Road Construction Creates Reasons to Repair

MARKETINGRoad Construction Creates Reasons to Repair BETHESDA, MD (Aug. 14, 2007) - Summer is the main season for road construction, which means there's a good chance your customers may hit a bump or two, or come across loose stones and other hazards associated with construction zones. These road conditions can be tough on a vehicle's steering and suspension systems and can throw out the alignment, while loose stones have the potential to damage the vehicle's exterior or windshield, according to the Car Care Council. Remind your customers to be be o the lookout for symptoms of steering and suspension or wheel alignment problems, such asuneven tire wear, pulling to one side, noise and vibration while cornering or loss of control. The main parts of the systems are shocks and/or struts, the steering knuckle, ball joints, the steering rack/box, bearings, seals or hub units, and tie rod ends. The Council recommends that motorists have their vehicles checked out immediately if any of these symptoms exist, as steering and suspension systems are key safety-related components and largely determine the car's ride and handling. Regardless of road conditions, these systems should be checked annually and a wheel alignment should be performed at the same time. Motorists also should do frequent visual checks of their vehicle's exterior and windshield to identify any chips, dings or cracks. These are small problems that can become costly repairs and safety hazards if they aren't taken care of immediately.(Source: Car Care Council)