Do You Know What Could Cause a Broken Axle?
The performance of your vehicle's wheel system is basically dependent on the condition of the car axles. Why should drivers think about car axles, what might affect them, and the role they play in driving safely? Simply stated, car axles are involved in the steering, driving, and braking of the vehicle. They link the power from the engine to the tires. The axles must be in a condition where they are able to carry the whole weight of the vehicle and its components.
Some drivers may not know that a bad axle can put unwanted stress on car shocks, causing them to wear out prematurely and cost even more money in repair costs. Bad axles can also result in excessive wear to your tires, costing you even more money to replace your tires. The signs below are indicators that your car axles need to be inspected:
• A sudden clunking sound heard when you put your vehicle into gear
• Vibrations felt in the car when driving, braking, or going around a curve or bend.
• All seems well, but the car cannot move.
Typically, most people don’t keep a vehicle long enough for the car axles to break. However, it’s good to be aware of what could cause a broken axle:
- Overload. Axles literally carry the weight of the entire car. When there is too much load, such as too much cargo or too many passengers, the axles may not have enough strength to hold the wheels in place.
- Metal fatigue. This metal wear-and-tear is especially applicable to older vehicle models, high mileage vehicles, or vehicles that carry excessively heavy loads. As cars age, the axles become more brittle and/or rusty, thereby reducing the strength of the axles.
- Severe bumps or off-road conditions. Too much stress and force is being handled by the axle in carrying the weight of the vehicle.
Wondering what could cause a broken axle? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Heights Car Care today for more information about car shocks and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Heights, Billings, MT, and the surrounding area.
The performance of your vehicle's wheel system is basically dependent on the condition of the car axles. Why should drivers think about car axles, what might affect them, and the role they play in driving safely? Simply stated, car axles are involved in the steering, driving, and braking of the vehicle. They link the power from the engine to the tires. The axles must be in a condition where they are able to carry the whole weight of the vehicle and its components.
Some drivers may not know that a bad axle can put unwanted stress on car shocks, causing them to wear out prematurely and cost even more money in repair costs. Bad axles can also result in excessive wear to your tires, costing you even more money to replace your tires. The signs below are indicators that your car axles need to be inspected:
• A sudden clunking sound heard when you put your vehicle into gear
• Vibrations felt in the car when driving, braking, or going around a curve or bend.
• All seems well, but the car cannot move.
Typically, most people don’t keep a vehicle long enough for the car axles to break. However, it’s good to be aware of what could cause a broken axle:
- Overload. Axles literally carry the weight of the entire car. When there is too much load, such as too much cargo or too many passengers, the axles may not have enough strength to hold the wheels in place.
- Metal fatigue. This metal wear-and-tear is especially applicable to older vehicle models, high mileage vehicles, or vehicles that carry excessively heavy loads. As cars age, the axles become more brittle and/or rusty, thereby reducing the strength of the axles.
- Severe bumps or off-road conditions. Too much stress and force is being handled by the axle in carrying the weight of the vehicle.
Wondering what could cause a broken axle? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Heights Car Care today for more information about car shocks and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Heights, Billings, MT, and the surrounding area.
