The suspension is the framework that your entire vehicle rides on. This system is carries your vehicle safely down the road every day. These components work hard, and they naturally wear out over time as your mileage increases.

When the suspension becomes too worn, the vehicle becomes unsafe. Every car will need to replace these components eventually. To keep this system safe and in peak condition, regular inspections and maintenance are required.

What Makes Up Your Suspension System?

Upper and lower control arms with ball joints and bushings hold the wheels, tires, and brakes firmly in position and in alignment. When these are worn, tires will wander. This causes poor tire wear and makes the car unable to align. Severely worn bushings or ball joints can allow for an unsafe condition.

The anti-sway bar minimizes how much the car sways and tilts when going around turns. Many cars have anti-sway bars in both the front and rear. The bars themselves rarely wear out while the “end links” with bushing do wear out eventually. As these wear, the car will sway more in corners, reducing the handling characteristics.

Symptoms of suspension problems

To fully understand proper care of the suspension, there are signs of trouble to look out for.

The signs of a compromised suspension system include:

• Rattling, knocking, or bumping noise, especially on rough roads or over bumps
• Vehicle’s nose dives while stopping
• Poor vehicle handling
• Uneven or unusual tire wear
• Vehicle rides rough
• Drifting or pulling while driving
• Oil running down the outside of shocks

When bringing your car in for regularly scheduled oil changes, our free courtesy inspections will keep you up-to-date on the condition of your suspension and other systems and help you catch needed repairs and replacements before real trouble begins.

Trust the Christian Brothers Automotive nice difference

The highly qualified suspension techs at our Meridian auto repair shop take car service seriously. Our knowledgeable technicians do what it takes to provide an accurate diagnosis and repair plan the first time, and our 2-year/24,000-mile Nice Difference Warranty covers almost every service.

Regular suspension maintenance can save you time, save you money and help you avoid an unsafe condition. To schedule a suspension inspection today, call Christian Brothers Automotive in Meridian, Idaho.