Steering & Suspension Services in Charlottesville, VA

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 Should I Check My Steering and Suspension?

When it comes to the steering and suspension system of your vehicle, there are many factors to be taken into account and many forces and angles that need to be maintained or acted upon. A properly functioning SAS is vital for the safety of your ride, but it can also greatly reduce the cost of operating your car. Therefore, it's best to take your car in at the first signs of trouble, which are usually issues with the way your car steers or steering wheel vibrations. Another common sign is a vehicle that's hard to control or bounces too much. You may think that you can live with a little bounce here and there, but that can actually increase the braking distance and therefore the chances of an accident. Learn more about common signs of bad steering and suspension by contacting Meineke #342 in Charlottesville, VA.

Repairing You SAS System

It is very important to have your vehicle inspected at first signs of trouble and to have your SAS system serviced in a timely manner, because while some small issues may be more of an inconvenience when driving, others can actually cause dangerous conditions. Our process always starts with a thorough evaluation of your steering and suspension, which includes your car's front and rear end, all coil springs, shocks and struts, all chassis parts and wheel bearings, the differential, and many more system components. Based on our technicians' findings, we will present you with a detailed report and repair plan, giving you all options such as replacing or repairing parts. We'll make our expert recommendations, but you'll always have full control over the repair process.

Complete Services At Meineke #342 in Charlottesville, VA

Replacing or repairing certain parts of your steering and suspension can have an impact on other systems as well, which is why it's important to have a comprehensive view of your vehicle's repair needs. It's also important to have a one-stop shop for all those needs. Here, at Meineke #342 in Charlottesville, VA, we offer a wide range of services, including tire alignment and tire rotation, which complement SAS system repairs. Tire alignment is a crucial step, as it adjusts the suspension of your vehicle, actually aligning the system that connects your wheels to the rest of the car. Tire rotation refers to periodically switching your tires and wheels from one position to another, as to prevent uneven wear and tear.

Save Money With Meineke

Whether it's through the special financing that we offer with our Meineke Credit Card, our Meineke Rewards system, or our available coupons, you can save a lot of money when having your car serviced at Meineke #342 in Charlottesville, VA. The steering and suspension system is complex and intricate, and can sometimes require a lot of work - not to mention that additional services may be required as a result of replacing SAS parts. Keep your costs low and be in full control of your repairs with our detailed evaluation report and repair plan, and use one of the many options we offer for further savings. Contact our customer service to also learn more about how you can save with Meineke or schedule an appointment to discuss your car's steering and suspension needs.