The Auto Guys Tech Question:
I’m Doug. A few years ago I was driving my ’85 powder blue Dodge Ramcharger with about 130,000 kilometeres on it. I was going up a hill in St. Thomas and heard a noise like a tin can rolling down the road. I looked back and saw my drive shaft bouncing down the hill. I put it in four wheel drive and drove to my St. Thomas mechanic to get it fixed.

What could I have done to prevent that?

The Auto Guys Tech Answer:
Now that’s quite a story. Doug was fortunate that his vehicle had a part-time four wheel drive system that would let him get home without a rear drive shaft.

This “case of the missing drive shaft” highlights the need for regular inspections. Now most drivers are familiar with recommendations for preventive maintenance services like oil changes and coolant replacement. What you may not know is that there are also recommendations for inspections at various intervals.

By the time a vehicle gets 130,000 kilometers on it like Doug had, the owner’s manual would have called for an inspection of things like the suspension, brakes – and the drive line. Chances are that such an inspection at The Auto Guys would have revealed early signs of a worn u-joint and Doug could have had it fixed before his drive shaft went rattling down the road.

Ask your The Auto Guys service advisor about the inspections your vehicle should have.

Stop by or give us a call.

519.631.7117

The Auto Guys
135 South Edgeware Rd.
St. Thomas, ON N5P 4C4