Urbandale Auto Repair

You might not see them, but the shock absorbers in your car are likely your best friend. If you don't believe that statement, just try going over a bumpy road without properly working shock absorbers. Your back would almost certainly be screaming at you for days after that. Because of this, you will want to make sure you replace these essential parts when they have exceeded their life expectancy. With that in mind, you might be wondering how long shock absorbers are designed to last in the first place. The Answer Several factors determine how long your shock absorbers will last. It depends on how often you drive, over what type of terrain, and the quality of the parts that you have installed in the first place. This is why a mechanic would be hard-pressed to tell you exactly how long your shock absorbers will last you. If you keep your shock absorbers adequately maintained and ensure that fluid does not leak out of them, most manufacturers estimate that they will last you for roug ... read more

When it comes to vehicle components, your tires rank pretty high. You can't get where you're going without strong, durable tires, which means you need to prioritize tire maintenance and an eventual replacement as required. While the cost of getting all new tires may give you a bit of sticker shock, one of the best ways to prolong the life of your tires is to commit to routine tire rotation and balancing. This is true for both new cars and older models. So, the first thing to ask yourself is how long has it been since your last tire rotation and balancing service? Tire specialists and auto manufacturers recommend rotating and balancing tires with every seven thousand miles give or take. This number may vary slightly based on the size of your vehicle and its tires. Next, it's important to understand what these two services accomplish and how they differ. Tire rotation is when the mechanic takes the wheels off and replaces them front to back and right side to left side. Thi ... read more