Owning a car comes with responsibilities, and one responsibility that often gets overlooked is checking the vehicle’s suspension system. The suspension system is what allows your car to ride smoothly, and it is responsible for keeping you and your passengers safe.
Whether or not you need to have your car’s suspension checked depends on various factors.
Here are some common signs and situations that might warrant a suspension inspection:
1. Rough Ride
If you feel that your car is more bouncy or rough when driving over bumps, it might be due to worn-out shock absorbers or struts. If you feel every bump on the road, it could be a sign of damaged suspension components.
2. Pulling or Drifting During Turns
If your car pulls to the side when you turn, it might mean there’s a problem with the suspension that could make the car flip over more easily.
3. Dips or “Nose Dives” When Stopping
If the front end of your vehicle dives noticeably when braking, it could indicate failing shocks or struts.
4. Uneven Tyre Wear
If you notice uneven wear on your tires, especially balding on the edges, your suspension might be holding them unevenly against the road.
5. Oily Shocks or Struts
If you peek under your vehicle and notice that the shocks or struts are greasy or oily, there might be a leak in them.
6. Sagging Corners
If one corner of your car sits lower than the others (and there’s no flat tyre), there’s potentially a damaged spring or other suspension components.
7. Difficulty Steering
If steering feels harder, especially when turning at low speeds, or if the steering wheel vibrates or feels unresponsive, it could be related to your suspension or possibly issues with steering components.
8. Strange Noises
Hearing clunks, squeaks, or rattles when going over bumps or turns can indicate suspension issues.
9. After an Accident
Even if there’s no visible damage, impacts can jostle the suspension, making an inspection a good idea.
10. Regular Maintenance
Even without the above symptoms, during regular maintenance like tire rotations or oil changes, many mechanics will do a quick check of your suspension as part of their routine inspection.
If you experience any of the above, or if something just doesn’t feel right when driving, it’s a good idea to have your suspension checked by a professional. Ignoring suspension issues can lead to other problems in the vehicle and compromise safety.
The importance of regular suspension checks
Regular checks on your car’s suspension system are crucial for ensuring a smooth and safe ride. A malfunctioning suspension system can affect your ability to control the vehicle, especially when turning or stopping. Regular suspension checks can help identify problems early and prevent costly repairs in the future.
Another reason to check your suspension system is to prevent any further damage. A bad suspension system can cause other parts of your car to wear out prematurely, including the tyres, steering, and brakes.
Additionally, it could cause problems with your car’s alignment, which would worsen the ride and handling. Checking your suspension system regularly will help prevent these issues and save you money on costly repairs in the long run.
Booking your suspension check
Having a professional mechanic perform a suspension check is the best way to ensure your car is in good condition, and they will be able to identify any issues that you may overlook.
They will assess the state of the shocks, struts, springs, and other components of the suspension system, and provide recommendations to repair or replace any faulty parts. They may also suggest different suspension upgrades that could improve your car’s performance.
We recommend choosing a mechanic like DAPCO Bunbury, that specialises in suspension. They will have the most experience across all vehicles, will know the most common issues and have the skills and parts to get your suspension issues sorted.
