Four Tips to Take Care of Your Vehicle’s Suspension

Your car’s suspension is very important for many reasons. This is the system that will smooth out bumpy rides and help you keep the car in control when you drive over uneven roads. The suspension is also responsible for keeping the passengers comfortable while they ride. Worn parts might lead to an unstable ride and reduce the amount of control you have over the car, so it is very important to keep it in good shape. Here are some tips to help you take care of your car’s suspension.

What Is the Suspension?
The pieces that make up the suspension include the chassis, spring coils that support the weight of the vehicle, and shock absorbers that work to protect the springs each time you go over a bump. The struts are also part of the suspension along with the anti-sway bar. The struts provide the structural support the car needs and creates a stable frame and body for the vehicle.

The anti-sway bar works to shift the wheels and keeps the car stable especially when going around corners. The tires are also a contributing piece of the suspension, so it is important to keep them in good shape too.

Suspension Maintenance
Since many parts make up the suspension, you should leave the mechanical work to a professional; however, you can keep an eye out for problems that might indicate that it needs work. If you see any signs that the suspension is not working correctly, make sure to bring it in to your mechanic as soon as possible.

Keep the Tires Properly Inflated
The tires are an essential part of the suspension, and it is important to keep them properly inflated. If they do not have enough air, they will not wear correctly, and it will affect all the other components of the suspension. You also want to regularly rotate the tires to help with even wear and tear, and make sure you have the wheels adjusted on a regular basis.

Signs of Wear and Tear
If you hear a clunking sound when you drive over a bump, it could mean that the spring coils are wearing out, and they do not have the strength to keep the car stable. While the design of these springs should last the life of the vehicle, sometimes they just wear out and need replacing. Leaking fluid or a damaged valve can contribute to wear on the shocks, so if the car feels bouncy when you go around a corner, it is a sign that the shock absorbers are not working correctly.

If you hear a rattling sound while driving, or if you notice that one side of your car sags down, it might be because of a damaged strut.

Your car’s suspension has many moving parts, so it is important to have a professional perform any needed repairs. You can do your part to help take care of it by driving carefully and looking out for any warning signs of damage.