The Job Of Automotive Suspension Systems
If you ask the average driver, they will tell you that the suspension system is included in vehicles to increase the comfort of the occupants of the car, truck, or SUV. While that is partially correct, it is not the primary reason for auto suspension. Without a suspension system, your car would travel down most roads in a bouncing and uncontrollable nature. Very seldom does any driver encounter a perfectly smooth road surface that would allow a vehicle to roll smoothly forward. Instead, there are bumps, potholes, ridges, and other imperfections that would impede even progress along the road surface.
Picture bouncing a rubber ball on a damaged piece of pavement. The ball never bounces back up to your hand. Instead, it is pushed in random directions based on the angle of the damaged surface it contacts. Your tires, which are similarly inflated pieces of rubber, would react in the same manner when rolled across the imperfect road surfaces throughout McComb and the nation. Not only will you have little control when steering the vehicle with no suspension or damaged suspension, but there is also a significantly greater chance for tire damage and uneven wear that will require replacement more often than expected.
How To Detect Suspension Issues
If you have a daily driver, the vehicle you drive almost exclusively, you are likely to adapt to the minor changes or deterioration of its capabilities. Over time, the brakes take a little longer to stop the car, the steering is not quite as swift and crisp, and the ride becomes slightly softer and less stable. But because these systems degrade slowly, you can have a hard time knowing when it is time to stop by Howell GMC for suspension service or to have the brakes and tires inspected. But there are a few simple tips that will let you evaluate the function of your vehicle’s suspension and know when to reach out to your friends at Howell GMC to book a service appointment for a suspension inspection, which include:
- The car leans significantly when the brakes are applied
- When driving down the road, the vehicle does not move in a straight line
- The ride feels less smooth and almost bouncy
- The car pulls, drifts, or wanders, most noticeably when turning
- There is a noticeable squeaking when turning or applying the brakes gently
- When the vehicle is parked, it does not appear level; one corner could look lower than the others
- When you lean on the car and then remove your weight, the car bounces several times before becoming still
- You can see damage to the shocks, struts, or other parts of the suspension when looking under the car
- You discover oil or grease leaking from the suspension components
When you discover any of these tell-tale signs of suspension damage or wear, please get in touch with the staff at Howell GMC to schedule a service visit or simply head directly to our Summit location for a fast inspection and a price quote to restore the safety and comfortable ride to your car, truck, or SUV.
