Get on your hands and knees and look under the car. Your mechanic will put the car on a lift for an inspection. You’ll flop on the pavement.
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association says underperformed vehicle maintenance costs in the automotive aftermarket industry add up to more than $50 billion annually. Brakes, shocks and struts and chassis components — all located under the vehicle — are among the most neglected parts and, if not properly maintained, can contribute to wheel alignment problems.
- Look for rust.
- Take the hubcaps off.
- Get down on your belly with a flashlight and look underneath.
- The only time an exhaust system looks good is when it’s brand new, but even after thousands of miles it shouldn’t have any signs of perforation. Poke at it with a pen. It shouldn’t puncture.
