Cork's Transmission & Auto Service

We recognize that every car will handle a little differently for every driver on the road. Since you know how your car handles best, it’s up to determine when you’re having to use more pressure to stop than you used to.

Many times, tire problems – and the suspension problems they can create – result from lug nuts not being properly tightened after changing or rotating tires. If you do either of these as a DIY project, drive a few miles, and then double check and make sure all the lug nuts are tight.

On the outside, the shock absorber pretty much just looks like a metal tube that's attached to your car and your axle, but there's a lot going on inside. The shock absorber is a hydraulic system that takes excess energy from the bounces and distributes it into heat through the hydraulic fluid.

Are you concerned that having a less popular model of semi truck will mean that you’ll have more trouble getting the suspension repaired? Remember, we’re always here to help you get the repairs needed so you can get back on the road.

Regular rotation is essential for maximizing the life of your tires by decreasing the chance to irregular wear. Tires should be rotated every six months or 6,000 miles (or sooner if tread wear starts to show).

When you bring your car in, we’ll check your tires for you and let you know whether or not you need to replace them. In a front-wheel-drive vehicle, you can replace the back tires and move those to the front.

In most states, tire tread is worn and must be replaced when it reaches one-sixteenth of an inch. The lower the tread, the greater the stopping distance of your vehicle. To test your tread, use a quarter. If the top of Washington’s head doesn’t go into the tread at all, the tire needs to be replaced immediately.

Since the first wheel was carved thousands of years ago, it’s come a long way to become the modern marvel it is today. No doubt the ride is much smoother, but whether it be carved of wood or made of rubber, the tire is one of man’s greatest inventions, one that benefits us to this day.

Why is warming a cold car up not as important as it used to be? Because most of today’s cars have electronic fuel injection systems which adjust to a car’s temperature – when the engine is cold, the fuel injectors will stay open longer to allow more fuel into the engine.

What are a few signs which often occur when a head gasket is blown? Continual overheating, excessive coolant loss, a presence of foam or froth on the oil dipstick, and white smoke from the exhaust pipe with a sweet smell.

If you notice a new vibration or loss of power when operating your car, then the exhaust system may be in need of repair. Depending on the size of the damaged area, you may also hear a rumbling sound that indicates trouble.

Did you know that, over the long term, improper wheel alignment in your vehicle will end up negatively affecting the suspension? Even more concerning, it can lead to uneven braking, which can be a safety issue as well.

It’s important to remember that not every issue with your brake system is going to be a catastrophic problem that will make you drain your savings account. Often, the issue is no more complex than changing the brake pads or the brake fluid.

The longer you go without aligning your vehicle’s wheels, the greater the danger becomes. Tires are placed under excessive stress, and your steering and control become more difficult. Have the wheels aligned before it is too late.

What are common out of alignment signs in vehicles? A steering wheel that keeps tilting to one side even when the vehicle is driving in a straight line, feeling like the vehicle is wandering or pulling and uneven tire wear.

Are odd vibrations during driving always associated with alignment issues? While odd or increased vibrations while driving can be an indication of alignment problems, unusual vibrations can also be caused by an out of balance tire.

While brake pads have a service life ranging from thirty to seventy-thousand miles, much of that depends on how you drive and the conditions in which you drive. Extreme heat and cold shorten brake life, as do consistent hard and sudden stops.

If you notice a puddle of fluid has formed under your car, check it out. If it’s only water, it’s probably just condensation. Nothing to worry about. If the fluid is yellow-green, reddish or black-brown and oily, it’s time to call the repair shop.

What is the difference between a wheel alignment and a wheel balance? A wheel alignment adjusts the angle of the wheel’s position while a wheel balance adjusts the balance between the wheel and the tire. Both balance and alignment problems cause specific signs when they occur.

If you have chrome wheels and/or live in an excessively humid part of the country, there is a strong chance that condensation could build up in your tire causing corrosion to both the tire and wheel. Be sure to use nitrogen or "dry air" to help prevent leakage and corrosion.

One of the most common strut designs you'll see with suspension systems is the MacPherson strut, which was first used in 1949. It connects your shock absorber, springs, and steering rod to the wheel, which is then connected to the frame by a control arm.

The camber setting under your vehicle influences the directional control and tire wear. Too much positive camber, when your wheels are tilted outward from the top, can result in premature wear on the outside of the tire. Too much negative camber, when your wheels are tilted inward at the top, can result in premature wear on the inside of the tire. Both can cause your suspension to wear down faster, so getting this fixed is crucial for your safety.

Bias-ply tires dominated the tire industry for about 50 years until the first radial tires, reinforced with steel belts, were introduced by Michelin in Europe in 1948.

The function of your car's brakes is to bring your car safely to a stop every time, with a certain amount of precision, predictability, and emergency performance designed into the system. When any of those aspects begin to slip, it is time for brake service.

Weather extremes can take a tremendous toll on the belts and hoses in your car engine. Extended periods of cold can make the materials brittle and they can crack and break. High ambient air temperatures can make the material too soft and susceptible to failure.

Your vehicle's wheels can be taken out of alignment for any number of reasons - you hit a pothole, are involved in an accident, or even just the normal wear-and-tear of city driving. We are there when your wheels need realignment.

You can choose between slotted or drilled rotors. The selection really depends on your driving style and how hard you work your vehicle. Heavy-duty vehicle use or high performance vehicles will probably benefit from slotted rotors.

Touring tires are performance tires that take into account a number of different factors. This includes tire profile (most are geared toward exceptional handling and stability), multiple speed ratings (S thru V), tread (based on performance and rider comfort), and excellent tread wear guarantees.

There are a few warning signs to look for that indicate your car needs a tune-up. First, you may notice decreased gas mileage. Your engine may start making noises or running rough, or your check engine light might come on. Any of these signs mean it's time to make an appointment with your repair shop.

Larger wheels will negatively impact your gas mileage and also affects the speedometer. Larger wheels will generally register a different speed than what the car was calibrated for, so you may be speeding without realizing it. Bigger wheels are usually heavier and that impacts acceleration and gas mileage also.