Auto Air Conditioner Repair and Service
When it's hot outside, there's nothing more refreshing than getting into a cool, air-conditioned car. However, if your air conditioning system isn't working correctly, even a short ride in the car can be unbearable. Just like the other mechanical systems in your car, air conditioners need occasional maintenance to function effectively and efficiently.
How An Air Conditioner Operates
An auto air conditioning system does much more than simply blow cold air into the car. It removes the hot air and humidity from the vehicle and draws in outside air, cooling it to the temperature set by the user. The process requires the efficient operation of several components, including the evaporator, condenser, and compressor. As with all mechanical parts, these items are prone to wear. Over time, fittings become loose, and hoses and seals wear out. When an auto air conditioning system breaks down, refrigerant leaks, which is not only harmful to the environment but is detrimental to your car as well. Leaking coolant can damage your vehicle's evaporator and compressor.
If you notice hot air blowing, or a lack of pressure when you run your air conditioner, it's time to get the system checked out. Servicing your car air conditioner at the first sign of trouble will save you both money and time. It's always good practice to get a full air conditioning service at least once a year, before the start of the season.A regular servicing also helps to identify any potential problems and avoid a breakdown.
North Jackson Tire's automotive professionals are adept at diagnosing problems in your vehicle's air conditioning system. Since 1998, we have performed accurate, affordable auto air conditioning repairs to help keep our customers comfortable in their cars when the temperatures rise in South Central Tennessee.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts are essential components of your vehicle's suspension system, and both have a significant influence on how your car handles and the comfort of the ride. However, they each have their distinct roles, and their wear has a substantial impact on the safety of your vehicle.
Worn shocks and struts can compromise how your car handles and holds the road such as dangerous swaying and hydroplaning. They can also accelerate the wear of your tires and other suspension parts such as the ball joints, steering linkage, springs, and C.V. joints. New shocks and struts provide a smoother ride, better control, stability, safety and even a shorter braking distance.
What's the difference between shocks and struts?
Shocks absorb impact. They minimize bumps, vibrations, and noise and ensure that the car's tires remain in contact with the road surface at all times. Struts are a structural part of the vehicle's suspension system. They are mounted to the chassis and function to support and control the car in motion. A strut is much stronger than a shock because of its weight-bearing capabilities. Struts are also more expensive to replace.
How do you know if your vehicle needs new shocks or struts?
The life of a shock or strut is approximately 50,000 miles. There are also several signs you can look for if you suspect a problem such as fluid leaking from the shock, dented or damaged shocks, or unusual wear patterns on the tires. A bumpy or shaky ride, an inadequate steering response, stiffness or noise when steering or instability when braking can also be due to worn shocks and struts. However, It is essential to add that shocks and struts do not always show visible signs of damage or wearing.
At North Jackson Tire, we recommend having your shocks and struts inspected at every oil change or alignment, or every 5,000 miles. Give us a call at 931-455-8592 to schedule an appointment, and we will be more than happy to inspect them for you.