Bumpy Ride? It May Be Time for a Suspension Inspection!
Most drivers don’t think about the suspension in their vehicle until it has problems—then it’s difficult to think of anything else. With the bumps and jolts, suspension issues can make every drive an uncomfortable endeavor. Even worse, bad suspension can cause damage to your vehicle!
Why Suspension Issues Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Your suspension system is critical for proper steering, stopping ability, and stability. Every time you hit a bump, pothole, or object in the road, your suspension takes the brunt of the impact, allowing you to maintain control. While this is good for the driver, all those bumps and jolts can take their toll on suspension over time.
The suspension system is made up of many joints and pivot points that allow the wheels to move up and down over bumps, as well as to turn while steering. These parts include ball joints, tie rod ends, the pitman, idler arms, and the control arm brushing. These are all subject to wear and tear.
When a joint or other part is worn, the other parts don’t fit as tightly as they should. This can cause the handling and steering to feel loose, and you may hear noise coming from your suspension. Your tires will also wear unevenly because they’re bouncing unevenly on the road as you drive. Loose joints add stress to the other suspension components, which can cause them to wear out faster than they should. Suspension parts can also get bent from impact, like hitting a rock, a curb, or a large pothole.
How to Tell You Have an Issue with Your Suspension
Here are six of the most common signs you may have a suspension problem:
- You feel every bump in the road
- Your car pulls to one side
- The shock absorbers look greasy
- Your car lurches or dips when you come to a stop
- Uneven tire wear
- One corner of the vehicle sits lower than the others
Visit EuroCar Service for a Suspension Inspection
If the above signs sound all too familiar, it’s time to have your suspension system inspected. During an inspection, the technician will look for signs of wear or damage and will replace any parts as needed. It’s always a good idea to take care of suspension issues right away to prevent further damage to the system and a more expensive repair.
As your local European vehicle experts, EuroCar Service can help you keep your vehicle operating safely—and help you save money on repairs or tire replacement! We see all European makes, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mini-Cooper, Volkswagen, Volvo, Saab, Smart Car, and Fiat. Contact us today at (206) 527-8828 or request an appointment online!
