If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your car’s suspension until there’s a problem. And by then, it’s often too late. A bad suspension can cause all sorts of problems with your car, from poor handling to uneven tire wear. In this article, we will discuss the top 7 signs that your car needs a new suspension. By knowing what to look for, you can avoid costly repairs down the road!
1. Uneven Tire Wear
One of the most obvious signs that your car needs a new suspension is uneven tire wear. If you notice that one side of your tires is wearing out more quickly than the other, or if there are cracks, bald spots, or excessive wear on any part of the tire, it’s time to check your suspension system. This could be caused by something as simple as a misalignment in your wheelbase, or a more serious issue with your shocks or struts.
2. Vibrations When Driving
Excessive vibration is another common indication that your car’s suspension is worn out and needs to be replaced. This vibration is caused when driving over bumps and uneven terrain. If you are driving over bumps and uneven roads and notice vibrations emanating from the steering wheel or floorboard, it is probable because the shocks or springs in your suspension system are worn out.
3. Poor Handling
When negotiating corners or taking tight turns, especially at higher speeds, a worn-out suspension can create poor handling and lead the vehicle to lose control. If the suspension system is not up to par, you may also feel an uncomfortable level of body roll when you are cornering the vehicle. If you notice this symptom, it is imperative that you get it checked out as soon as possible because it may result in an unsafe driving environment.
4. Bottoming Out
If you find yourself bottoming out more often than usual when going over bumps, this could be a sign that the shock absorbers in your suspension are worn out and need to be replaced soon. Additionally, if you hear scraping noises coming from underneath the vehicle when going over bumps this could also indicate a problem with the shock absorbers not properly dampening impacts from road imperfections like potholes and speed bumps.
5. Bouncing After Hitting Bumps
A failing shock absorber on one side of the vehicle can cause an imbalance in the ride quality between the left and right sides of the automobile, which can be indicated by a ride that is overly bouncy after driving over bumps or dips in the road. It is essential to take note of this symptom before it gets any worse, since if it is ignored for an extended period of time, it might result in potentially hazardous handling issues while driving.
6. Leaking Fluid from Shocks/Struts
A strut or shock that is leaking fluid is another red flag that suggests there is a problem with the suspension system of your vehicle that needs to be fixed right away before any additional damage is done. Because the fluid that is leaking from these components helps control bouncing and other movement that occurs inside the system, it is imperative that any indicators of leakage that develop on either side of your car be addressed immediately.
7. Noisy Suspension Components
If you’re hearing strange noises coming from underneath the vehicle such as squeaks and squeals while turning corners then this could indicate worn-out bushings in your car’s suspension system which need replacing soon before further irreparable damage occurs to other parts associated with it! Worn-out bushings will cause noise due to increased friction between surfaces which can eventually lead to safety concerns for those behind the wheel so make sure these are tended to immediately upon noticing them!
If you’re unsure whether or not your car needs a new suspension, taking it to a nearby mechanic is always the best course of action. By keeping an eye out for these seven signs, however, you can get a pretty good idea as to whether or not your vehicle’s suspension system needs some work. And remember – even if it doesn’t need a full replacement, getting new shocks or struts can do wonders for the way your car handles. Have you experienced any of these issues?
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