AUTONET TV

Easy on the Wheel (Power Steering)

Steering a vehicle these days doesn't take much effort, but if you got behind the wheel back before power steering was invented, you'd need to practically have the strength of Hercules to turn the wheel.   

The first power steering systems widely available changed everything.  Chrysler introduced its Hydraguide power system in 1951. The "hydra" was for a hydraulic pump. It pressurized fluid that multiplied the force applied to the steering wheel so it was easier to turn the wheels on the ground. That pump got power from a belt attached to the engine, but unfortunately it wasted a lot of energy in the process. Plus, the system of hoses and pumps required a fair amount of maintenance and repair. Some say this system provides the most "natural" steering experience of power systems.

Recently, automakers have turned to electric power steering.  It gets its power from the car's electrical battery and charging system and uses an electric motor to turn the wheels.  Since it's not powered by the mechanical energy of your vehicle's engine, electric power steering increases fuel economy.  Electric power steering also doesn't require hoses and fluids, meaning there are fewer things that can go wrong.  That means less maintenance. 

There's a third system that combines both of the others, called electro-hydraulic power steering. In this system, the hydraulic power steering pump is powered by an electric motor and, some say, gives the driver that more natural feel of hydraulic systems.  

Because steering is so important for the safe operation of any vehicle, it's essential to make sure yours is working the way it should. Different types of systems require different kinds of upkeep. Regular, scheduled maintenance according to the manufacturer's recommendations should help keep your steering in top shape so you can avoid any sudden steering failures.  Bring your vehicle to us so a technician can inspect your steering system.  And, of course, if you notice any steering problems, make an appointment right away to have those issues looked at.  Now that's one stop that makes sense!

Hill's Auto Repair, Inc.
22829 colton point rd
Bushwood, Maryland 20618
301-769-2400

Keeping Yourself in Suspension (Control Arm Assembly Replacement)

When you are pointing your vehicle straight down the street, it should go straight.  That’s pretty straightforward, right? Sometimes, though, you may notice you have to keep adjusting the steering wheel to keep going straight.  While that could be caused by many different issues, one possibility is that you have a failing or bent control arm.

Another sign is that when you brake, your vehicle pulls to one side or the other.  Sometimes your suspension may sound noisy, especially when you’re traveling on rough surfaces.  A damaged control arm may also make it almost impossible for you to get a good wheel alignment. 

The control arms are part of your suspension, and some vehicles have upper control arms and lower control arms.  Not all have the same number of control arms, but one thing is important: If you have worn bushings on your control arms or a worn-out ball joint, the control arm on the other side should also be replaced.  The rubber bushings are susceptible to damage from age and exposure to the elements, and ball joints usually shouldn’t be replaced separately. 

Any time you have a suspension issue, it’s important that a technician inspects the other parts of your suspension as well.  If one part of it is showing its age, it’s not unusual for other components to show similar wear.  

One other thing.  If you’ve had one of your control arms bent or damaged in an accident, you must have it replaced.  Your suspension is an important part of your vehicle’s safety and handling, so you should keep it in good operating condition.  After all, your life is riding on it, literally.   

Hill's Auto Repair, Inc.
22829 colton point rd
Bushwood, Maryland 20618
301-769-2400

Timing is Everything (Timing Cover Replacement)

There’s an important part in your vehicle that shields your timing belt, timing chain or cam belt from the debris and gunk that can be kicked up from the road.  It’s called the timing cover.  It’s important because the timing belt or chain is what coordinates parts of your engine called the camshafts and crankshaft.  When they’re in sync, all runs smoothly.  When they’re not, it can cause some serious engine problems.

If your vehicle has a timing belt, without the protection of the timing cover, that belt can come loose from the timing gears or break.  If your vehicle has a timing chain, the cover keeps engine oil circulating around it which lubricates it.  When that starts to leak because of a bad gasket, the chain may not be getting adequate lubrication.  

If your vehicle has a timing cover problem, you may notice engine oil leaking if a gasket is not sealing tightly.  You may hear a strange metallic sound coming from the engine.  Another sign that timing is off is that you notice you’re losing power when you’re going up a hill. 

Usually, the timing cover will not wear out. But if you drive on roads where you’re getting a lot of debris and dirt kicked up into your engine compartment, the timing cover can get damaged and affect your vehicle’s operation.  It eventually could lead to engine problems, so if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, have one of our technicians inspect your timing cover and gasket.  

Hill's Auto Repair, Inc.
22829 colton point rd
Bushwood, Maryland 20618
301-769-2400