Thom's Four Wheel Drive

Just because a cabin air filter doesn't directly affect whether your vehicle makes it from point A to point B doesn't mean you should delay getting a new one - or not replacing it at all. Changing your cabin air filter is an important part of regular vehicle maintenance and ignoring it can cause some pretty uncomfortable effects. Here's why it's important to regularly change your cabin air filter. What is a Cabin Air Filter? A cabin air filter shouldn't be confused with your engine's air filter, although they perform similar functions. Whereas the engi ... read more

Overdue for an oil change or a brake inspection? Whatever the service, by postponing necessary maintenance, you may be causing extensive damage to your vehicle and increasing the chance of a breakdown. With National Car Care Month in April upon us, the non-profit Car Care Council suggests you stop stalling and get your vehicle serviced today. “Many people don’t realize the consequences of putting off needed vehicle maintenance. Not only can neglecting vehicle service cause safety issues if ignored, but it can lead to costly repairs down the road,” said Rich White, exe ... read more

Automotive differentials have been around for nearly 200 years. During that time, they’ve done an important job without getting much attention from any drivers except enthusiasts. That’s starting to change, though. Even mainstream rides now offer the kind of performance that needs a specialized differential. As a result, you may have heard about vehicles with limited-slip differentials, locking differentials, Torsen differentials and more. Still, you may not have heard exactly what these different components do. What Is a Differential? If you’ve watched any ... read more

Hitting a pothole with your car can do a real number on tires, wheels, steering and suspension, and alignment. The non-profit Car Care Council urges motorists to watch for three warning signs to help determine if hitting a pothole has damaged their vehicle. Loss of control, swaying when making routine turns, bottoming out on city streets or bouncing excessively on rough roads are indicators that the steering and suspension may have been damaged. The steering and suspension are key safety-related systems. Together, they largely determine a vehicle’s ride and handling. Pulling in one dir ... read more

Like explaining an ailment to a doctor, discussing a mechanical problem with an auto technician is vital to making things right. Whether you’re headed to a dealer’s service department or the corner garage, the process can be easy if you can describe your vehicle’s symptoms in clear and familiar terms. Before you head off to visit your mechanic, it’s a good idea to get organized. Take notes on your vehicle’s performance and any problems you’ve noticed so that you won’t forget important details and print a copy to leave with the mechanic. If your v ... read more