the importance of keeping a car properly maintained in this blog article.                                                                                                                       
• Edmunds.com has an article about the importance of tire care to vehicle safety.
• Check out this list of the 10 most common car problems at Autos.com.

For more information, call DW Campbell at (678) 269-7844.