mechanic inspecting suspensionDrivers can tell when their car’s oil is running low or the tire treads are worn, but the suspension is a different story. When your vehicle suspension is showing signs of damage, you may overlook it. Perhaps you blame it on another system or your own driving habits. Unfortunately, suspension issues often do not surface until you take your car in for a regular inspection or worse, you get into an accident.

What Are the Effects?

Suspension systems experience wear and tear gradually; that’s par for the course when supporting several thousand pounds of metal. As these issues surface, you may find yourself unable to control the vehicle, especially when trying to stop or make a turn.

More specifically, wear affects the shocks, struts, springs, rods and ball joints. With time, this damage makes your car or truck extremely unsafe to drive. So, before you find yourself unable to steer in the event of an accident, know the following signs.

1. A Bumpier Ride

You can blame a rough ride on the road, but when you feel every single bump and ridge as your car bounces around, think about the suspension system. You could be dealing with:

  • Worn-out struts. This complete suspension assembly helps control steering and alignment.
  • Old shock absorbers. By nature, this part keeps your tires on the road. When they start to leak or fail, your contact with the road greatly decreases and you feel that bouncing sensation.

2. Your Car Drifts and Pulls

You will feel these movements most often at high speeds. Your car drifts or pulls to one direction on turns and when you’re traveling straight, it seems like you’re fighting with the steering wheel. Additionally, your car seems to get less mileage per gallon. This issue also stems from your shocks and can increase your chances of a rollover.

3. Steering Is a Challenge

At a slow speed, you may get the sensation that your steering wheel is slipping, especially when you’re making a turn. At this point, it’s clear that the components in your power steering system have experienced some damage and may need to be replaced.

4. Dipping at a Stop

Your car should be able to make a full stop, without any extra movement. However, if your car instead dips nose-down when you apply the brakes, your suspension system may be to blame. At this point, your car is a hazard on the road. You’re not able to stop quick enough, thus your accident risk goes up.

5. Uneven Tire Wear

What do your tire treads look like? If you regularly check this feature of your vehicle, suspension damage can emerge through uneven wear and balding spots. This occurs when the car, via the suspension system, places a greater degree of weight on certain areas of your tires.

6. Your Car Isn’t Level

Let’s say you park your car on level ground. Ideally, all four corners look even with each other. But, if you’re dealing with a damaged spring, one corner will likely appear lower than the others. Typically, this occurrence is further accompanied by a clunking noise whenever you drive.

At this point, auto body experts recommend doing the “bounce test.” Place the car in park, put all your weight on the front, bounce it a few times, then release your position. See if it continues to bounce at least two to three more times once you get up. After, do the same to the rear end. In both cases, the extra motion indicates your suspension system is worn past its prime.
 
Whether you’re coming in for auto body maintenance or repairs, be sure to schedule your next appointment with DaSilva’s Auto Body. To learn more about out services, give our Naugatuck location a call today.