Working Hours
  • Mon 8:00AM - 5:00PM
    Tue 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Wed 8:00AM - 5:00PM
    Thu 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Fri 8:00AM - 5:00PM
    Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed
    Please Note: Monday-Friday
    Shop is closed for lunch 12-1:00 PM
settings

704-201-7334 | 100 Center Ln Huntersville, NC 28078

Undercar Services: Maintenance & Repair

Undercar Repairs in Huntersville

At Auto Specialties of Lake Norman, we focus on the health of your car or truck from the ground up. Before evaluating the internal systems, we ensure that the vehicle has a solid foundation. Our comprehensive undercarriage inspections and services target this crucial, yet often overlooked, area to provide the necessary care your vehicle needs.

Avoid costly issues by bringing your vehicle in for an undercarriage inspection today. Call us at 704-201-7334 or stop by our Huntersville, NC location to schedule your appointment and keep your car running at its best! Our competitively priced undercar services include:

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.

Failure of anti-lock brakes can elevate the risk of multiple vehicle crashes and run-off road incidents. To mitigate this risk, it is essential to have your anti-lock brake system examined and repaired by experts. At Auto Specialties of Lake Norman, our proficient technicians specialize in diagnosing and repairing faulty ABS systems, ensuring your safety.

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. This procedure involves replacing used and contaminated fluid with fresh fluid.

Brakes
Brakes are mechanical devices designed to slow down or halt a vehicle, primarily through the use of friction. In essence, brakes impede your vehicle's motion, allowing you to stop whenever and wherever necessary. Brakes rank among the most critical vehicle components, and without them, you would be unable to bring your vehicle to a stop.

Chassis
The chassis serves as the internal framework of your vehicle, providing support for various components such as the wheels, engine, transmission, driveshaft, differential, and suspension.

A weakened or damaged chassis can lead to a weaker vehicle overall. To maintain a sturdy and properly functioning vehicle, it is crucial to have your car's chassis regularly inspected for defects.

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.

To safeguard your differential from potential issues, it is recommended to change the differential fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Regular differential oil checks and changes are as crucial as engine oil maintenance. While inspecting and changing differential oil may seem straightforward, a comprehensive differential flush is best performed by an auto shop.

Differentials
Differentials serve as the components responsible for transmitting engine power to the wheels. A key function of the differential is to distribute power to the wheels while permitting them to rotate at varying speeds, thus earning its name.

During turns, outer wheels travel a greater distance than inner wheels (front wheels also cover more ground than rear wheels). This means that all four wheels move at different speeds while turning, requiring the differential to manage this process. To ensure the proper functioning of your vehicle's differentials, regular inspections are advised.

Driveline
The driveline represents a vehicle section that connects the engine and transmission to the wheel axles. This component consists of powertrain parts excluding the engine and transmission.

A driveline failure translates to an immobilized vehicle, as energy cannot be transmitted from the engine to the wheel axles. To maintain your car's driveline in peak condition, inspections and servicing are essential.

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. Auto Specialties of Lake Norman in Huntersville 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. When shock absorbers develop issues, driving on poorly leveled roads becomes uncomfortable, and your vehicle may sway during turns.

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.

This means that struts bear the weight of your car, unlike shocks, which primarily regulate weight transfer speed. Struts typically have a lifespan of around 50,000 to 60,000 miles, as the damping characteristics gradually deteriorate over time.

Tires
As tires age, they lose traction and degrade internally, increasing the risk of tire blowouts. Such blowouts can lead to sudden loss of vehicle control. Maintaining good tire condition is crucial for vehicle performance and safety. For all your tire-related needs, don't hesitate to contact Auto Specialties of Lake Norman at 704-201-7334 today.


Differential FAQs


What is front and rear differential service?

Differential services performed by one of the professional technicians at Auto Specialties of Lake Norman 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.

Is it necessary to change front and rear differential fluid?

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 Huntersville, North Charlotte, Cornelius , Mooresville or the surrounding area, give us a call and we can help you figure out what makes the most sense for your vehicle.

Suspension FAQs


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.

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, Auto Specialties of Lake Norman recommends replacing both shocks or struts.

Are shocks difficult to replace?

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 Auto Specialties of Lake Norman in Huntersville and we will help you determine what needs to be done and get you back on the road quickly.

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 Auto Specialties of Lake Norman 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 Auto Specialties of Lake Norman to replace your struts and we will complete the work quickly and easily.

Is it necessary to get an alignment after strut replacement?

Auto Specialties of Lake Norman 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 is included in a front-end alignment?

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.


To learn more about our Undercar services, call us at 704-201-7334 or request a quote by clicking below:


Request Quote

Discover More About Undercar Repair Services At Auto Specialties of Lake Norman in Huntersville

Transmission Repair Services
4X4 Services
Brake Repair


What Our Customers Are Saying

TRUST - A word often strived for in many businesses but rarely delivered. Well search no more - Auto Specialties of Lake Norman is the repair facility you can truly trust with all your automotive needs. So the next time you need automotive services, head to Huntersville and Auto Specialties of Lake Norman you won't regret it.

, 05/12/2022

reviewiconFamily Vehicles
North Charlotte, NC

Bert & associates are awesome. I started servicing my BMW couple years back. They are now my default repair shop for all family vehicles. When service is required, it's expertly provided. Perhaps more important, when work is unnecessary or minimally resolved, they explain why, to quickly get me back on road. I always leave the shop feeling work is thorough with safety in mind. Clean shop, clear talk, trustworthy service...all at a fair price.

, 09/22/2020
I came in to get a car inspection and I was able to be seen immediately! Bert even gave me a great deal on the inspection since it was my first time. I will be back for all of my car needs!

, 08/28/2020

reviewiconHighly Recommended, Honest Business
Heating and Cooling Services, near Concord, NC

I was referred here by another mechanic to help out with my A/C. I told the owner, Bert Jones that I was getting rid of my car in the fall and did not want to spend a lot of money. I only wanted the A/C charged and a sealant put in hoping it would last the summer. I was very impressed that my wishes were respected and no one tried to sell me on a higher priced repair. Everyone was very friendly and I was very happy! About 6 weeks later I noticed that the A/C was not as cold and wanted to get it back in for another recharge. I had an opportunity to speak to Bert for a few minutes and he was awesome! I even left there with a no charge for the recharge! This is an honest business and I would highly highly recommend!

, 07/27/2020
Had a difficult electrical issue with my car, took it by auto specialists and they had it fixed the same day. Great mechanic shop.

, 05/07/2020
I was in Lowes Hardware the other day when I ran into a guy with an Auto Specialties t-shirt. Not wanting to waste his time I asked the gentleman if he had a few minutes to spare. Within a few minutes of speaking with him I was convinced he had a wealth of knowledge about my truck. On Monday I decided to take off work and drove down to Huntersville to see if he could help me with my truck. Within a few hours he called me and said my truck was fixed. I'm not big on reviews but I feel my experience was so good I needed to tell more people about this hidden gem.

, 05/07/2020
  • ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)
  • Jasper
  • IATN (International Automotive Technicians' Network)
  • NAPA
  • Bosch Service
  • Car Care Aware
  • Call Us For Service: 704-201-7334