The suspension is undoubtedly one of the most important parts of any vehicle, and its condition will impact everything from the car’s safety to the comfort of your ride. So, if the car’s performance has started to suffer, this should be one of the first parts to be analyzed. Furthermore, if there is a problem, you’ll want to get suspension repair ASAP.
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Accurate Automotive is a team of ASE Certified mechanics and technicians who are capable of fixing those problems in the fastest, most affordable fashion. Your first job, however, is to discover whether the suspension problems are the source of your performance decline. Here’s all you need to know.
What Does The Suspension Actually Do?
Even if you’re a driver who simply cares about the basics of getting from point A to point B, you’ll have heard about the car suspension. Suspension systems consist of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connect the vehicle to the tires and enables relative motion between the two.
The suspension’s main purpose is to help keep the wheels in contact with the road at all times while protecting passengers and cargo by promoting a safer and smoother ride. This is achieved by distributing weight and a host of other factors. Given the influence that this will have on your safety and enjoyment behind the wheel, it’s imperative that you give it the attention it deserves.
Why You Cannot Afford To Keep Driving With A Faulty Suspension
Problems with the suspension will negatively impact your experiences behind the wheel, which could result in a lost love of driving. More importantly, though, it can reduce the car’s performance, leading to potentially dangerous situations and malfunctions with other components including steering and wheel alignment.
When the suspension is faulty, you may find that breaking and turning become more difficult to judge and the vehicle may develop too much play. With this in mind, it is highly advised that you get the issues seen to ASAP – not least because untreated problems can take their toll on other parts of the vehicle.
Signs Of Suspension Damage
Before attending to any problems with the suspension system, you must first identify that the issue exists. Here are 10 symptoms to keep an eye out for:
- The vehicle dips when stopping, the shocks could be worn and in need of repair.
- The vehicle pulls or drags to one side when driving, which suggests that the suspension and steering components may be worn.
- The vehicle is noticeable uneven, with one wheel lower than the others.
- The vehicle feels as though it is drifting when taking corners, suggesting that stability has been lost.
- The vehicle doesn’t ride smoothly. It feels bumpy and rough instead.
- The vehicle struggles to stabilize quickly after hitting a pothole or bump.
- The vehicle has oily and/or damaged shocks.
- The vehicle continues to wear out the treads of one tire quicker than the rest.
- The vehicle makes a clunking sound when going over bumps, because the springs are struggling.
- The vehicle rattles due to a faulty strut.
The above issues may not always be a sign of problems with the suspension and could be associated with damage elsewhere. Whether it’s a fault with the suspension system or another part of the vehicle, Accurate Auto will identify the source of trouble before getting to work on restoring the car to its best.
Protecting The Suspension
Given that the suspension system is made up of several parts, it’s vital that you pay attention to all of those crucial features at all times. With the right maintenance and preventative care, you can actively extend the lifespan of all parts as well as the system as a whole.
Some of the best tips for prolonging the lifespan and health of the suspension include:
- Keeping the tires properly inflated at all times while also monitoring the treads.
- Get the wheels aligned if they have become put out of position.
- Have all aspects of the vehicle inspected following accidents.
- Drive at the right speeds and take care when going over bumps.
- Stop slamming on the brakes (unless necessary) and learn to use them with greater ease.
What To Do When The Suspension Is Faulty
Even with the greatest care in the world, it’s impossible to keep the suspension going forever. For example, the shocks should be replaced every 50,000-60,000 miles while ball joints, spindles, and other features will naturally succumb to wear and tear. So, you will need to get the suspension repaired at one stage or another.
It is possible to fix the majority of problems on a DIY basis. However, the sheer volume of parts that could be affected, along with the fact that the symptoms could be linked to other problems mean that it is probably a bad idea.
Same Day Automotive Repair
Accurate Automotive can identify the exact source of your problem and will usually have the tools and spare parts needed to complete the jobs right away. This stops you from having to wait weeks for deliveries. Instead, you can get back to driving right away – same day.
Moreover, it’s nice to now that in the rare event of a problem persisting, you can get it seen to again. Sadly, trying to take the assignment on yourself can often make issues worse than when you started.
Accurate Automotive’s technicians and mechanics work with several manufacturers including BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz, Lexus, Acura, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Infinity, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Nissan, Cadillac, Mazda, Mitsubishi and GM Service (All General Motors Vehicles). When you need to get any part of the suspension system checked or repaired, our service is the only one you’ll need.
The suspension system has an integral role to play in your safety and happiness on the road. Get those issues seen to ASAP to save a lot of time and money in the long run. For the sake of your vehicle and your personal driving experiences, Accurate Automotive is there to save the day. Do not hesitate to contact us today. Visit Accurate Auto for factory recommended services and maintenance in Thousand Oaks.