What Your Suspension Does
Gravity alone is not enough to keep your vehicle on the road when your car is in motion. That is not to say it will float away, but your suspension system makes sure your tires maintain maximum contact with the road at all times. If not for your shocks and struts, bumps, potholes, and road banking would cause your tires to lose at least some contact with the road surface. This would dramatically change how your car handles when you are driving on a bumpy surface, turning, or stopping.
Signs Your Vehicle’s Suspension Needs Attention
When your suspension is worn and in need of repair, your vehicle begins to send signs of what life would be like without shocks and struts. These signs include:
- Drifting/Pulling: If your vehicle feels like it is never going straight, it might not be. If you find your car drifting or pulling to the right or left while it should be going straight, this could be a sign of failing suspension.
- Difficulty Turning: Does it feel like your car is fighting you when you turn right or left? You might have a suspension related issue.
- Rough Ride: If your car daily commute is starting to feel like a rodeo ride on a bronco, your shocks and struts need attention immediately.
- Tire Wear: If your tires are wearing unevenly, it is a sign that at least one of them is not making contact with the road as it should. This is likely suspension-related.
- Stopping: If your car dips more than usual under braking, it could be a sign of failing shocks.
- Noise: Are you hearing squeaks and squeals when you go over speed bumps and potholes. It is probably your suspension system calling out for help.
You may experience one or more of these signs at the same time. Make sure you heed their warnings. When your suspension begins to fail, your vehicle is simply not as safe as it should be.
Suspension Repairs
Just like your engine oil, fuel system, radiator, tires, and brakes, your suspension system will require attention periodically. There are some vehicle maintenance tasks that seem like an annoyance that yields little in the way of noticeable results. The good news about suspension repair is that once you have had an expert evaluate your situation and take the necessary maintenance steps for it, you will feel like you are riding in a new car. It will handle better, ride smoother, stop more safely, and feel like it did the day you bought it.
If your car is showing the signs of worn shocks and struts, contact Jody’s Automotive in Jonesville, NC. We are conveniently located near I-77, so even if you are not from here, you can trust us to keep you rolling down the interstate. Contact us for more information about whether your vehicle’s suspension needs attention.