Alignment check may be in order

By Doug McAllister

If you haven't noticed yet, it's pothole season and, boy, are our roads in rough shape.

If you feel like you need to wear a mouth guard while driving around these days, it may be a combination of the quality of our roads and a worn out suspension on your vehicle.

If your car has more than 60,000 miles, it is possible it needs the shocks and struts replaced. This is the one repair, along with tires, that can make a huge difference in the way your car rides and handles those bumps in the road.

Additionally, new struts will greatly increase your braking performance and shorten stopping distance.

If you do happen to hit a jarring pothole, it would be a good idea to have the vehicle's alignment checked. With the newest alignment equipment, it's possible to do an alignment audit at no charge - or at least a reduced charge without having to go through the whole alignment procedure.

This is worth the extra time and, in most cases, it can be done while you are getting an oil change.

By keeping the car in alignment and the suspension in good shape, your vehicle will ride and handle optimally and you will get the longest life out of your tires.

Have a fun and safe spring.

• Douglas Automotive is at 417 W. Main St., Barrington; 123 Virginia Road, Crystal Lake; and 416 Northwest Hwy., Fox River Grove. For information, visit douglasautomotive.com. Send questions to underthehood@dailyherald.com.