MAD HATTER MUFFLERS & BRAKES > Top Level Auto Repair & Maintenance Services > UNDERCAR SERVICES

Undercar Repairs in Peoria

At Mad Hatter Mufflers & Brakes, we take a holistic approach to vehicle care, beginning with a thorough evaluation of your car or truck's foundation. Prior to inspecting the internal components of your vehicle, we prioritize ensuring that you have a strong undercarriage.

Our comprehensive undercarriage inspections and services address this vital but often overlooked area of your vehicle, affording it the care and attention it deserves.

Alignment
Wheel alignment consists of essential car maintenance that involves adjusting the wheel angles to follow the manufacturer's specifications. This process ensures that the suspension and steering systems operate at their intended angles, thereby reducing tire wear.

Anti-Lock Brakes
Anti-lock brakes are designed to prevent wheel lock-up during rapid deceleration by automatically modulating brake pressure during emergency stops. This system allows wheels to maintain traction with the road while braking.

Brake System Flush
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture. This moisture absorption lowers the fluid's boiling point and can lead to corrosion of the lines and cylinders. In extreme cases, the brake fluid could boil during heavy braking, resulting in a loss of braking capability. To counteract the effects of moisture absorption, auto manufacturers recommend periodic brake system flushes.

Custom Exhaust
A motor vehicle's exhaust system consists of piping that guides exhaust gasses from the engine to the outdoors. While its primary purpose is the removal of exhaust gasses, it can be modified to enhance engine power, reduce pollution, and minimize noise. Achieving these goals necessitates undercar service installation of a custom-made exhaust system.

Differential Flush
The differential is a critical vehicle component that compensates for variations in travel distance between the inner and outer wheels during turns. Typically located at the rear and under non-four-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles, differentials often do not receive the same level of attention as engines. However, it is essential to understand that differential failure equates to vehicle failure.

Exhaust
In motor vehicles, an exhaust system consists of piping designed to guide exhaust fumes from the engine to the vehicle's rear. A well-functioning exhaust system not only sounds better but also benefits you, your vehicle, and the environment. Mad Hatter Mufflers & Brakes in Peoria has expert technicians ready to service your car's exhaust system.

Shock Absorbers
Shocks, or shock absorbers, are mechanical devices engineered to smooth out rough road surfaces. They achieve this by converting kinetic energy into another form of energy. Properly functioning shocks minimize the impact of traveling over uneven terrain, leading to an improved ride quality and enhanced vehicle handling.

Struts
Much like shock absorbers (shocks), struts serve to dampen the effects of road surfaces as you drive. By absorbing road shocks, struts enable passengers to experience a smoother ride. Struts differ from shocks in that they provide structural support for your vehicle's suspension.

Suspension FAQs

How often should shocks be replaced?

Experts recommend that shocks be replaced at 50,000-100,000 miles. If you are a more aggressive driver or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster. Shocks don't go out all at once, they deteriorate slowly over time. If you are noticing problems with handling, making smooth turns or ride smoothness have one of the professionals at Mad Hatter Mufflers & Brakes inspect your shocks.

Are struts difficult to replace?

Replacing struts is simple and fast for a professional. Replacing your front struts yourself is not recommended, especially if you need a new complete strut assembly kit. When you get your truck's struts replaced you also need to have the front-end alignment checked. Ask the professionals at Mad Hatter Mufflers & Brakes to replace your struts and we will complete the work quickly and easily.

What is the difference between shocks and struts?

Shocks and struts are both parts of a vehicle's suspension system. However, each has a very specific job. Your vehicle has either shocks or struts. You cannot replace your shocks with struts and vice versa. Shock absorbers are hydraulic components that help minimize movement generated by the vehicle's springs. These springs absorb some of the jolts you might feel from uneven or damaged roads. Struts are structural components of certain vehicles' steering and suspension systems. They usually consist of a spring and a shock absorber. Struts are designed to be much stronger than shocks since they are designed for vehicles that carry heavy loads.

Is it necessary to get an alignment after strut replacement?

Mad Hatter Mufflers & Brakes recommends performing an alignment anytime shocks, struts or other steering and suspension components are replaced. Getting your vehicle's alignment within factory specifications ensures optimal tire wear and helps prolong the life of your tires.

What happens if I only replace one strut or shock?

If you replace only one shock or strut, it will create poor handling when changing lanes or driving over bumps. If your car is new, replacing only one strut or shock absorber may be ok since the opposite side shock is not worn out yet. Generally, Mad Hatter Mufflers & Brakes recommends replacing both shocks or struts.

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Brake Repair