Auto Shop Tips: Signs Your Vehicle Needs a Suspension Repair

It’s easy to forget about your suspension, but it’s important to have it checked out by a professional auto shop every now and then. Read on for more info.

Auto Shop Tips: Suspension Repair

Although it’s not something many people give much thought to, the suspension system on a vehicle plays a huge role in its overall safety and performance. When the suspension system begins to fail, many other things can go wrong. These things reduce the protection that your vehicle has to offer you and increase the likelihood of much more costly repairs down the road. If you keep an eye out for signs that your suspension system is failing, it will enable you to get your vehicle into the auto shop for repair before more issues arise. Here are a few signs of a failing suspension system:

When to Think about Taking Your Vehicle to the Auto Shop

Car Rides Roughly

When a car’s suspension is in peak shape, the car rides smoothly. Of course, some cars ride smoother than others, but you know your vehicle. It may not be something you notice right off, as depletion of suspension is gradual, but once you start paying attention, it should be easy to notice. If your car bounces with every little bump, it’s probably a good time to get it into the auto shop for a suspension repair.

Drifting During Turns

Another symptom of a failing suspension system is that you may feel your car starts to “pull” when turning, much like a dog on a leash trying to pull away from you. This is a sign that the shocks aren’t keeping the vehicle body stable against the centrifugal force. This can be quite dangerous, as it heightens the risk of your car rolling.

Your Car Nose Dives when Stopping

If hitting the brakes firmly makes your vehicle lurch forward and downward, this is another clear sign that your car should go to the auto shop for suspension repair. Bad suspension can limit your ability to stop the car quickly.

Uneven Tire Treads

If your tires wear at different rates (one still has great tread while another has significantly less or even bald spots), this is a sign that the suspension is not holding the weight of the car evenly and that you should get your car into an auto shop.

Try the “Bounce Test”

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above with your vehicle, there is a test that you can perform to check your suspension: With the car in “park,” press down on the front of the car with all of your body weight. Then, do the same thing on the rear of the car. If the car rocks or bounces more than 2-3 times, your suspension is wearing out.

Terry’s Auto Service and Towing is knowledgeable and experienced enough to determine the state of your suspension system. Getting your vehicle in for a checkup is always a good idea; if any of the signs above are occurring with your vehicle, it’s even more important to get your car into the auto shop. Being proactive about getting your suspension system repaired now will save you the time, money, and stress of more serious suspension problems down the line.