Drivability
For many automobile owners, drivability may be a primary concern. All drivers interface with their vehicles using the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and transmission gear selector. Drivability is the driver’s perception of how the vehicle feels and responds to inputs through these controls. Does the vehicle respond to the accelerator in a smooth, progressive way? Does the vehicle slow smoothly and predictably when the brake pedal is touched?
The steering wheel should provide confidence that the driver is fully in control of the vehicle’s direction. If the steering pulls to one side or requires more effort to turn one direction than the other, front wheel alignment may be the cause. Proper front wheel alignment is essential for low tire wear and confident control at the steering wheel. Every 15,000 miles, your car should go for an alignment, whether you feel the vehicle pulling to one side or not. In the long run, you will save money on early tire wear, time in the repair shop, and the frustration of not getting to your business meeting or giving up a day or more of your vacation.
A vehicle should provide a smooth, stable ride over the road. The tires should not pound up and down uncontrollably. Tire balance and bent wheels are the most likely causes of this behavior. Undamaged wheels and well-balanced tires with sufficient tread depth are essential for safe, comfortable vehicle operation.
Low pitched rumble from the tires or wheel bearings when the vehicle’s tires are spinning but ceasing when the vehicle comes to a stop can be caused by uneven tire wear across the tire tread. This can be the fault of poor front wheel alignment. Tires with extreme wear patterns or with steel belts showing at the edge of the tread can produce similar behavior and noise. This same noise can also signal a failed wheel bearing. ASR can quickly assess the cause with a test drive and vehicle inspection on the lift.
Several issues can cause your vehicle to crank enthusiastically, yet have difficulty starting, or responding readily to the throttle, hesitating when the throttle is opened, start then die or die while idling at a stoplight? Here are some typical reasons for these failures:
- failing fuel pump
- faulty ignition coil
- loose battery terminal
- Bad ignition switch or fuse box connection
- fuel injection issue
- vacuum leak
- water or other contamination in the fuel
- dirty throttle body
- worn idle air control motor
- worn throttle position sensor
- dirty or damaged exhaust gas recirculation valve
- failed sensor
- crankshaft position sensor
- camshaft position sensor
- failed and fragmented catalytic converter
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