The suspension system in your car is responsible for keeping your wheels in alignment and your tyres grounded on the road.
The suspension system is comprised of a number of different components that collaborate with one another to provide you with a pleasurable ride.
Other components include bushings, joints, and bearings that enable components such as the sway bars to twist and move with the vehicle.
Shocks and springs are also included in this category. These components are responsible for absorbing impacts caused by the dips and bumps in the road.
It is also the responsibility of the suspension, in conjunction with the steering system, to adjust the angles of the wheels, including the camber, caster, and toe angles, so that your vehicle can drive in a straight line.
When all of the components of your suspension system are operating as they should, it is quite probable that you will not give them any serious consideration.
Nevertheless, a single broken component might result in several problems.
The following are six frequent indications that your car may have an issue with its suspension.
1. PULLING TO ONE SIDE
If your car is tugging to one side, this might be an indication that there is an issue with the suspension of your vehicle.
It is possible for the alignment of your vehicle to be impacted if one or more of the components that make up your suspension, such as the struts, springs, joints, or bearings, are broken or not operating properly.
It is possible that broken components are not always the cause of your car tugging to the side, although this is quite unlikely.
In the event that your wheels are not aligned, you can experience tugging. Even while the suspension system can have an effect on wheel alignment (the camber and caster angles are determined by the components of the suspension system), anything as easy as driving over a pothole might cause your wheels to become misaligned.
If you have recently encountered a significant bump or a pothole, and your car is dragging to one side or the steering wheel is off centre, you should make an appointment at the Firestone Complete Auto Care location that is closest to you.
To determine whether or not a wheel alignment service is required, our mechanics will perform an inspection.
2. BOUNCING ON BUMPS AND DIPS
If your car has problems with its suspension, you could feel every bump and dip that you encounter while you are driving.
Any impacts that are caused by uneven roads are absorbed by suspension components such as springs and shocks, which means that you feel them much less while you are in the driver’s seat.
Struts or coil springs that have been damaged may not be able to moderate the impacts as effectively as they should, which may result in your car feeling like a trampoline after every bump or dip.
3. ONE SIDE OR CORNER FEELS LOWER
Your suspension system is responsible for more than simply making your ride more comfortable. Your car will also benefit from its support.
Having the sensation that your car is sitting lower on one side or corner may be the result of damage to one or more suspension components, such as a blown-out shock or springs that are not functioning properly.
Additionally, it is possible that it might be seen from the exterior of your vehicle.
4. DIPPING WHEN BRAKING
Have you noticed any problems with your suspension system? Whenever you apply the brakes, you will most likely observe that your front end dips excessively.
When you apply the brakes, the forward momentum of your vehicle, in conjunction with the weight of your car, puts a significant amount of stress on the front end of the vehicle.
All of that weight and force might be pushed downward on the front end of the vehicle if the suspension is not functioning properly.
As soon as you have come to a complete stop, you can even sense a rocking motion since the weight of your car will be redistributing itself.
5. DIFFICULTY STEERING
There is a direct connection between the steering system and the suspension of your car.
Should there be a malfunction in the suspension system, it is quite probable that you would experience it when you are steering. By way of illustration, you could see that your automobile is dragging to one side.
Problems with the steering system can be caused by issues with the suspension system, but they can also be caused by a number of other causes.
Insufficient or leaking power steering fluid, worn bushings on the steering column, or a power steering pump that is not functioning properly are all potential causes of this issue.
In any case, driving while experiencing steering troubles is dangerous. Bring your car to the Firestone Complete Auto Care location that is closest to you as soon as possible so that they can diagnose and fix any issues that you are experiencing with your steering and handling.
6. ROLLING TO THE SIDE WHEN CORNERING
When you corner with problems with your car’s suspension, your vehicle may roll to the side, which is similar to how it dips when you apply the brakes.
When you turn, the weight of your car might change more dramatically if you do not have the appropriate support, which can give the impression that your vehicle is sliding to one side.