Undercar Services: Maintenance & Repair
Undercar Repairs in Mandeville
At Automotive Center of Mandeville, 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.
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 Mandeville in Mandeville has expert technicians ready to service your car's exhaust system.
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 Mandeville at 985-778-0518 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 Mandeville 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 Mandeville 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 Mandeville 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 Mandeville recommends replacing both shocks or struts.
To learn more about our Undercar services, call us at 985-778-0518 or request a quote by clicking below:
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Got questions? We've got answers! Drop us a line, give us a call, or even stop by. Our team is eager to help you with any auto repair needs you have. Let's get you back on the road safely and swiftly!
What Our Customers Are Saying
I just wanted to share my experience for anyone else who may find themselves in a similar position. I was told by my dealership that I needed a rather immediate brake job done, amongst a laundry list of other things. I reached out to Jason first by calling - he was kind, courteous, thorough, and went out of his way to explain things to me regarding the (many) questions I had. I wanted to have someone else take a look at my brakes to see if I truly needed them replaced. I did wind up bringing my vehicle by, which he had his mechanic look at: turns out, replacing brake pads/rotors/etc was NOT dire, as my dealership led me to believe. Now, Jason & his mechanic *could* have told me, “Yes, you need new brakes and also XYZ 123 right now. Here’s our breakdown of parts & labor plus tax for a full quote, we can get you scheduled in next week.” But they didn’t. They reassured me that they were in good condition for the time being, gave me a general timeline for when I SHOULD anticipate having this repair done, and also warned me of things I should keep eyes/ears out for, should they need attention sooner. These guys are honest and just overall great people. I will be taking my business to Automotive Center of Mandeville from this point on for anything I’m unable to do myself, because it’s exactly this type of business that deserves such recognition and accolades. The biggest, most sincere thank you from a girl just trying to do her best!
I can't say enough good things about Automotive Center of Mandeville. My car has been through it! The first mechanic messed things up, second mechanic was overpriced and rude when I called back about my check engine light. I was honestly exhausted and discouraged, just praying to finally find someone I could trust. That's when I found Jason and Dale at Automotive Center. From the very first interaction, they were so kind, so genuine, and immediately made me feel like I wasn't just another customer. And Brian, their mechanic, is beyond impressive! He really knows his stuff, and it shows. For the first time ever, I actually met the mechanic working on my car, and that level of honesty and connection gave me so much peace of mind. They gave me the best price on diagnosing my car, but even more than that, they gave me respect, trust, and care. My only regret is not finding them sooner. I've finally found my shop, and I'll never go anywhere else.
Car & Truck Care, near Mandeville, LA
These guys are fantastic! My fuel pump went out and they got it in and called me much quicker than i expected. They gave me what i feel was an awesome price for the repair, because i had been quoted much higher through a different mechanic and they didnt try to upsell me stuff i didnt need. The mechanic and service writer walked me through what all was needed and why with an easy to understand explanation. 10/10 do recommend!!
Car & Truck Care, near Mandeville, LA
First time customer, found Jason and his Tech to be extremely customer friendly an explanatory. Gave me an upfront quote and the work was performed in a timely manner. I highly recommend and will return.
Car & Truck Care, near Mandeville, LA
