You rely on your vehicle’s suspension more than you realize. You use it to steer, and it keeps your ride smooth and comfortable. The suspension is made up of several key parts, including the wheels, shocks, struts, and steering system gear. Let’s talk about your vehicle’s suspension and how Demore’s Automotive can help keep it operating as it should be throughout the life of your car, truck, or SUV.
Signs You’ve Got Suspension Problems
The most common suspension problems happen with the wheels, their balance and alignment. You will also have problems with your struts and/or shocks eventually and could even end up with steering problems if you drive a high-mileage automobile. Signs you’ve got suspension problems include
- Your vehicle pulling to the side
- An unusually bouncy or noisy ride
- Strange sounds when you steer
- Difficult or uncontrollable steering
- Uncontrolled momentum movements
- Your vehicle sitting low on a wheel
You might not notice these signs at first, but once something doesn’t feel right, it’s a good idea to have the suspension checked right away. The sooner you address a problem the less chance it will turn into an even bigger and more expensive problem.
Things That Ruin Your Vehicle Suspension
Age will ruin your suspension eventually but it takes a lot of miles for that to be a problem, especially if you take good care of your automobile. Accidents can also damage the suspension, particularly if you get into a serious one that totals your car. Other things that ruin your suspension include
- Bumps, including speed bumps and parking lot space markers
- Potholes and other road hazards
- Braking too hard all the time
- Driving your vehicle as if it were a 4WD
- Overloading your automobile beyond its weight capacity
It’s important to understand the limitations of your automobile, including its load and towing capacities, and to respect those limitations. For example, overloading your vehicle will place undue stress on the shocks and struts. Flying over a speed bump could break an axle.
Preventative Suspension Maintenance
One of the best ways to protect your vehicle’s suspension is to take care of it. Abide by the maintenance schedule in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, and make sure to get the suspension services done at the correction mileage milestone. For example, it’s a good idea to align the wheels once a year.
Demore’s Automotive in Palmer, MA, can help you with your vehicle’s suspension services and repairs. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
