Frequently Asked Questions

 Appointments are recommended so we can make sure we have adequate time to properly inspect and service your vehicle. Call 765-703-2800 to schedule. 

 We service a wide variety of American-made cars, trucks, SUVs, classic vehicles, custom vehicles, and street rods. Contact us if you have questions about a specific vehicle. 

 Yes. Tomahawk Automotive specializes in working with older, classic, custom, and modified vehicles, including alignment and suspension services that many shops may not be equipped to handle. 

 Yes. We perform alignments on many classic, custom, lowered, lifted, and modified vehicles. Because every custom vehicle is different, we may need to inspect the vehicle before determining the exact alignment requirements. 

Common signs include:

• Vehicle pulling to one side
• Steering wheel sitting crooked while driving straight
• Uneven or rapid tire wear
• Vehicle wandering on the road
• Poor handling or steering response
• Alignment concerns after hitting a pothole or curb

  It is a good idea to have the alignment checked. Incorrect alignment can cause a new set of tires to wear prematurely. 

 Many suspension and steering repairs can change alignment angles. An alignment should generally be checked after replacing components such as tie rods, ball joints, control arms, struts, and other suspension components. 

 A check-engine light can be triggered by many different problems, ranging from relatively minor issues to serious engine or emissions-system problems. A diagnostic scan is the starting point, but proper diagnosis may require additional testing. 

 If the light is steady and the vehicle is otherwise operating normally, you may have some time to have it inspected. If the check-engine light is flashing, the vehicle is running poorly, overheating, losing power, or making unusual noises, continuing to drive could cause additional damage. 

 Vibrations can be caused by several things, including:

• Tire or wheel problems
• Wheel balance issues
• Worn suspension components
• Brake problems
• Driveline issues
• Engine or transmission mounts

An inspection is the best way to determine the actual cause.

  A shaking steering wheel during braking can indicate problems with brake rotors, suspension components, wheel bearings, tires, or other front-end components. We can inspect the vehicle and determine the cause before recommending repairs. 

  Pulling can be caused by incorrect alignment, tire problems, brake problems, worn steering or suspension parts, or differences in tire pressure. 

 Signs of brake problems can include:

• Squealing
• Grinding
• Longer stopping distances
• Brake pedal vibration
• Vehicle pulling while braking
• Soft or spongy brake pedal
• Brake warning lights

If you are unsure, we can inspect the braking system and let you know what needs attention.

 Not necessarily. Rotor condition, thickness, wear, heat damage, and surface condition should be inspected before determining whether they can be reused or need replacement. 

 Uneven tire wear can result from incorrect alignment, improper tire pressure, worn suspension components, lack of tire rotation, damaged components, or wheel/tire problems. 

 Many vehicles benefit from tire rotation approximately every 5,000–7,500 miles, although your vehicle and tire manufacturer’s recommendations should always be considered. 

 Oil-change intervals vary depending on the vehicle, engine, oil used, mileage, and driving conditions. Modern vehicles may have longer service intervals than older vehicles. We recommend following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule while also considering how the vehicle is actually driven. 

 Yes. A complete inspection can help identify worn components, leaks, brake concerns, tire problems, steering and suspension issues, and other maintenance needs before they become larger problems. 

 When possible, we can help identify which repairs are safety-related or urgent and which repairs may be able to wait. This allows you to prioritize repairs based on your vehicle's condition and your budget. 

 A diagnostic trouble code tells a technician which system has detected a problem—it does not necessarily identify the failed part. Proper diagnosis can involve electrical testing, mechanical testing, visual inspection, live data analysis, and other procedures to determine the actual cause. 

 Contact us before purchasing or bringing parts. Parts supplied by the customer may affect warranty coverage and may not always be appropriate for the repair. 

  Preventative maintenance can help:

• Extend vehicle life
• Reduce unexpected breakdowns
• Improve reliability
• Protect tires and other expensive components
• Identify small problems before they become major repairs

 You don't need to diagnose the problem yourself. Tell us what the vehicle is doing, when it happens, what sounds or vibrations you've noticed, and whether any warning lights are on. We'll take it from there.