Your vehicle’s
suspension does far more than just keep you comfortable during your
journey. It works in conjunction with the braking and steering
systems to keep you and your passengers
safe. Many motorists may wonder, though, exactly
what the suspension system does. CarCare.com offers the
following summary: “The
suspension maintains the relationship between the wheels and the
frame or unibody. The suspension system interacts with the steering
system to provide vehicle control. When working properly, the
suspension system helps absorb the energy from road irregularities
such as potholes and helps to maintain vehicle stability.”
Each and every time you use your vehicle, your suspension system undergoes road abuse from adverse road conditions. Given the fact that the suspension system is such an integral part of keeping your vehicle running safely and smoothly, it is important for you to recognize when something is wrong. If you notice that your vehicle has any of the following, you should have it checked as soon as possible: “pulling, uneven tire wear, noise and vibration while cornering, or loss of control.” As you know, when you are ill, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment; if you delay, the problem can worsen and become more difficult and expensive to treat. The same can be true for your vehicle. If you observe any of these symptoms, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible to ensure that it is running as safely as possible.
If you’re cautious when passing over speed bumps and you still experience diving, dipping, or excessive bouncing, then you may have suspension issues. It may be a damaged leaf spring or a worn strut. Leaf springs help prevent damage to your car’s components by enabling an up and down motion. Struts include shock absorbers which minimize the movement of the leaf spring as it compresses and expands during driving. Too much or too little of these vehicle motions can be the sign of a problem.
Even if you take excellent care of your vehicle, it may still suffer from some of these suspension-related problems. This is especially true during pothole season and road construction. It’s a good idea to have your vehicle checked out if you hit a large pothole, curb, or other obstacle – even if there are no apparent problems resulting from it.
In some cases, you may be unaware that a problem exists, or you may keep postponing an appointment for a variety of reasons. Unnoticeable damage can lead to a variety of issues which reduce driving performance and jeopardize safety. You may find that your tires begin to wear unevenly or the vehicle develops handling problems that were not there before. That is why it is important to take the vehicle in to be checked out as soon as possible, rather than putting it off. Procrastination may end up costing you a lot more money.
In addition to having your vehicle checked out when there is a problem, routine maintenance can be your best ally – especially if you are planning to drive a significant distance. Having a trained technician inspect your suspension, alignment, wheels, and tires is invaluable. Taking the appropriate precautions can result in improved vehicle performance, handling, efficiency, and safety. Some of these minor adjustments can provide immeasurable benefits. Furthermore it gives you peace of mind.