The suspension system is a very vital part of mechanics fitted to every vehicle out there. Essentially, it is the system responsible for keeping all four wheels on the ground and ensuring that adequate braking power is used at all times. It stabilizes the drive and prevents rollover accidents. Because of its delicacy and exposure to various forms of shock, problems with suspension are common and unavoidable.
In today’s blog, we are showing you four of the most common signs that your car needs suspension repair.
1. Your feel every bump and hole
If you are feeling every bump and hole in the ground, you likely have a problem with your suspension system. For instance, if you go through potholes and feel like you are speeding over a major speed bump, you probably have damaged struts and shock absorbers.
The role of these is to stabilize your ride and help you keep control when turning, stopping, accelerating, or driving over uneven roads. If that is your case, you need to replace your damaged or worn-out struts and shocks – otherwise, your safety and comfort are at major risk.
2. Steering your car is super difficult
Next on the list of signs you need suspension repair is difficulty with steering. This is one of the most common car problems and a suspension issue that many drivers are facing. One of the reasons for that might be the lack of power steering fluid or a potential leak in the fluid reservoir which impacts drivability.
Also, you might be seeing uneven tyre pressure or loose bolts, which are one of the main causes of a shaky steering wheel. A damaged suspension will affect your steering as it causes drift, and it’s difficult to control your vehicle when turning.
3. Your car pulls to one side when driving
Flat surfaces are the ideal test environment for vehicles with potential steering or suspension issues. A common sign of a faulty suspension is the car pulling to one side when driving. It is easy to tell whether this is the case with your vehicle – just go on a flat and straight road and see if the car pulls and you need to turn against the steering wheel to remain straight on the road.
While uneven tyre pressure may also be the cause for this, greater pulling to the side is usually a problem caused by the suspension system.
4. The bouncing test
Finally, the fourth sign that your suspension is faulty will come from what we call the bouncing test. If you suspect that you have suspension issues, you can test your vehicle by pressing on its hood or trunk several times and seeing if the car is bouncing up and down.
The goal here is to get the car bouncing and stop immediately – if your vehicle returns to normal ride height within 3-4 bounces, the suspension system is doing okay. However, if it continues to bounce, there are likely some problems with its parts.
Don’t ignore any of these signs
Putting off a suspension repair can only give you more problems in the future. Doing that also puts danger to your comfort and safety, and could lead to greater costs and more repairs down the road. So, if you notice any of the above-mentioned signs, you should definitely visit a mechanic for a full inspection.
Not sure if your suspension is in top condition? Looking for “suspension near me” on Google?
Save yourself some time and call us at 800-STOP-GO to book your service appointment – and get a full inspection!