The Importance for Regular Inspections!

February 21, 2023

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Scenario:

A few years ago I was driving my 2009 Ford F150 with about 189,000 kilometers on it. I was going up a hill in Nelson and heard a noise from the front end that sounded like clunking. Suddenly I hit a small bump and the front wheel flopped over like it was falling off. I called the tow truck and they brought it to my usual mechanic who told me that the ball joint had come apart. What could I have done to prevent that?


Answer :

The client with this F150 was fortunate that he was driving at a low speed in town. If this had happened on the highway it would’ve been a very different situation. 


This broken ball joint highlights the need for regular inspections. 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.


The owner’s manual of this F150 would have called for an inspection of things at approximately every 15,000km,  like the suspension, brakes and the driveline. Chances are that such an inspection at DOWNTOWN AUTOMOTIVE would have revealed early signs of a worn ball joint and the client could have had it fixed before it became a dangerous situation.


Ask your DOWNTOWN AUTOMOTIVE service advisor about the inspections your vehicle should have.


Stop by or give us a call!

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