Your car’s suspension system works tirelessly to absorb shocks, provide stability, and keep you in control during every drive. But over time, wear and tear can take a toll, leading to decreased comfort, handling issues, and expensive repairs.
Good news: with a little care and attention, you can extend the life of your suspension system and avoid premature wear. Whether you’re cruising the streets of Denver or tackling rough mountain terrain, here’s how to keep your suspension system in top shape.
Why Your Suspension System Matters
The suspension system is more than just a comfort feature—it’s a critical part of your vehicle’s safety and performance. It consists of components like shocks, struts, springs, control arms, and bushings, all working together to:
- Absorb road impacts for a smoother ride
- Maintain tire contact with the road for better traction
- Support steering and handling for safer driving
When the suspension system starts to wear out, you may notice reduced comfort, uneven tire wear, or even difficulty controlling your vehicle. Addressing suspension wear early can save you from bigger problems down the road.
Signs of Suspension Wear
Before diving into prevention tips, it’s important to recognize when your suspension needs attention. Suspension wear can look like:
- Bumpy Rides: If you feel every bump and pothole, it could mean your shocks or struts are worn out.
- Pulling to One Side: Misalignment or suspension issues can cause your car to drift or pull to one side.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Worn suspension components can cause uneven pressure on your tires, leading to irregular wear.
- Noisy Steering or Suspension: Clunking, creaking, or squeaking noises when turning or driving over bumps are red flags.
- Excessive Body Roll: If your car leans heavily during turns, it may indicate worn sway bars or shocks.
If you notice these symptoms, have your suspension system inspected by a professional mechanic to prevent further damage.
Tips for Preventing Suspension Wear and Tear
Now that you know what to watch for, let’s explore how to protect your suspension system from unnecessary wear.
Avoid Potholes and Rough Roads
Denver drivers know that potholes grow large and easily become common hazards, especially during the winter months. Hitting a pothole at high speed can damage your shocks, struts, and even your tires.
Prevention Tip: Drive cautiously on poorly maintained roads and avoid potholes whenever possible. Slow down if you can’t avoid them to minimize the impact.
Don’t Overload Your Vehicle
Your suspension is designed to handle a specific weight capacity. Overloading your car with heavy cargo puts extra strain on the springs, shocks, and other components, leading to faster wear.
Prevention Tip: Check your car’s weight limits in the owner’s manual and avoid exceeding them. Use a trailer or roof rack for oversized loads.
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Underinflated or overinflated tires can affect your suspension by causing uneven wear and reducing shock absorption. Improper tire pressure also increases the risk of a blowout.
Prevention Tip: Check your tire pressure monthly and adjust it to the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
Stay on Top of Wheel Alignments
Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear and extra stress on suspension components. Alignment issues often arise from hitting curbs, potholes, or bumps at high speed.
Prevention Tip: Have your wheel alignment checked annually or if you notice pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, or steering difficulties.
Replace Worn Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts play a key role in absorbing impacts and maintaining stability. When they wear out, other suspension components have to work harder, accelerating wear and tear.
Prevention Tip: Replace shocks and struts as recommended by your car’s manufacturer—typically every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
Inspect Suspension Components Regularly
Bushings, control arms, and ball joints are prone to wear, especially if you frequently drive on rough terrain. Damaged components can lead to poor handling and safety risks.
Prevention Tip: During routine maintenance, ask your mechanic to inspect the suspension system for signs of wear or damage.
Keep Your Suspension Clean
Dirt, salt, and debris can accumulate on suspension components, accelerating corrosion and wear. This is especially true in areas with harsh winters, where road salt is common.
Prevention Tip: Wash your car’s undercarriage regularly, particularly after driving in snowy or salty conditions.
Drive Smoothly
Aggressive driving habits, such as hard braking, sharp turns, and rapid acceleration, put extra strain on your suspension system.
Prevention Tip: Adopt a smooth driving style—accelerate gently, brake gradually, and take turns at a reasonable speed.
Monitor Your Tires
Tires are the first point of contact between your car and the road, and their condition directly affects your suspension. Bald or unevenly worn tires can increase stress on suspension components.
Prevention Tip: Rotate your tires regularly and replace them when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch or less.
The Cost of Ignoring Suspension Maintenance
Skipping suspension maintenance can lead to more than just a rough ride. Ignoring wear and tear can result in:
- Expensive Repairs: Replacing a full suspension system costs significantly more than routine maintenance.
- Safety Risks: Worn suspension components reduce your ability to control the car, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Increased Tire Wear: Suspension issues can lead to uneven tire wear, shortening the lifespan of your tires.
Investing in regular maintenance is far more cost-effective than dealing with a failed suspension system.
When to Visit a Mechanic
While preventative measures go a long way, some issues require professional attention. Visit a mechanic if you notice:
Persistent noises from the suspension system
- Difficulty steering or controlling the vehicle
- Uneven tire wear, even after alignment
- Leaking fluid near the shocks or struts
Keep Your Suspension Running Smoothly
Your car’s suspension system is essential for comfort, safety, and performance. By following these tips, you can minimize wear and tear, extend the life of your suspension, and enjoy a smoother ride.
If you suspect an issue with your suspension or need routine maintenance, schedule an appointment with us today. Our expert mechanics will inspect, diagnose, and repair your suspension to keep your car running like new.