You may not think a lot about your car’s suspension system, but if it fails, it can quite literally stop you in your tracks. Driving with a broken or worn out suspension system not only puts unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle’s tires, but it can put you—and others on the road—at serious risk.
Your vehicle’s suspension is a system of parts that essentially connect your car to the wheels. Those parts include:
Your suspension system and all of its components play a big role in keeping you safe on the road. If just one of the above elements in your suspension system is deteriorated, worn, or broken, the entire system cannot perform its essential function of maximizing grip or traction between your car and the road. Without that, you will not be in for a very smooth ride.
So how will you know if your suspension system is not working properly? Fortunately, most of the signs of bad suspension are easy to recognize. Make sure you know the signs so that at the first indication of a problem, you can call your local Rad Air for a thorough inspection.
We are not just talking about large potholes here. If you are experiencing a bumpy ride even on relatively smooth highways and roads you take every day, you may have an issue with your car’s suspension. Think of it this way: riding in your car should not feel like being on an amusement park ride!
When the shocks and struts become worn or deteriorated over time, your suspension cannot absorb the impact and travel between your vehicle and the road. If your car is bouncing significantly at the slightest dip in the road or rattling on seemingly smooth roads, your vehicle is likely in need of repair.
If your vehicle is functioning properly, you will be able to move your steering wheel to complete a turn with ease. Fighting your wheel when steering, especially at a low speed, is a sign of a problem, most likely with your car’s steering or suspension system. It is also very dangerous to drive with a faulty suspension and steering system. We advise safely navigating off of the road and making an appointment to have your vehicle inspected.
When driving, you should be able to easily keep your car safely between the designated lane lines. If your car is pulling or dragging to one side of the road, there is likely a problem with your tires, brakes, or shock absorbers—all essential components of your suspension system.
If your vehicle’s tires are properly aligned, they should be wearing evenly. Uneven wearing on your tires indicates a problem with your vehicle’s stability and wheel alignment. This could be due to over- or under-inflated tires, a worn-out suspension system, or an overdue wheel alignment. Rad Air can help you shop for new tires or inspect and repair any suspension issue.
Do not let your car’s failing suspension system take you by surprise. The best defense is to be proactive and schedule a comprehensive suspension system inspection at Rad Air. Our automotive repair technicians will closely examine and test all components and identify potential problems early, so they can be fixed long before your suspension system fails. If you have any questions about our services, you can always reach out to our customer service team. When you are ready, schedule your appointment at one of our locations across Northeast Ohio.