501 University Blvd Birmingham, AL 35205 | Monday-Friday 7am-6pm | (205) 526-3796
HESCO Automotive & Performance Center Blog
A healthy suspension is essential for keeping your ride smooth and safe. If your suspension system is experiencing trouble, it can lead to poor handling, uncomfortable driving, and even potential safety hazards. At HESCO Automotive & Performance Center, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Birmingham, AL area. Here are five signs of a suspension problem. Bumpy or Uncomfortable Ride A common symptom of suspension trouble is an unusually bumpy or uncomfortable ride. Your suspension system is designed to absorb shocks from the road, but if it’s worn or damaged, it won’t cushion bumps as effectively. You’ll start feeling every uneven surface, which can make driving uncomfortable and put more wear on other parts of your vehicle. Drifting or Pulling to One Side When a vehicle drifts or pulls to one side while driving, it’s often a sign of suspension issues. This problem can make handling difficult and create dangerous situations, especially at higher speeds. Drifting can indicate problems with the alignment or worn suspension components, such as bushings, tie rods, or ball joints. Promptly addressing this issue will improve safety and restore proper vehicle control. Uneven Tire Wear If you notice uneven wear on your tires, it could be due to suspension trouble. A damaged suspension system can lead to improper contact between the tires and the road, causing specific areas of the tires to wear out faster than others. Excessive Bouncing After Bumps A healthy suspension system will stabilize your car quickly after hitting a bump or pothole. However, if you notice that your vehicle continues to bounce excessively after hitting a bump, it’s a red flag. This usually points to worn shock absorbers or struts, which are crucial for keeping the vehicle stable. Nose Diving When Braking When you apply the brakes, your car’s front end may dip down more than usual if there’s a suspension issue. Known as "nose diving," this can happen when the shock absorbers or struts are wearing out and unable to stabilize the car’s weight when braking. This can lengthen stopping distances, increasing the risk of accidents. Suspension Repair in Birmingham, AL When you need auto repair in Birmingham and the surrounding area, contact HESCO Automotive & Performance Center at (205) 526-3796. At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
Transmission fluid plays a crucial role in keeping your vehicle’s transmission system running smoothly. It provides lubrication, cools the transmission, and helps transfer power from the engine to the wheels. When this fluid becomes contaminated, it can lead to serious transmission issues and expensive repairs. Recognizing the signs of contaminated transmission fluid early can help you avoid bigger problems down the road. At HESCO Automotive & Performance Center, we provide expert transmission service in the greater Birmingham, AL area. Here are four signs of contaminated transmission fluid. Discolored or Dark Fluid Healthy transmission fluid is typically bright red or pink in color. If the fluid appears dark brown or black, it’s a strong indication that it’s contaminated. The dark color suggests that the fluid has degraded or is filled with debris, which can no longer properly lubricate and cool your transmission. It's crucial to check your transmission fluid regularly and take action when you notice this color change. Burnt Smell Transmission fluid that smells burnt is another sign of contamination. The burnt odor often occurs when the fluid has overheated due to excessive friction or debris build-up. Overheated transmission fluid may no longer perform its function, which could lead to internal damage within the transmission system. Shifting Issues Contaminated transmission fluid can make it difficult for your vehicle to shift gears smoothly. You might notice delayed or rough shifting, which can feel like a jerking or hesitation when your car changes gears. This can happen because contaminated fluid can no longer provide the smooth hydraulic pressure needed for proper gear shifts. Unusual Noises Transmission systems are designed to operate quietly when they’re functioning properly. If you start hearing grinding, whining, or clunking noises while driving, it could indicate that your transmission fluid is contaminated. Contaminants in the fluid can lead to increased friction and wear on transmission components, which can cause these abnormal sounds. Addressing the issue early can prevent further damage to the transmission. Transmission Service in Birmingham, AL When you need auto repair in Birmingham and the surrounding area, contact HESCO Automotive & Performance Center at (205) 526-3796. At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
A coolant leak in your vehicle can lead to serious engine problems if left unaddressed. The cooling system is essential for regulating your engine’s temperature, preventing it from overheating. Detecting a coolant leak early can help you avoid costly repairs. At HESCO Automotive & Performance Center, we provide expert coolant leak repair in the greater Birmingham, AL area. Here are four signs that your vehicle may have a coolant leak. Low Coolant Levels One of the most obvious signs of a coolant leak is when your coolant levels keep dropping. Make sure to check your coolant reservoir regularly and top off the coolant as needed until the leak is fixed. But remember that, for safety reasons, you should always wait until your engine has cooled down before you check/add coolant. Overheating Engine If your engine is running hotter than usual or overheating altogether, a coolant leak could be to blame. The coolant is vital for absorbing the heat produced by the engine and dissipating it through the radiator. Without enough coolant, the engine’s temperature will rise quickly, leading to potential damage. If your engine temperature gauge is creeping into the red zone or the overheating light on your dashboard illuminates, a coolant leak could be the culprit. Visible Puddles Under Your Vehicle A more obvious sign of a coolant leak is seeing puddles of coolant underneath your vehicle after it’s been parked for a while. Coolant is commonly green, yellow, pink, or orange (yours might be a different color), and has a slightly sweet smell. If you notice such a liquid pooling under your car, it's likely from a leak in the cooling system. In this case, it’s important to get your car checked immediately to prevent further damage. White Smoke from the Exhaust White smoke coming from your vehicle’s exhaust pipe can be another indication of a coolant leak. This could mean that coolant is leaking into the engine itself, often due to a blown head gasket. This is a serious issue that requires prompt attention. Cooling System Repair in Birmingham, AL When you need auto repair in Birmingham and the surrounding area, contact HESCO Automotive & Performance Center at (205) 526-3796. At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
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Areas We Serve
Birmingham, South Birmingham,
Homewood, Forestdale, Mountain Brook, Fairfield, Irondale & Midfield
About Us
HESCO Automotive & Performance Center is the premier auto repair shop in Birmingham, serving drivers of all makes and models of foreign and domestic cars, trucks and SUVs. We've been serving the community since 1971.
