What Does Your Car Suspension Have To Do With Safety?
Here at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, your safety means the world to us. That’s why we are updating the blogs in our archive to provide you more information on the various topics we’ve discussed with our Monterey community over the past fifteen years. This week, we want to update this blog on suspensions. We are sure that those warm, adventurous weather days are coming–and if you plan on doing any traveling, your suspension is crucial. Here’s our update:
Understanding Your Car's Suspension
Your car's suspension is a crucial component that plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience. Located between the vehicle's frame and the wheels, the suspension system consists of various parts, including springs, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, and sway bars. Together, these components work to absorb shocks from the road, support the vehicle's weight, and provide stability and control while driving.
Maintenance and Repair
Like any other mechanical system, your car's suspension requires regular maintenance to perform optimally. While there's no fixed schedule for suspension maintenance, it's essential to have it inspected periodically, typically during routine service intervals or when you notice any signs of trouble.
Signs Your Suspension Needs Repair
Several indicators suggest that your car's suspension may need attention:
1. Uneven Tire Wear: If you notice uneven wear patterns on your tires, it could be a sign of suspension issues. Excessive bouncing or vibration while driving can lead to irregular tire wear.
2. Vehicle Pulling or Drifting: A vehicle that pulls to one side or drifts when driving straight may have suspension problems. This issue can affect the vehicle's alignment and handling, making it less safe to drive.
3. Excessive Bouncing: A healthy suspension system should provide a smooth and stable ride. If your car bounces excessively over bumps or dips in the road, it could indicate worn-out shocks or struts.
4. Knocking or Clunking Sounds: Strange noises, such as knocking or clunking sounds coming from the suspension when driving over bumps or making turns, may signal worn-out or damaged components.
5. Difficulty Steering: A compromised suspension system can affect steering responsiveness and control. If you experience difficulty steering or notice increased steering effort, it's essential to have your suspension inspected promptly.
Possible Diagnosis by Auto Mechanics
When you take your car to a qualified mechanic for suspension repair, they will conduct a thorough inspection to diagnose the problem accurately. Depending on the symptoms and observations, possible diagnoses may include:
1. Worn-out Shocks or Struts: If the ride feels excessively bumpy or unstable, the mechanic may check the condition of the shocks or struts. Worn-out shocks and struts can compromise ride quality and safety.
2. Damaged Control Arms or Bushings: Control arms and bushings play a crucial role in maintaining wheel alignment and stability. If these components are worn or damaged, it can affect steering precision and handling.
3. Leaking Fluids: Fluid leaks from shock absorbers or struts indicate internal damage and the need for replacement. Leaking fluids can compromise the performance of the suspension system and lead to further damage if left unaddressed.
4. Misaligned Wheels: A misaligned wheel can cause uneven tire wear and affect vehicle stability. The mechanic will check the wheel alignment and make necessary adjustments to ensure proper alignment.
5. Broken or Weak Springs: Broken or weak springs can cause the vehicle to sag or sit unevenly, affecting ride height and stability. The mechanic will inspect the springs for signs of damage and replace them if necessary.
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy suspension system is essential for ensuring a safe and comfortable driving experience. By paying attention to signs of suspension trouble and addressing issues promptly, you can prevent accidents and prolong the lifespan of your vehicle. Regular inspections and timely repairs by qualified professionals will help keep your car's suspension in optimal condition. Below is the blog from 2021, with information about why your suspension matters so much.
Did you know that when your vehicle's suspension is not in tip-top shape, you increase your risk of getting into an accident? It's true, and that is the main reason why your car's suspension has to do with the safety of you and your passengers.
To be clear, CARSTAR Robert's Collision is not claiming that keeping your suspension well maintained is going to prevent an accident or improve your safety. That is a claim anyone would be foolish to make because accidents can be caused by various multipliers, including distracted driving, a blown tire, road hazards, and the like. But in this week's blog article, we will point out five reasons why your vehicle's suspension has a lot to do with the ability to drive safely.
Turns.
Have you ever had to make a quick, hard turn? Sharp and fast turns are not something we recommend often doing. However, these kinds of turns are sometimes necessary when avoiding an object in the road or when we almost miss a turn. If your car's suspension cannot withstand the torque caused by the speed you're driving, the size of your vehicle, and the sharpness of the hard turn, your car may go out of control and possibly roll.
Bumps.
Have you ever seen the humorous commercial about the guy who went on a first date, picked up his gal, gave her a small bouquet, but at the end of the ride, the poor girl bumped her head on the truck's ceiling so many times that the flowers became broken twigs? To truly appreciate the sad humor of this guy's first date, you should see it. Unfortunately, we couldn't find the video for you, so here's another humorous Valentine's Date video to watch. Take a lesson from us. A malfunctioning suspension system has the potential to ruin a romantic drive with your sweetheart.
Stops.
If you have to make a hard stop to avoid a collision, your vehicle's suspension is a big part of the physics of stopping. Yes, most people think that stopping is all about the brakes. But your car's suspension being in top shape can either help or hinder your ability to stop. Just for fun, here's a video of a passenger in a cab that's begging the undercover driver to stop. Fortunately, it's a happy ending for everyone involved.
Stability.
Stability is essential when driving your vehicle. Your vehicle's suspension determines how maneuverable and drivable your vehicle can be. If your car's suspension is deficient, it can feel like you're driving a marshmallow, and that's not good for safety.
Tires.
Last but not least, a poor suspension can wear out your tires faster than expected. Not many people worry too much about bad shocks, but this video explains why shocks and suspension help your wheels stay on the road. When your car's suspension is in good repair and your wheel alignment meets factory standards, your tires are going to have an easier time safely transporting you and your passengers.
If you have other ideas to add to this list, we encourage you to contact us at CARSTAR Robert's Collision in Monterey. Or, make an appointment for auto body repairs and service at https://www.roberts-autorepair.com//appointments/.