Understanding and Maintaining Your Car’s Suspension

To many average drivers, the parts of a car can seem like mysterious and magical machines: infinitely useful when they’re working properly, but impossible to understand when something goes wrong. If you fall within this group, don’t worry. Although car terminology and functions may seem very complicated, it actually doesn’t take too much effort to get a basic understanding of your car’s systems. One of the most important systems necessary to keep your car running as it should, is the suspension. What is a suspension, how does it affect your car’s performance, and what type of maintenance does it require?

What is a Car’s Suspension?

The suspension of a car is the system of springs and shock absorbers that is in place between the main body of the car and the car’s wheels. The main functions of a car’s suspension are to keep the wheels against the road where they should be and to create a comfortable riding experience for the people in the car. You may have noticed that the car bounces slightly up and down when weight is put on it, or when it goes over a bump in the road. This is due to the springs of the suspension system, which allow the wheels to get continued traction. Because the bouncing caused by the springs can be uncomfortable for passengers, the shock absorbers control the amount of bounce and reduce the feel of bumpiness from driving over uneven roads.

What Happens if a Car’s Suspension isn’t Working Properly?

Under normal conditions, the suspension system keeps the car from bouncing too much and controls what goes on between the tires and the road. Therefore, if the suspension isn’t working as it should, many problems can arise. If the springs are broken or not functioning properly, you may notice increased tire wear and lowered fuel economy. Faulty or cracked shock absorbers can lead to your car continuing to bounce after going over a bump. Both springs and shock absorbers can be serious safety hazards if not working properly, so make sure to bring your car in for servicing if you notice any of these signs. It’s generally recommended that a car’s shock absorbers should be checked every three to five years. Springs should last for a long time, but in some rare instances, they may break and need to be replaced.

What are Some Parts of the Suspension System that Commonly Cause Problems?

Parts that commonly need to be replaced within the suspension system include the shock absorbers and strut assemblies. Both of these parts control and counteract the spring action of your car, so that it doesn’t bounce excessively when you’re driving. Shocks and struts can wear down or become cracked or leaky. A common sign of faulty shocks or struts is if the front of your car dips down when you brake. Springs are built to last for the lifespan of the car, but sometimes they can break as well, depending on factors like the make and model of the car, the weight of the car, and how heavy a load the car generally carries.

How Can You Test a Car’s Suspension?

You can check your car’s suspension using a series of easy tests. First, drive for a while with the window down and listen closely for squeaking or clanking sounds coming from the wheels. It’s also important to check tire pressure, as low tire pressure can be hard on your car’s suspension system. If your car vibrates while you are driving, this can be a sign that the tires need more air. The best, safest practice is to take your car in to an auto repair center if you notice anything out of the ordinary. The experts there can help you evaluate your car’s suspension and other systems.

A car’s suspension is critical to its performance. Because the suspension keeps the car attached to the wheels, if it is not properly maintained, you may be faced with various dangerous problems. For example, faulty shock absorbers may cause the ride to be uncomfortable and unpleasant. Suspension problems can also create issues that are more serious such excessive damage to your tires. Make sure you take care of your vehicle’s suspension by checking it regularly and addressing minor problems before they develop into something more serious.