A car is a combination of numerous components working in sync to take us from one place to another. Now, out of all the components, the car’s suspension is one of the more crucial aspects. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, it ensures the correct position of the wheels. Secondly, it makes sure that your ride is smooth and comfortable.
No mechanic will deny the importance of a properly functioning suspension system. If anything goes wrong with your car’s suspensions, then you can get into an ugly incident. Thus, it is always advisable to keep an eye on your car’s suspension by conducting regular checks and immediately replacing the worn-out components.
To make it simple for you, we have listed out some warning signs which indicate that your car suspension needs attention. They are as follows:
- Vehicle Is Pulling to One Side
- Feeling Every Bump
- One Corner Is Sitting Low
- Diving Rolling or Squatting
- Is your car leaning forward when you’re braking?
- Whenever you turn a corner, does your car roll sideways?
- Is your car squatting backward whenever you accelerate?
- Difficulty When Steering
- Oily Shock Absorbers
Whenever you notice that your car is pulling to a particular side, it is a clear sign of tyre, brake, or suspension problems. For a smooth driving experience, your tyres need to be aligned perfectly. Check your tyre treads and see if they are wearing evenly or not. Also, check the inflation ratio of all the tyres. If the problem persists after you are done with your tyre check-up, then there is a problem with your car’s suspension system. If you’re not sure about the problem and can’t spot any signs of damage on shock absorbers or ball joints, then contact a qualified mechanic.
As we discussed above, the main task of any car suspension system is to make your driving experience smooth by absorbing bumps on the road. If your driving experience has not been smooth lately and you can literally feel all the bumps on the road, then it’s a clear sign of suspension failure. This bumpy ride occurs due to failure in the proper functioning of shock absorbers. You need to check them and try to assess the damage. You can conduct a bounce test by simply putting your body weight on your car’s bonnet. Release the tension and count the bounces. If it is more than three bounces, then your absorbers need to be repaired.
This is one of the clearest signs of a car's suspension issues. If you find your car lowering down on one particular corner, then it’s a sign of spring damage. You might also hear a noise whenever you hit a bump or pothole. To check this issue, you need to make sure that your car’s tyres are properly inflated. If you are still observing one corner sitting low, then put your weight on the boot of the car. Release the tension and observe how the suspension reacts. If you hear a creaking sound, then you need to get your car’s suspension system checked by a mechanic.
To identify this sign, you need to ask yourself three questions:
If your answer is yes for any of the above questions, then it is a clear sign that your car suspension system has an issue. This problem can arise due to the malfunctioning of the shock absorbers of the suspension system. You can use the above-mentioned bounce test for the assessment. Once you observe this issue, you need to take your car to the nearest car service provider to get it fixed.
If you have an issue with your suspension system, you will face difficulty while steering your car. This becomes more difficult when you are driving at low speed. This is a clear indication that there is something wrong with your car’s suspension. The problem might be anything from depleted power steering fluid level to leaking power steering rack. This is a serious sign and you need to address it as soon as possible to avoid accidents. Get your car properly checked by a professional repairman who will identify the problem and fix it.
This problem just needs a keen observation to spot the issue. For any car owner, it is always recommended to conduct a visual check of your car to identify potential problems. Oily shock absorbers can be spotted if you check on your car’s suspension at regular intervals. While observing, look out for any spillage of grease or oil around shock absorbers and struts. If you spot some fluids around it, then your car suspension needs repair.
Read here What to do before and after getting a car service?
Final Word:
Don’t take any chances with your car’s suspension system as it can affect your driving experience and safety. Get your suspension fixed immediately once you spot any of these signs.
