At Zylstra Automotive & Diesel in Visalia, CA, we understand how frustrating it is when your vehicle makes mysterious noises that it shouldn’t be making. Here’s a rundown on suspension bushings, to help you figure out what that sound is you keep hearing.

At Zylstra Automotive & Diesel in Visalia, CA, we understand how frustrating it is when your vehicle makes mysterious noises that it shouldn’t be making. Here’s a rundown on suspension bushings, to help you figure out what that sound is you keep hearing.

You’re Chevrolet, Ford, or Ram diesel pickup is a heavy-duty machine, designed to tackle all kinds of situations. The ball joints that connect your suspension to the rest of the truck are under a tremendous amount of strain, both on and off-road - it’s important to keep an eye on them, and make sure they’re in proper working order. Here’s how to gauge the condition of your ball joints, from the professionals at Zylstra Automotive & Diesel in Visalia, CA.

At Zylstra Automotive & Diesel in Visalia, we specialize in detailed knowledge of complicated, performance systems. One such system, which is becoming ever more precise and complex, is the suspension on your car. Luxury and performance vehicles are innovators and leaders in the suspension field; and as such, it takes leading technicians to service them.

Tires may be the only part of a vehicle that physically meets the road, but your shock absorbers are next in line. Working with the suspension springs, they absorb shocks from bumps and cracks in the road, while simultaneously controlling bounce and body roll.

Tires may be the only part of a vehicle that physically meets the road, but your shock absorbers are next in line. Working with the suspension springs, they absorb shocks from bumps and cracks in the road, while simultaneously controlling bounce and body roll.

The steering and suspension systems are key safety-related systems that largely determine your car’s ride and handling. Have these systems checked regularly, at least once a year, and usually with a wheel alignment.

The steering and suspension systems are key safety-related systems that largely determine your car’s ride and handling. Have these systems checked regularly, at least once a year, and usually with a wheel alignment. 

What does it do? - The suspension maintains the relationship between the wheels and the frame or unibody. The suspension system interacts with the steering system to provide vehicle control. When working properly, the suspension system helps absorb the energy from road irregularities such as potholes and helps to maintain vehicle stability. The steering system transmits your input from the steering wheel to the steering gear and other steering components to control the car’s direction.

Typical Wear and Tear - Over time, steering and suspension components wear out and require replacement. Regular checks are critical to maintaining a safe car. Factors that affect wear include driving habits, operating conditions (potholes in road), vehicle type, type of steering and suspension system, and frequency of regular maintenance. Some symptoms that you are having issues with your vehicle steering and suspension include the car pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, excessive noise, vibration or bouncing, and loss of control.

Call or come by Zylstra Automotive & Diesel in Visalia today to have our professionals make sure your car is road-ready!

Whether your diesel pickup is a Dodge, Chevrolet, or Ford, it’s undoubtedly a well-made, heavy-duty machine. However, when an issue does arise, trust Zylstra Automotive & Diesel in Visalia to keep you on the road.

Good steering is an underrated and often neglected aspect of commercial truck driving. At Zylstra Automotive & Diesel in Visalia, we believe in making sure you have the best truck possible, whether you’re hauling something across town or across the country.

At Zylstra Automotive & Diesel in Visalia, reliable trucking is our main concern. From oil changes to engine rebuilds, our expert mechanics have the knowledge, equipment, and ability necessary to keep your rig on the road, and performing its best. We also believe that driver knowledge is key to achieving this goal; in pursuit of that, here’s some information on a simple but important part of your truck, the tie rod.

At Zylstra Automotive & Diesel in Visalia, we know you’re busy. We also know that while there are certain issues with your car, truck, or SUV you can ignore for a while, some of them shouldn’t wait. While serious issues are often obvious, sometimes they aren’t - ball joints are one such case.

You may have heard the term CV axle before in reference to your car but aren’t entirely sure what it means. Here’s your answer, from Zylstra Automotive & Diesel in Visalia, CA, as well as a guide to determining if yours need replacement.