The suspension is an integral part of a car. Its job is to maximize the friction between the tires and the driving surface to ensure a smoother ride and keep the vehicle in control.
Struts, control arms, shock absorbers, springs, and other main components of the suspension are located beneath the car’s body. These parts are constantly exposed to dirt, dust, debris, rocks, and take a lot of punishment every day. Hitting bumps or potholes too fast can be a contributor to damaging your suspension.
A damaged suspension is a recipe for disaster, negatively affecting your car’s ride quality. It is not advisable to drive a car with a bad suspension, as you may struggle to control the vehicle in an emergency. If left unaddressed for too long, a minor suspension problem can snowball into a major issue, leading to a complicated and expensive repair.
If you are noticing these signs of suspension problems, have a professional mechanic inspect your suspension system as soon as possible.
Your Car Pulls to One Side When Driving
If your car pulls to the left or right when driving, your suspension may be going bad. Some common reasons why cars pull to one side include poor alignment, uneven tire pressure, uneven tire wear, worn-out ball joints, control arms and shock absorbers, a bad brake caliper, and bad tie rods or steering rack. The sooner you have a mechanic look into the matter, the better.
You Feel Every Bump
A suspension system is designed to smoothen out bumps. If your rides have started feeling bumpy, it could be an indication that there is a problem with your suspension. Inspect your shock absorber, leaf spring and struts to see if they’re worn out.
Many mechanics recommend the bounce test to test the struts and shock absorbers. To perform the test, first park your car. Put your weight on the front end. Release and count the number of times the vehicle bounces.
If your car bounces more than three times, the shock absorbers and struts are worn out and should be replaced. Worn-out shocks can cause a whole host of problems. If your car’s ride quality has degraded, have a professional inspect your suspension as soon as possible.
One Corner Sits Lower Than Others
If one corner of your car sits lower than others, you may have a failing spring. A damaged spring makes a clunking noise when you drive over a speed bump or pothole. Make sure your tires are inflated properly. If a corner still sags, push your weight down on the boot of your car. Do you hear a creaking or squealing sound? If yes, there is a problem with your suspension.
Green Tech Automotive is a leading car repair shop in Sonoma County. Our technicians have the specialized knowhow required to get to the root causes of your vehicle problems in order to keep you safe on the road. To have your car suspension assessed by one of our experts, call us today at, (707) 545-7076.