Undercar Services: Maintenance & Repair

Van Laar's Auto Service approaches caring for your car or truck from the ground up. That means that before we look over the internal components of your ride we take time to make sure that you're working with a solid foundation. Our comprehensive undercar inspections and services cover an important area of your car that can easily be neglected and give the foundation of your vehicle the care and attention it deserves.

Avoid disaster by coming in and having your undercarriage checked out today. Call us at 616-455-3940 or visit us in Grand Rapids, MI so we can schedule an appointment to ensure your car is in tip-top shape!

Our competitively priced undercar services include:

Alignment
Wheel alignment (or simply alignment) is standard car maintenance that involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are set to the manufacturer's specifications. The main purpose is to let the suspension and the steering systems operate at their desired angles - this reduces tire wear. Alignment is a complicated process and not all mechanics get it right. To have experts handle your car's alignment, visit Van Laar's Auto Service.

Anti-Lock Brakes
Anti-lock brakes prevent wheel lock-up when rapidly decelerating by automatically modulating the brake pressure during an emergency stop. With this system, the wheels are able to maintain traction with the road while braking. Failure of the anti-lock brakes could lead to an increase in the risks of multiple vehicle crashes and run-off road crashes. To avoid this, have your anti-lock brake system checked and repaired by experts. At Van Laar's Auto Service, we have anti-lock brake experts who will examine and repair your faulty ABS - keeping you safe.

Brake System Flush
Brake fluid is hygroscopic (it absorbs moisture). The absorbed moisture lowers the fluid's boiling point. It also corrodes the lines and cylinders. With the lowered boiling point, the brake fluid could boil during braking which makes you lose braking ability. Although this is an extreme scenario, it does happen in heavy braking. To reduce the effects of the absorbed moisture, auto manufacturers recommend that you have a brake flush done periodically. A brake system flush involves the replacement of used and contaminated fluid with fresh fluid. With Van Laar's Auto Service's quick lube services, you will have a brake system flush performed by brake experts. Call 616-455-3940 or visit Van Laar's Auto Service today.

Brakes
A brake is a mechanical device for slowing or stopping a vehicle (usually by means of friction). In short, a brake inhibits your car's motion. It lets you stop the car whenever and wherever you choose. Brakes are one of the most important parts of a motor vehicle. Without them, you would not be able to stop the car. If your vehicle's brakes are having issues, consider having them worked on. Brake experts at Van Laar's Auto Service can work on your car's brakes to ensure you have a safe drive.

Chassis
A chassis is the car's internal framework that supports the body and other parts like the wheels, engine, transmission, driveshaft, differential, and suspension. A weak or damaged chassis will translate to a weak car. To have a strong and properly working vehicle, have your car's chassis checked for defects. At Van Laar's Auto Service, there are experienced undercar service providers who can work on your chassis.

Driveline
A driveline is a part of your motor vehicle that connects the engine and the transmission to the wheel axles. The driveline consists of the parts of the powertrain less the engine and transmission. Failure of the driveline means that the car would not move since energy cannot be transmitted from the engine to the wheel axles. Therefore, make sure that your car's driveline is regularly inspected and serviced. And, at Van Laar's Auto Service, you can have the driveline serviced by experts.

Shocks
Shocks (or shock absorbers) are mechanical devices designed to smooth out rough roads. The devices do this by converting kinetic energy to another form of energy. Properly working shocks reduce the effect of traveling over rough ground, leading to improved ride quality and vehicle handling. When shocks develop problems, driving on poorly leveled roads becomes unpleasant, and your vehicle may sway when turning. To have your vehicle's shocks diagnosed and repaired, visit Van Laar's Auto Service today.

Struts
Much like a shock absorber (shocks), your car's struts provide a dampening effect as you travel over a road's surface. By absorbing the shock of the road, struts allow passengers to ride in a car without constant and uncomfortable motion. Struts work a bit differently than shocks in that they provide structural support for your car's suspension. This means that struts support your car's weight, unlike shocks which only regulate the speed at which the weight is transferred. Struts usually last around 50,000 or 60,000 miles. This is simply because the damping characteristics of the parts gradually deteriorate over time. Call Van Laar's Auto Service at 616-455-3940 if you have questions about the struts on your car. Our expert technicians will diagnose any problems and help you make an informed decision about repairs.

Tires
As tires get older, they lose traction and deteriorate from the inside out, increasing the likelihood of a tire bursting. This can cause a rapid loss of control of your vehicle. To have a better performing vehicle, you need to make sure the tires are in good condition. For all your tire needs, contact Van Laar's Auto Service today.

Differential Questions and Answers

Q: What is front and rear differential service?

A: Differential services performed by one of the professional technicians at Van Laar's Auto Service usually includes draining the old fluid from the differentials and replacing it with new fluid according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations and specifications. Sometimes other components surrounding the differential may need to be serviced as well.

Q: Is it necessary to change front and rear differential fluid?

A: Over time, the differential fluid breaks down and becomes dirty and impacts performance. It is necessary to have your car or truck's differential serviced regularly. It is generally recommended to have the differential fluid changed every 40,000 to 60,000 miles. However, if you are a more aggressive driver you may need to get your front and rear differential fluid changed sooner. If you are in Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Cutlerville, Wyoming or the surrounding area, give us a call and we can help you figure out what makes the most sense for your vehicle.

Suspension Questions and Answers

Q: What is the difference between shocks and struts?

A: 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.

Q: What happens if I only replace one strut or shock?

A: 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, Van Laar's Auto Service recommends replacing both shocks or struts.

Q: Are shocks difficult to replace?

A: Shock absorber replacement is usually a straightforward job, taking less than an hour of labor, but they should be replaced by a professional. Some models require other components to be removed or replaced before working on the front shocks. Bring your car to Van Laar's Auto Service in Grand Rapids and we will help you determine what needs to be done and get you back on the road quickly.

Q: How often should shocks be replaced?

A: 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 Van Laar's Auto Service inspect your shocks.

Q: Are struts difficult to replace?

A: 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 Van Laar's Auto Service to replace your struts and we will complete the work quickly and easily.

Q: Is it necessary to get an alignment after strut replacement?

A: Van Laar's Auto Service 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.

Q: What is included in a front-end alignment?

A: Front-end alignment is a service performed on the front wheels. The process includes adjustments to the camber, toe and casters. Your 'thrust angle adjustment' may also need adjustments, to ensure that all four wheels are in alignment.