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419-782-7827 | 1735 Spruce St Defiance, OH 43512

Undercar Services: Maintenance & Repair

Rely on Northwest Automotive LLC in Defiance, OH 43512 to provide quality care for your vehicle's undercarriage. Stop by our shop to see how we can help you or call 419-782-7827 for more information.

To keep your vehicle running at peak performance, we provide undercar services that include:

Alignment
Wheel alignment (or simply alignment) is standard car maintenance that involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are set to the manufacturer's specifications. The main purpose is to let the suspension and the steering systems operate at their desired angles - this reduces tire wear. Alignment is a complicated process and not all mechanics get it right. To have experts handle your car's alignment, visit Northwest Automotive LLC.

Anti-Lock Brakes
Anti-lock brakes prevent wheel lock-up when rapidly decelerating by automatically modulating the brake pressure during an emergency stop. With this system, the wheels are able to maintain traction with the road while braking. Failure of the anti-lock brakes could lead to an increase in the risks of multiple vehicle crashes and run-off road crashes. To avoid this, have your anti-lock brake system checked and repaired by experts. At Northwest Automotive LLC, we have anti-lock brake experts who will examine and repair your faulty ABS - keeping you safe.

Brake System Flush
Brake fluid is hygroscopic (it absorbs moisture). The absorbed moisture lowers the fluid's boiling point. It also corrodes the lines and cylinders. With the lowered boiling point, the brake fluid could boil during braking which makes you lose braking ability. Although this is an extreme scenario, it does happen in heavy braking. To reduce the effects of the absorbed moisture, auto manufacturers recommend that you have a brake flush done periodically. A brake system flush involves the replacement of used and contaminated fluid with fresh fluid. With Northwest Automotive LLC's quick lube services, you will have a brake system flush performed by brake experts. Call 419-782-7827 or visit Northwest Automotive LLC today.

Brakes
A brake is a mechanical device for slowing or stopping a vehicle (usually by means of friction). In short, a brake inhibits your car's motion. It lets you stop the car whenever and wherever you choose. Brakes are one of the most important parts of a motor vehicle. Without them, you would not be able to stop the car. If your vehicle's brakes are having issues, consider having them worked on. Brake experts at Northwest Automotive LLC can work on your car's brakes to ensure you have a safe drive.

Chassis
A chassis is the car's internal framework that supports the body and other parts like the wheels, engine, transmission, driveshaft, differential, and suspension. A weak or damaged chassis will translate to a weak car. To have a strong and properly working vehicle, have your car's chassis checked for defects. At Northwest Automotive LLC, there are experienced undercar service providers who can work on your chassis.

Custom Exhaust
A motor vehicle exhaust system is piping used to guide exhaust gasses away from the engine to the outdoors. Although the exhaust system's main purpose is to guide exhaust gases from the engine to the outdoors, it can be modified to increase engine power, reduce pollution, and reduce noise. To achieve this, you need to invest in a custom-made exhaust system.

At Northwest Automotive LLC in Defiance, OH 43512, we can create a custom-made stainless steel exhaust for your vehicle. We specialize in custom performance exhaust systems, stainless steel mufflers, mufflers, exhaust kits, racing mufflers, and exhaust accessories for a huge and diverse range of vehicles: customized cars, standard road cars, classic cars, kit cars, 4x4's, imports, and racecars.

Differential Flush
The differential is a car part that compensates for the difference in travel distance between the inner wheels and outer wheels when the vehicle is turning. Due to the differential's position in most non-four-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles (located at the rear and under the car), it does not get any of the star treatment the engine gets. The one thing that every car owner needs to know is that failure of the differential will mean failure of the car. To save the differential from failure, you need to have differential fluid changed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Changing the oil on the differential is as important as changing the car's engine oil. Although checking and changing differential oil is pretty easy, you need to visit an auto shop to get a comprehensive differential flush. For differential flush services, visit or call Northwest Automotive LLC in Defiance, OH 43512 today.

Differentials
The differential transfers the engine power to the wheels. One important function of the differential is to pass on power to the wheels while allowing them to rotate at different speeds - thus the name differential. When turning, the outer wheels travel a larger distance than the inner wheels do (also the front wheels travel a longer distance than the rear wheels). This means that all four wheels travel at different speeds during a turn and this is where the differential comes in to help. To make sure your vehicle's differentials are working properly, have them checked regularly. Contact Northwest Automotive LLC today for differentials examination and servicing.

Driveline
A driveline is a part of your motor vehicle that connects the engine and the transmission to the wheel axles. The driveline consists of the parts of the powertrain less the engine and transmission. Failure of the driveline means that the car would not move since energy cannot be transmitted from the engine to the wheel axles. Therefore, make sure that your car's driveline is regularly inspected and serviced. And, at Northwest Automotive LLC, you can have the driveline serviced by experts.

Exhaust
In a motor vehicle, an exhaust system is a piping used to guide exhaust fumes away from the engine - usually to the rear of the vehicle. A properly functioning exhaust system not only sounds better, it is better - for you, your car, and the environment. Northwest Automotive LLC has expert technicians to service your car's exhaust system.

Shocks
Shocks (or shock absorbers) are mechanical devices designed to smooth out rough roads. The devices do this by converting kinetic energy to another form of energy. Properly working shocks reduce the effect of traveling over rough ground, leading to improved ride quality and vehicle handling. When shocks develop problems, driving on poorly leveled roads becomes unpleasant, and your vehicle may sway when turning. To have your vehicle's shocks diagnosed and repaired, visit Northwest Automotive LLC today.

Struts
Much like a shock absorber (shocks), your car's struts provide a dampening effect as you travel over a road's surface. By absorbing the shock of the road, struts allow passengers to ride in a car without constant and uncomfortable motion. Struts work a bit differently than shocks in that they provide structural support for your car's suspension. This means that struts support your car's weight, unlike shocks which only regulate the speed at which the weight is transferred. Struts usually last around 50,000 or 60,000 miles. This is simply because the damping characteristics of the parts gradually deteriorate over time. Call Northwest Automotive LLC at 419-782-7827 if you have questions about the struts on your car. Our expert technicians will diagnose any problems and help you make an informed decision about repairs.

Tires
As tires get older, they lose traction and deteriorate from the inside out, increasing the likelihood of a tire bursting. This can cause a rapid loss of control of your vehicle. To have a better performing vehicle, you need to make sure the tires are in good condition. For all your tire needs, contact Northwest Automotive LLC today.

Suspension Questions and Answers

Q: What is included in a front-end alignment?
A: Front-end alignment is a service performed on the front wheels. The process includes adjustments to the camber, toe and casters. Your 'thrust angle adjustment' may also need adjustments, to ensure that all four wheels are in alignment.

Q: How often should shocks be replaced?
A: Experts recommend that shocks be replaced at 50,000-100,000 miles. If you are a more aggressive driver or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster. Shocks don't go out all at once, they deteriorate slowly over time. If you are noticing problems with handling, making smooth turns or ride smoothness have one of the professionals at Northwest Automotive LLC inspect your shocks.

Q: Are shocks difficult to replace?
A: Shock absorber replacement is usually a straightforward job, taking less than an hour of labor, but they should be replaced by a professional. Some models require other components to be removed or replaced before working on the front shocks. Bring your car to Northwest Automotive LLC in Defiance and we will help you determine what needs to be done and get you back on the road quickly.

Q: Are struts difficult to replace?
A: Replacing struts is simple and fast for a professional. Replacing your front struts yourself is not recommended, especially if you need a new complete strut assembly kit. When you get your truck's struts replaced you also need to have the front-end alignment checked. Ask the professionals at Northwest Automotive LLC to replace your struts and we will complete the work quickly and easily.

Q: What is the difference between shocks and struts?
A: Shocks and struts are both parts of a vehicle's suspension system. However, each has a very specific job. Your vehicle has either shocks or struts. You cannot replace your shocks with struts and vice versa. Shock absorbers are hydraulic components that help minimize movement generated by the vehicle's springs. These springs absorb some of the jolts you might feel from uneven or damaged roads. Struts are structural components of certain vehicles' steering and suspension systems. They usually consist of a spring and a shock absorber. Struts are designed to be much stronger than shocks since they are designed for vehicles that carry heavy loads.

Q: Is it necessary to get an alignment after strut replacement?
A: Northwest Automotive LLC recommends performing an alignment anytime shocks, struts or other steering and suspension components are replaced. Getting your vehicle's alignment within factory specifications ensures optimal tire wear and helps prolong the life of your tires.

Q: What happens if I only replace one strut or shock?
A: If you replace only one shock or strut, it will create poor handling when changing lanes or driving over bumps. If your car is new, replacing only one strut or shock absorber may be ok since the opposite side shock is not worn out yet. Generally, Northwest Automotive LLC recommends replacing both shocks or struts.

Differential Questions and Answers

Q: Is it necessary to change front and rear differential fluid?
A: Over time, the differential fluid breaks down and becomes dirty and impacts performance. It is necessary to have your car or truck's differential serviced regularly. It is generally recommended to have the differential fluid changed every 40,000 to 60,000 miles. However, if you are a more aggressive driver you may need to get your front and rear differential fluid changed sooner. If you are in Defiance, Napoleon, Bryan, Archbold or the surrounding area, give us a call and we can help you figure out what makes the most sense for your vehicle.

Q: What is front and rear differential service?
A: Differential services performed by one of the professional technicians at Northwest Automotive LLC usually includes draining the old fluid from the differentials and replacing it with new fluid according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations and specifications. Sometimes other components surrounding the differential may need to be serviced as well.

To learn more about our Undercar services, call us at 419-782-7827 or request a quote by clicking below:


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03/12/2021

Northwest Automotive did it right again. Out read leaf springs on the Firebird and the stance was back where it's supposed to be! Very good job again! Thanks!


NAPA Service Assistant


What Our Customers Are Saying

Very happy with the service!!! They came and picked my truck up, repaired my tire, and brought my truck back to me within time frame they stated. Today my tire went low, they worked on my truck immediately. Would recommend them to anyone, they are very friendly and accommodating. 5 star rating from me!!!!

, 12/16/2021

Awesome shop!! Not only was the estimate the lowest I received, the entire exhaust system was replaced (headers on back), the work was completed in under 2 hours. I m a U.S.Army Veteran and my car had a misfire situation going on due to bad coil pack, well Tim & his guys found me a coil pack and put it on NO CHARGE!! I would recommend this shop to any & everyone!

, 10/13/2021

reviewicon

Tim and the guys do great work here and are honest I definitely recommend these guys for any repairs

, 09/28/2021
I have a 2011 Jeep Liberty, the A/C stopped working, so I called up Tim and told him. He said can you bring it in today at 1:00pm? I said yes. So I took it in, they found that all the Freon was out of the unit. So they put more Freon in plus added some dye to find if the system may have a leak. So I paid the bill. Tim said, if you have any further problems bring it back. So the next day I started my Jeep up. The A/C stop working. So I called them back on Saturday. Can you bring it back on Monday at 2:00pm? I replied yes. Returned back to Northwest Automotive. They took my jeep in and recharged the A/C unit, and checked the system for any possible leaks. So Tim filled me in on no signs of dye so go ahead drive it and if any further problems bring it back. So how much money do I owe you? He replied nothing. The next day I drove my Jeep the A/C stop working again. So I called them back and told them. Can you drop it off so we can get to work on it Monday morning. I said yes. So I called them up Monday around noon and asked how are things going with my jeep? He replied that we believe we have found the leak. So he asked you said when it would set over night that the next day it not work? I replied yes. He asked if you don't need your Jeep back today, we will let it set overnight and check and see if it is still working in the morning. So I replied yes. I called them back the next day and asked how are things going with my jeep? Tim replied it is working fine. He asked if I would pick it up later today, l said that is fine because I will not be in town till around 3:30pm. Because I was at work. So went to pick up my Jeep. Tim said I believe the problem was from the low pressure valve. It should be alright. I replied so how much do I owe you. He said nothing, if you have any further problems bring it back. I believe he is a fair and honest person. I will respect that and I will bring him some more business. Thanks again.

, 07/16/2021

Northwest Automotive didn't charge me to look over my Geo Traker, even though I didn't end up having anything done to it. Will be going back to them.

, 04/26/2021

reviewiconLeaf Springs
Undercar Services, near Defiance, OH

Northwest Automotive did it right again. Out read leaf springs on the Firebird and the stance was back where it's supposed to be! Very good job again! Thanks!

, 03/12/2021
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  • Call Us For Service: 419-782-7827