Three Signs Of Suspension Issues
Your car's suspension works to keep your vehicle's ride smooth while driving over uneven surfaces, while also reducing the amount of wear that the axles and tires experience at the same time. Damage to the suspension can have a number of wide-ranging effects on your vehicle, including reducing your comfortability while driving and the overall amount of control that you have over your car, increasing the risk of a collision as a result. Thankfully, there are a number of warning signs that you can watch out for to determine when you should contact an auto repair services mechanic about inspecting and repairing your car's suspension system.
1. Rough Rides
The most common, and also the easiest to notice, a warning sign that there may be something wrong with your vehicle's suspension system is if you notice that the drive train feels much rougher than normal. This is especially true if you notice an increased and excessive vibration while driving over a smooth, paved surface. This will also cause your vehicle to body roll much more, which means that it will lean while turning, lurch forward suddenly and harshly while accelerating, and lean back in the same manner while breaking – problems that will become more apparent while driving quickly.
2. Uneven Tire Wear
Another indication that your vehicle may be in need of suspension repair is if you notice that there are signs of uneven wear over the treads of your tire. Increased bumps and shaking can cause cupping to occur, which refers to when a single area of your tire appears to be visibly cut or have a divot in it, usually due to it leaving contact with the road and then suddenly coming into contact. Cupping and other forms of uneven wear can increase the risk of a flat tire or blowout, and will also reduce the lifespan of your tires.
3. Drifting and Pulling
Finally, another sign that your car has a problem with its suspension system is if you notice that it will pull to one side of the road while driving normally. This is a fairly serious issue, as it will grow worse over time as the underlying mechanical issue also increases in severity, and will force you to fight with your steering wheel to keep your vehicle on the proper track. If you notice that your vehicle is drifting, even if it is doing so only subtly, you should head to a mechanic straight away to have the suspension inspected and repaired.
