Suspension problems will affect your ability to control your vehicle, especially when stopping or turning, so it’s best to not to ignore any signs of a suspension problem. Problems only get worse but sometimes there is no getting worse it’s just boom big bucks that could have been prevented with some preventative maintenance at Last Chance Auto Repair.
When your car is running smoothly down the road most people don’t thank their suspensions but when the time comes to put some love (TLC, maintenance, service) into it people are ready to trade them in. In order to maintain a smooth ride hence your suspension goes through a lot of pain and suffering aka rough roads, off roading, extreme temperatures, etc. Your suspension wears down over time and if given enough time will breakdown and leave you stranded if not attended to. Need a suspension shop? Are you having suspension problems Plainfield, Naperville, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, IL, or any surrounding Chicagoland?
Signs Your Car Needs A Suspension Repair
1. Does your car ride rough?
Are your shocks and or struts worn out? Can you feel every bump in the road? Does your vehicle bounce excessively? A rough ride is an obvious sign that your vehicle’s suspension needs work.
2. Drifting or pulling during turns
With a failing suspension system, you’ll often feel the vehicle “drift” or “pull” when you’re turning. This basically means the shocks are no longer keeping the vehicle body stable against the centrifugal force of a turn, increasing your risk of a rollover. If you feel this sensation while turning, it’s time to take the car to a trusted auto repair shop for servicing.
3. Dips or “nose dives” when stopping
When the shocks are worn out, you’re likely to feel the vehicle body lurching forward and downward nose-first when you apply the brakes firmly. This can actually affect your ability to stop the car quickly (a bad suspension can increase stop time by up to 20 percent).
4. Uneven tire treads
Take a look at your tires. If you notice the tread is wearing down unevenly on your tires, or if you notice balding spots, this is often a symptom that the suspension isn’t holding the car evenly, and therefore putting uneven amounts of pressure on the tires.
5. Damaged, “oily” shocks
If you can look under the vehicle, take a look directly at the shocks or struts. If they look greasy or oily, there’s a good chance that they are leaking fluid and therefore aren’t working properly. It’s probably time to get those shocks replaced.
6. Try the “bounce test”
If you suspect your suspension is going bad (perhaps due to one or more of the symptoms we mentioned above), try this simple test. With the car in “park,” press down on the front of the vehicle with all your weight, “bounce” it a few times, then release. Do it again on the rear of the vehicle. If the car continues to rock or bounce more than 2-3 times after you release it, the suspension is wearing out.
If you are noticing any shifts in the mannerisms of your car you should contact your local auto repair shop to evaluate your car’s suspension. If you are experiencing a crooked steering wheel or an increasingly bumpy ride you might be in need of suspension service.
