Tips

Signs I Need My Suspension Serviced

It’s an excellent idea to have your vehicle’s suspension inspected once a year. This ensures that worn parts can be replaced before you end up with a real problem. Even if you don’t get the suspension inspected annually, your suspension will tell you when it needs some TLC.

Bumpy/Uncomfortable Ride

For example, the struts and shocks keep your vehicle comfortable. They absorb the bumps in the road so you feel as if you are driving over smooth pavement. If the ride in your automobile is getting bumpier and uncomfortable, you need to replace the struts and shocks. Usually, the time to replace them ranges between 30,000 miles and 60,000 miles depending on their quality.

Momentum Movement

The struts and shocks also keep the body from moving while you drive. If you think about it, there’s a lot of momentum going on with your automobile. Normally, the body would lean backward when you pick up speed, lurch forward when you stop, and even tilt when you turn corners. Bad struts and shocks will allow this momentum movement while you are driving.

Oil on the Struts/Shocks

Finally, you can tell definitively that the struts and shocks need to be replaced if they are oily. You can reach up and touch them to see if they feel sticky. If they do, they need to be switched out for new ones. Their seals have broken and they are losing their internal fluid.

Corner Sitting Too Low

The struts and shocks are not the only suspension parts that need TLC. You also have suspension or leaf springs on the wheels that can break. Most of the time, you will hear a loud clunk when the spring breaks and the wheel will clunk when you drive over bumps afterward. Your vehicle’s body will also sit lower on the wheel with the broken leaf spring.

Pulling Away From Straight

If you constantly have to correct your steering when you are driving straight, the wheel alignment needs some TLC. The wheels need to be aligned in order for your vehicle to head straight without veering to one side or the other.

Steering Difficulties

Last but not least, the steering system is included in your vehicle’s suspension. You never want to have steering difficulties because this means you will fight to control the direction of your vehicle. Problems steering the vehicle could be a steering system or axle problem.

Set up an appointment with our shop today if you haven’t had your suspension serviced in over a year.

keyboard_arrow_up