Your suspension system is the framework that your entire car rides on. This system is tasked with carrying your 2-ton vehicle safely down the road every day. Because these components work so hard, 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 ensure your safety, regular inspections and maintenance are required to keep this system safe and in peak condition.

What Makes Up Your Suspension System?

Many Florida drivers are familiar with the term “shock absorber” as a major component of their car’s suspension system. Modern cars now have “struts” which have replaced “shock absorbers.” When in good working condition, shocks or struts, along with springs, allow for a smooth ride over bumps and rough roads without the car bouncing up and down or having a jarring ride.

Other primary suspension components may be included

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

Suspension components wear gradually and drivers slowly become accustomed to degraded handling characteristics. It usually isn’t until rattling, knocking, or bumping noises get too prominent, steering straight becomes difficult, or you suddenly notice how quickly your tires have worn out, that you become aware that your car might have suspension problems.

However, 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 Tampa 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 New Tampa, near Wesley Chapel.