AUTONET TV

Smooth Operator (Shock Absorbers)

When you are comfortably headed down the road, you may not realize how many of the imperfections in the driving surface are being smoothed out, so you hardly feel most of them.  You can thank your shock absorbers for a lot of that comfort, and it’s important to make sure you keep your shocks in good shape.

Newer vehicles have shock absorbers in the back wheels with another shock absorbing assembly in the front which may also have a spring component as well, called struts.  

Shock absorbers not only keep your vehicle traveling smoothly and comfortably, but they also contribute to its stability.  Increased stability will help you be able to handle sharp turns and sudden stops more easily.  Shocks also prolong the life of your tires because they’ll grip the road more tightly.  And a nice side benefit of that is your tires should last longer.  

After months hitting a lot of bumps on uneven road surfaces, eventually your shock absorbers will start to wear.  You may notice your vehicle begin to sway more when you go around a corner, and it might be more difficult to steer.  Your tires can start to wear unevenly, and the tread may show signs of cupping (flat spots).  

Other signs your shocks could need replacing is when you hit a hard bump in the road and your vehicle continues bouncing more than you remember.  Your shocks may have suffered extreme damage that can causes fluid inside to leak.  

If you notice any of these signs, head on over so we can check things out.  We also recommend you have your shocks regularly inspected so you can take care of problems before you start feeling some of those symptoms of wear.  Your vehicle’s manufacturer usually will include recommendations in your owner’s manual on how frequently you should have shocks inspected. 

Kingwood Service Center
3318 Northpark Dr
Kingwood, TX 77339
(281) 360-7323
http://www.kingwoodservicecenter.net

Go with the Flow (MAF Sensor Replacement)

If your vehicle has an internal combustion engine, it depends on two things to make propulsion power for you to be able to motor on down the road: fuel and air.  The engine mixes the two in just the right proportion so that they can be ignited, creating a series of tiny explosions that are coordinated in such a way that your vehicle moves steadily ahead.

One of the key parts to making sure that mixture of air and fuel is correct is a little tube that measures the amount of air that’s coming into the engine.  It’s called a Mass Air Flow sensor, or MAF sensor.  There are two wires in this tube, one of which is heated up with electricity and the other isn’t.  When the air flows over the heated wire, it cools.  When the temperature of the two sensing wires is different, the MAF sensor either increases or decreases the current to the heated wire to try to make it the same as the other wire. That’s sent to a small computer that tells the engine to change the amount of air going into the engine.

Some signs of an MAF sensor problem?  Your vehicle doesn’t have as much power as it used to, or your fuel economy might drop.  Your vehicle may not start,   and the Check Engine light may come on.

If you spot these signs, it’s important to bring your vehicle in so we can check things out.  At the same time a technician looks at the MAF sensor, they’ll also check the connector that runs to the engine’s computer and replace it if necessary. They’ll also inspect other parts of the system, such as hoses, for problems.  

By the way, one way to minimized MAF sensor problems is make sure your vehicle’s engine air filter is regularly changed. That can help you be sure that the air that gets to your vehicle’s engine is clean.

Kingwood Service Center
3318 Northpark Dr
Kingwood, TX 77339
(281) 360-7323
http://www.kingwoodservicecenter.net

If the Shoe Fits (Brake Shoe Replacement [Rear])

When it comes to brakes on your vehicle, we all know how important it is to keep them working well because they are vital safety equipment.  After all, if you can’t slow down and stop, you can’t drive safely.  

While many vehicles use what are called disc brakes, there’s another type of brakes that are used on the rear wheels of vehicles that have something called drum brakes.  Drum brakes were the original type that were invented in the early twentieth century.  The term drum comes from the part of the brakes that is a housing connected to your wheel.  Inside there are parts called brake shoes that press against the drum when you step on the pedal, and the friction slows and stops your vehicle.  

Signs your brake shoes might need replacing are your rear brakes make noise when you step on the pedal and they vibrate when you brake.  Another sign of bad brake shoes is that your hand brake stops working.  If you notice one or both problems in your vehicle, it’s time to bring it in so a technician can inspect your brake system.  It can be unsafe to drive a vehicle with worn out brake shoes.

There are two brake shoes in each brake, and since they both work each time you stop, when they need replacing, they should be done in pairs. When we replace your brake shoes, we will also inspect other components and parts of your brake system, including your emergency brake cable.  We will also lubricate another part called the backing plate. 

Let us keep your brakes operating as they were designed to. When it comes to safe driving, stopping is as important as going.

Kingwood Service Center
3318 Northpark Dr
Kingwood, TX 77339
(281) 360-7323
http://www.kingwoodservicecenter.net

Power Steering Pump Replacement

When you’re driving and you hear a squeal or groan when you turn, it may be a sign your power steering pump is on its last legs.  The same is true if you feel your steering is slipping or doesn’t respond to your hands like it used to.  

Precise, responsive steering is, of course, important when it comes to safe driving, so this is something you should have one of our technicians look at sooner rather than later.  

There are different types of power steering pumps, and they all perform a similar function.  They make it easier for you to turn the steering wheel with little effort as the power steering system multiplies that force so you can precisely aim a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds.  

The type of power steering pump your vehicle has depends on the power steering system it uses.  One works by hydraulics, taking energy provided by belts driven by the engine which pressurizes power steering fluid to the wheels.  There are a lot of components in these systems, and they can wear out more quickly than some other systems.

Another power steering system works on electricity, which is more fuel efficient and produces fewer emissions.  It works on electrical power created by the vehicle’s electrical system and doesn’t put as much of a load on the engine.  With electric power steering systems, your vehicle can change how the steering feels or responds in different driving conditions.

When your power steering system isn’t working correctly, a technician will determine where the problems are.  Not only could it be the power steering pump, but there are several other parts that may be contributing to your steering issues.  That may include leaks in hoses and seals, faulty belts and corrosion in electrical components and connections. 

When you feel the steering in your vehicle doesn’t have the solid, smooth silent response it used to have, bring it in so a technician can diagnose the problems and steer you back in the right direction.

Kingwood Service Center
3318 Northpark Dr
Kingwood, TX 77339
(281) 360-7323
http://www.kingwoodservicecenter.net