Your car’s suspension system maximises the friction between the tyres and the road surface, to provide steering stability with good handling and to ensure the comfort of the passengers. Regular suspension repairs & service is highly recommended to ensure a smooth ride.
Our vehicle's suspension system (i.e., shocks or struts) is something we often take for granted. However, after supporting several tons of metal year after year, eventually the shocks will wear out and suspension repair will be necessary. Some people mistakenly believe the suspension is mainly about having a smooth ride, and therefore these repairs aren't as important as other maintenance issues like oil changes or brakes. However, having a bad suspension can greatly affect your ability to control the vehicle, especially when stopping or turning, so it's in your best interest not to ignore this part of auto maintenance.
How do you know when it's time for suspension repair? Your vehicle will usually tell you. Here are six things to watch for.
Car rides roughly
Most people can tell their shocks or struts are wearing out when they begin to feel every bump in the road, or when every bump causes the vehicle body to 'bounce.' A rough ride is an obvious sign that your vehicle's may need suspension repair.
Drifting or pulling during turns
With a failing suspension system, you'll often feel the vehicle 'drift' or 'pull' when you're turning. This basically means the shocks are no longer keeping the vehicle body stable against the centrifugal force of a turn, increasing your risk of a rollover. If you feel this sensation while turning, it's time to have a look at Suspension Repair.
Dips or 'nose dives' when stopping
When the shocks are worn out, you're likely to feel the vehicle body lurching forward and downward nose-first when you apply the brakes firmly. This can actually affect your ability to stop the car quickly (a bad suspension can increase stop time by up to 20 percent).
Uneven tire treads
Take a look at your tires. If you notice the tread is wearing down unevenly on your tires, or if you notice balding spots, this is often a symptom that the suspension isn't holding the car evenly, and therefore putting uneven amounts of pressure on the tires.
Damaged, 'oily' shocks
If you can look under the vehicle, take a look directly at the shocks or struts. If they look greasy or oily, there's a good chance that they are leaking fluid and therefore aren't working properly. It's probably time to get those shocks replaced.
Try the 'bounce test'
If you suspect your suspension is going bad (perhaps due to one or more of the symptoms we mentioned above), try this simple test. With the car in 'park,' press down on the front of the vehicle with all your weight, 'bounce' it a few times, then release. Do it again on the rear of the vehicle. If the car continues to rock or bounce more than 2-3 times after you release it, the suspension is wearing out, and its time to get Suspension Repair Services.
Your car's suspension system is responsible for smoothing out the ride and keeping the car in control. Specifically, the suspension system maximizes the friction between the tires and the road to provide steering stability and good handling. The suspension system also provides comfort for passengers to limiting the impact of particular road conditions to not only the car, but the passengers riding inside.
The suspension system is made up of several components, including the chassis, which holds the cab of the car. The springs support the vehicle weight and absorb and reduce excess energy from road shocks, along with the shock absorbers and struts. Finally, the anti-sway bar shifts the movement of the wheels and stabilizes the car.
Your car's suspension system must be in good condition. Worn suspension components may reduce the stability of the vehicle and reduce driver control, as well as accelerate wear on other suspension system components. Replacing worn or inadequate shocks and struts will help maintain good ride control, as they: