Automotive Industry News & Information - South Mountain Collision & Auto Center

While fleet trucks and vehicles tend to persist as some of the more simplistic vehicles on the road, the modernization and computerization of the automotive world has not left them untouched. These days, everything is equipped with computer systems, sensors, modules, and more. At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, our professional technicians have the knowledge, equipment, and ability necessary to provide the accurate and vital diagnostics required to keep your fleet on the road.

The steering and suspension systems are key safety-related systems that largely determine your car’s ride and handling. Have these systems checked regularly, at least once a year, and usually with a wheel alignment.

What does it do? - The suspension maintains the relationship between the wheels and the frame or unibody. The suspension system interacts with the steering system to provide vehicle control. When working properly, the suspension system helps absorb the energy from road irregularities such as potholes and helps to maintain vehicle stability. The steering system transmits your input from the steering wheel to the steering gear and other steering components to control the car’s direction.

Typical Wear and Tear - Over time, steering and suspension components wear out and require replacement. Regular checks are critical to maintaining a safe car. Factors that affect wear include driving habits, operating conditions (potholes in road), vehicle type, type of steering and suspension system, and frequency of regular maintenance. Some symptoms that you are having issues with your vehicle steering and suspension include the car pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, excessive noise, vibration or bouncing, and loss of control.

Call or come by South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown today to have our professionals make sure your car is road-ready!

The most important part of your visit to any shop is making sure that your vehicle receives the best repair. While we uphold that standard, the team at South Mountain Collision & Auto Center will also go above and beyond to ensure that you get only the best customer service along with a competent repair.

If you drive a car, truck, or SUV that runs on gasoline, there's a good chance you’ve run it low on fuel a few times (or more than a few times,) and maybe even run out of gas completely a time or two. At South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD, we like to provide information applicable to you. Running a vehicle low on fuel is something we’re all guilty of, and most of us don’t think twice about it. But, can it be bad for your car?

When you get in your car, truck, SUV, or minivan to drive and the A/C does not work what could be wrong? Here at South Mountain Collision & Auto Center, we have some simple answers to help you understand how your vehicle A/C system works. The first question we are asked is "Why isn't my air conditioner blowing cold air?" Let's talk about what could be happening.

man standing by diesel truck with tools in hand

Currently, the future of electric vehicles looks promising - though it won’t likely replace your Duramax, Powerstroke, or Cummins engine any time soon. Still, we don’t know what the immediate future holds. This battle was waged once before in the past, with combustion engines taking the throne over electric power. Here’s a brief history of electric automobiles, from South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD.

Modern fleet vehicles are fitted with an array of airbags, strategically placed all around a vehicle to keep the driver safe in the event of a collision. If you own or operate a fleet or commercial truck, you likely don’t think about your airbags that often, but you definitely want them there when you need them. Here’s a are facts regarding airbags, from South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD.

When you see tires advertised, you’ll often see the word “radial” attached to it. What does this mean, and where did radial tires originate? South Mountain Collision & Auto Center in Middletown, MD is here, with answers to questions you weren’t even asking.