Freeport Automotive Blog

Your car's suspension system is responsible for providing a smooth and comfortable ride while maintaining stability. However, like any other part of your vehicle, it's susceptible to wear and tear. Ignoring signs of suspension problems can lead to an uncomfortable ride and may also compromise your safety on the road. At Freeport Automotive, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Sacramento area. Here’s a look at five symptoms of suspension trouble. Excessive Bouncing or Body Roll A healthy suspension system should provide a smooth and stable ride, absorbing bumps in the road. If you notice excessive bouncing or body roll when driving over bumps or making turns, it could be a sign of worn-out shocks or struts. Degraded shocks may no longer effectively dampen the movement of your vehicle, resulting in a bouncy or unstable ride. Uneven Tire Wear If you notice that your tires are wearing out unevenly, it could be due to improper alignment caused by a suspension issue. When the suspension system is out of alignment, it puts uneven pressure on the tires, causing them to wear down unevenly. Pulling or Drifting During Turns When your suspension system is compromised, you may experience pulling or drifting when making turns. This occurs when one side of the suspension is weaker or more worn than the other, causing the vehicle to veer to one side. Pulling during turns can increase the risk of losing control, especially at higher speeds. Knocking or Clunking Sounds Strange noises coming from your car—such as knocking or clunking sounds when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces—can indicate a suspension problem. These noises often suggest that components within the suspension system, such as ball joints or bushings, are worn or damaged. Uneven Ride Height A noticeable difference in ride height between different sides of the vehicle can indicate a suspension problem. If one corner of your car appears lower than the others, it could be a sign of a bad spring or a problem with the suspension linkage. Suspension Repair in Sacramento When you need auto repair in Sacramento and the surrounding area, contact Freeport Automotive at  916-389-2405  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

It’s always best to get to the shop at the first sign of engine trouble. By being proactive, you’ll have the best chance to address the issue before it escalates and costs more to fix. At Freeport Automotive, we provide expert engine diagnostics and repair in the greater Sacramento area. Here are four common symptoms of engine trouble. Check Engine Light Turns On If your check engine light flashes on, it’s important not to ignore it. While this doesn’t necessarily mean your engine is on the cusp of failure, it’s still best to get to the shop so the issue can be identified and resolved before it escalates. Common check engine light triggers include issues with MAF sensors, oxygen sensors, spark plugs, and catalytic converters. Unusual Noises A healthy engine operates quietly, so any sudden knocks or rattles should raise a red flag. These noises could indicate loose components, worn-out bearings, or other internal issues. Whining and grinding noises should also be promptly brought to the mechanic’s attention. Ignoring abnormal sounds could potentially lead to severe damage. Discolored/Excessive Exhaust Smoke The color of your exhaust smoke can provide clues about your engine’s health. If you see smoke that is blue, white, or black, it may indicate different problems. Blue smoke could indicate oil burning, white smoke may be a sign of a damaged head gasket, and black smoke may suggest a rich fuel mixture. It’s important to alert the mechanic to discolored or excessive exhaust smoke ASAP. Overheating An engine that consistently runs too hot is a clear indication of trouble. Overheating can lead to severe damage, including warped cylinder heads. Keep an eye on your vehicle's temperature gauge, and if it consistently reaches high levels, there may be a problem with the thermostat, radiator, or other components in your cooling system. Engine Repair in Sacramento, CA When you need auto repair in Sacramento and the surrounding area, contact Freeport Automotive at  916-389-2405  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!