Kennesaw Auto Center

When Do My Shocks Need to be Replaced? A good suspension system gives a vehicle a smooth, even ride while providing Kennesaw drivers with good handling and control. But like any system on your sedan, important parts of the suspension system can wear out, leading to a lower ride quality and safety concerns. So it’s a good idea for Kennesaw motorists to remember an automotive analysis of their suspension system in their schedule of a critical preventive maintenance. Springs do most of the work of the suspension system. The most common types of springs are coil and leaf, but air springs and torsion bars are becoming more common. The body of the vehicle is “suspended” by the springs. If springs were the only working component in your suspension system, however, you’d spend your travel time bouncing up and down like a bobblehead. That’s where your shocks come in. They keep the rebound, or bounciness, of the springs under control. Shocks also keep your tires on the r ... read more

Today’s Engines and Proper Oil Changes Engines today are more powerful and efficient than ever. Their complexity is being driven by decreased emission output and increasing fuel economy standards. As a result new technologies had to be developed and implemented to meet these stringent standards. With these new technologies the engine lubrication system had to advance as well as the quality of the oils to keep these new systems properly lubricated. I will go over a few of these technologies that have impacted engine design. The first is GDI or Gasoline Direct Injection. This new fuel system technology has changed the way fuel is delivered to the engine by directly injecting it into the cylinders at a very high pressure and not at the back of the intake valves with older designs you may have seen in gasoline or fuel system additive commercials on TV. Since fuel is not being injected at the back of the intake valves they may build up with carbon that will ... read more

Today’s Automotive Brake Systems The braking system in today’s automobile like many other systems that I have written recently about have advanced tenfold. System basics have not changed much as we are still using hydraulically operated calipers and wheel cylinders to either squeeze brake pads against a spinning rotor or push brake shoes against the inside of a spinning drum until the vehicle slows down and comes to a stop Where the advancements have come is in the area of electronics and integration of the braking system into other systems such as ESC systems (Electronic Stability Control), Crash Avoidance Systems, Automatic Cruise Control and even Wind Stabilization Systems for some of the larger passenger and work vans hitting the market. Most drivers are familiar with the ABS (Automatic Braking System) but, most have very little insight as to its operation other than the yellow or red ABS light coming on in the dash when the vehicle is started and hopefully ... read more

October is National Car Care Month Twice a year, October and April are slated by the Car Care Council as National Car Care Months. So what does that mean to the automobile owner/consumer? I believe it should help remind automobile owners to be mindful of their vehicle service needs and have a safety inspection done to prevent potential expensive repairs that may be avoidable or possible breakdowns. Without a doubt today’s vehicles have become much more reliable, have reduced maintenance but are much more technically advanced. As I spoke about in lasts months blog regarding what is involved with today’s transmissions and service requirements there are many other systems with increasing complexity and different service or repair requirements. Manufacturers are constantly pushing the technology envelope from competitor competition with infotainment and creature comforts to meeting government requirements for safety, emission and fuel economy standards. That said, i ... read more