E&T Tires And Service - Your Personal Car Care
712 N Glenwood Ave • Dalton, GA 30721 | 706-529-5645
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Wheels, Tires, Front End
Wheels, Tires and Front End Work
Since 2009 | Se Habla Español | ASE Certified
Since 2009Se Habla EspañolASE Certified
Let the Experts Take Care of Your Front End Needs
Count on E&T Tires and Service for any kind of wheel, tire or front end work you need done. With over 25 years of experience, we're ASE certified and have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to front end work.
To schedule an appointment or to receive a FREE estimate (on most jobs), call us
today.
Braking Systems
Braking Systems
Your brake system is composed of two systems - hydraulics and friction materials. This is what happens within these systems between the time your foot steps on the brake pedal and your car stops.
Hydraulics
- Master Cylinder - When pressure is applied to the pedal, the master cylinder creates hydraulic pressure pushing brake fluid to the wheel brakes
- Brake Lines and Hoses - Steel brake lines and high-pressure rubber hoses are where pressurized brake fluid travels
- Wheel Cylinders and Calipers - Hydraulic cylinders that apply pressure to the friction materials, making your vehicle stop
- Disc Brake Pads and Drum Brake Shoes - Brake linings composed of high temperature materials that create the friction that stops your car
Type of Brakes
- Disc Brakes - Consist of a disc brake rotor that is attached to the wheel, and a caliper, which holds the disc brake pads. Hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder causes caliper piston to clamp on the disc brake rotor between the disc brake pads. This allows for friction between the pads and rotor, causing your car to slow down or stop
- Drum Brakes - Consist of a brake drum attached to the wheel, wheel cylinder, brake shoes and brake return springs. Hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder causes the wheel cylinder to press the brake shoes against the brake drum. This allows for friction between the shoes and drum to slow or stop your car
- Parking Brake - Uses cables to mechanically apply the brakes (usually the rear brake.) Used to prevent your car from rolling when not being driven
- Anti-Lock Brakes: Built For Safety - Computer-controlled anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are a recently developed safety feature. When making a sudden stop, the ABS prevents wheel lock-up. They're comprised of wheel-speed sensors that monitor wheel rotation, computer-controlled hydraulics that pulse the brakes on and off rapidly and the on-board computer
CV & Drive Axle
The axle on your vehicle is the structural component connecting two wheels together on opposite sites. It's a load-bearing assembly acting like a central shaft, maintaining the position of the wheels to each other and to the vehicle body.
The construction of the axle is designed to what your vehicle is built for; trucks and off-road vehicles are equipped with axles that keep the wheel positions steady under heavy stress (great for supporting heavy loads), while conventional axles are constructed for the general consumer.
No matter what you drive, your vehicle's axle must bear the weight of your vehicle (plus any cargo) and the acceleration forces between you and the ground. When it comes to axle inspection, we’re your source for professional, knowledgeable service — essential for the equipment that carries you and your family while driving. Here is a brief description of the most common axle design:
- Drive/CV Axle - A drive axle is one that is driven by the engine. Found in modern front wheel drive vehicles, it’s a split between two half axles, with differential and universal joints between them. Each half axle is connected to the wheel by a third joint — the constant velocity (CV) joint — that allows the wheels to move freely. This joint allows the shaft to rotate, transmitting power at a constant speed without a significant increase in friction and heat. CV joints are dependable, but they do require regular inspection. An easy way to see if you need to visit us for axle repair is to go out to a large space (such as a parking lot), and slowly drive in tight circles. If you hear a clicking or cracking noise, you have a worn joint, and it should be repaired immediately. Our certified ASE team will have you back on the road, "click-free" in no time!
Suspension and Steering Systems
The primary function of your vehicle’s suspension and steering system is to allow the wheels to move independently of the car, while keeping it "suspended" and stable.
Play or uncontrolled motion in these systems results in a deterioration of handling and faster tire wear. Vehicle alignment is tied to the condition of the suspension and steering systems.
Steering Systems - Loose or worn components affect the ability to control the toe angle and could result in a loss of directional stability and accelerated tire wear. The main components of a Conventional system are:
- Steering Gear Box
- Center Link
- Pitman Arm
- Idler Arm
- Tie Rods
The main components of a rack and pinion steering system are:
- Rack and Pinion Assembly
- Bellows Boots
- Tie Rods
- Control Arms
- Ball Joints
- Springs (Coil or Leaf)
- Shock Absorbers
- Struts
Wheel Balance
Sometimes confused with wheel alignment, a properly balanced wheel is a perfectly tuned wheel-tire combination.
By placing measured lead weights on the opposite side of the "heavy spot", the noticeable tread wear on your unbalanced tire is visual.
How do I know if I need my wheels balanced?
Is your vehicle is vibrating at speeds between 50 and 70 mph? If so, your wheel is out of balance. One section of your tire is heavier than the other because it's endured more exposure to the friction and heat of the road. Stop by
for professional service. If you're noticing any of these signs, it's time to come see us:
- Scalloped, erratic wear pattern on tires
- Vibration in steering wheel, seat, or floorboard at certain speeds
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is the position of the wheels on your car. When aligned properly, the wheels point in the right direction. With improper alignment, the wheels resist your steering commands, as well as each other.
Alignment affects gas mileage and tire wear as well. If your tires are pointed in different directions, they fight against each other and will cause tread wear.
We use computerized alignment equipment to measure alignment angles on today's vehicles. These include both adjustable and non-adjustable angles. (Non-adjustable angles need repair or replacement of the suspension component.) The most common adjustable angles are:
- Toe - Refers to the tilted direction of the wheels toward or away from one another when viewed from the top. The most critical tire wearing angle is tow. Tires that "toe-in" point toward one another. Tires that "toe-out" point away from each other
- Camber - When viewed from the front, this refers to the tilt of the wheels toward or away from one another. Wheels that tilt in toward the vehicle have "negative camber." Wheels that tilt away from the vehicle have "positive camber"
- Caster - The angle of the steering axis in relation to an imaginary vertical line through the center of the wheel when viewed from the side. "Positive caster" is when the vertical line is tilted back toward the rear. If it's tilted forward, it's called "negative caster." The proper caster angle stabilizes your car for optimal steering
- Thrust Angle - The relationship of all four wheels to each other and their relationship to an imaginary center line that runs from bumper to bumper. The term "thrust line" is the direction in which the rear wheels are pointed. Thrust angle is fixable on cars with adjustable rear suspensions. If your car has a non-adjustable suspension, thrust angle is compensated for by aligning the front wheels to the rear wheels
Tire Replacement, Wheels and Rotation
The staff at E&T Tires and Service can help you choose the right tires for your vehicle.
Stop by today!
Tires & Wheels: Tire Rotation
- Description: The regular practice of switching the position of each tire on the car
- Purpose: Tire rotation equalizes tread wear. Is critical to gain the maximum life from your tire investment
- Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Read your owner's manual for the recommended rotation interval and pattern; generally a rotation interval of 6,000 miles is best. Rotation patterns vary with different makes and models, which shows the tire locations during rotation. Some cars have different size tires on the front and back or directional tires. This limits the locations that a tire may take on the vehicle. If unsure, check the owner's manual or consult a technician. Tire rotation time offers a good opportunity to have the tires and wheels balanced. It's another step you can take to maximize your tire investment
"Tony is a very honest and an awesome man. He will tell you straight up. He is in the business to make money of course BUT he will not try to get you to fix something unless it is important and I like that about a person. Thank you E&T Tires."
Teresa Ann Cochran, Facebook Review
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BRAND NAMES INCLUDE:
Goodyear
Kelly Tires
Mobil 1
AC Delco
MEMBERS OF:
National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
4-Wheel Alignment Check
FREE
Get a FREE 4-wheel alignment check by the factory-trained technicians at E&T Tires and Service LLC. Some cars require shims or cams to adjust at additional costs. On most vehicles. Other restrictions may apply. Please see center manager for details. Supply fees additional.
*One use per customer
EXPIRED