Suspension Shop & Repair in Santa Maria, California

Why Are Steering and Suspension Important?

Steering and suspension may not be at the top of the list whenever you think about servicing your car, but they definitely should be. These are systems that help your vehicle drive smoothly and precisely. Commonly referred to as SAS, the steering and suspension system share some components, but they provide different benefits. The steering side is a complex chain of joints, levers and conversion devices that help control and guide your car, while the suspension side is made of springs, struts and hydraulics which keeps your vehicle at the proper height in order to absorb shock. There are two main types of steering systems: "rack and pinion" and "parallelogram", and they each require different approaches when you experience steering issues. The same is also true for suspension systems as there are many different designs available.

When Do I Need Steering and Suspension Service?

A smooth and safe ride is greatly dependent on your SAS system, so be sure to have it checked if you notice signs of a troubled steering and suspension system. These signs can vary, from excessive noise coming from under your car when driving over bumps, to experiencing too much bounciness or sways. Other common symptoms may include vibrating or a crooked steering wheel, as well as premature and uneven wear of your vehicle's tires. All in all, if your overall ride is shaky, bumpy and harsh, or if you're finding your car to be particularly hard to handle and control, then be sure to contact our experts at Meineke #1990 in Santa Maria, CA and schedule an inspection.

How SAS Evaluation & Repair Works

Having your steering and suspension properly serviced can save you a lot of money down the road as it could help eliminate uneven and premature tire wear, as well as alignment issues. Our certified technicians will conduct a thorough evaluation of your vehicle, including inspection of all struts, shocks and springs to determine any signs of wear or damage. Based on the results of the evaluation, we will prepare a detailed repair plan for you and go over all options, such as replacing or repairing parts, so that you can approve the entire process beforehand. When certain parts of the steering and suspension are replaced, existing wheel angles may change, so we always recommend wheel alignment with any SAS repair service.

Benefit From Full Range of Services

While having options when it comes to your steering and suspension repair is important, it is also necessary to have a well-rounded inspection and service. SAS problems can create other issues as well, the most common ones being wheel angle changes and premature tire wear. At Meineke #1990 in Santa Maria, CA, we offer wheel alignment and tire rotation services, which will take care of those issues for you. Misaligned wheels can cause a range of other problems, so it's best to have them properly aligned in conjunction with any steering and suspension repairs you may be doing. Tire rotation will help prevent premature tire wear, while also improving safe handling of your vehicle.

Make The Smart Choice

Having options is great, but making the right choice is what's of utmost importance. Whether it's choosing the right repair shop for you or the right repair plan for your vehicle, you need to be smart about it. Here, at Meineke #1990 in Santa Maria, CA, we are by your side every step of the process to help you choose wisely. We have expert, trusted technicians and offer a complete range of services with numerous money-saving options, which makes us a smart choice for your auto repair destination. We also conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle and, while presenting you with all options, we always make the best recommendations for a repair plan that will keep you and your car on the road for longer.