The suspension system of a car is a group of components that connect the tires to the frame and body of a motor vehicle, providing a ride that reduces the degree of impact from rough roads.
Mechanics Campsie owner Jim Kokolas explains that these systems are designed for smooth riding over rough road surfaces or in normal driving conditions on city streets or highways, but when one or more parts fail, it causes the handling characteristics of a vehicle to deteriorate. When this occurs, it may be time for your car’s suspension system to be repaired or replaced entirely.
If you encounter the following symptoms in your car, contact a trusted mechanic to fix the issue immediately and prevent accidents on the road.
Your Car Is SwayingÂ
If you feel your car swaying when travelling at higher speeds, this may mean that some of the components of the suspension system are damaged or worn out. One or more of these parts may need to be replaced. If you notice your vehicle swaying excessively even on short trips, it is likely time to get your car checked for possible suspension issues. Do not take chances with the safety of yourself and other drivers by delaying a visit to an auto repair shop or mechanic for this problem. A specific sign that can alert you about potential problems with the steering linkage is uneven tyre wear caused due to faulty suspension.
Your Vehicle Over-StopsÂ
An over-stopping of your vehicle can be another sign that your car suspension is faulty or damaged. Your vehicle should not stop more than once when stepping on the brake pedal. If it does, this means there are problems with the suspension system. This issue may cause other issues as well, including damage to other parts of the braking mechanism. If you notice your steering wheel shaking while applying the brakes, it is likely time for an inspection or servicing of your front end suspension system or some components within the system if needed. Otherwise, you may end up paying for more expensive repairs down the road due to damages caused by worn out suspension components on critical parts like disc brakes and even on other vehicle systems.
Vehicle Pulling To One Side When DrivingÂ
If your car starts to pull to one side while driving, this is a sign that your steering linkage may be worn out or damaged. The first step would be to have the alignment of the tyres checked as this could cause uneven wear patterns on them. If there is no issue with the alignment of the tyres and if they are relatively new, it might mean that your suspension system needs servicing or repair soon.
Poor Handling And Control While Driving
The reason you have a car suspension is for good handling and control, which means being able to turn into a corner without difficulty and without having your vehicle tires screech due to lack of traction. When either of these issues starts to happen, it is a sign that your vehicle may have suspension problems. For example, when you swerve to the left or right without turning the steering wheel, this can be a sign of a faulty or damaged suspension component in the steering linkage.
Car Lurching And Jerking When Driving
Car lurching and jerking when driving may mean there are problems with the timing belt in older vehicles. However, in almost all cases today when you experience these issues while driving it is due to problems with either your front end suspension system or your rear axle suspension system. If ignored for long periods, this issue also leads to more expensive repairs later on down the line caused by damage to other important parts including the transmission and the engine.
Vehicle Body Shaking When Driving On A Smooth Road
If your car starts to shake and vibrate when driving on a smooth road, it is likely due to problems with your suspension system. These components may be worn out or damaged resulting in poor alignment of the tyres due to play in the steering linkage which leads to tyre wear causing uneven tread depth. Other parts within your front end suspension such as stabiliser links can also get damaged due to play in other components like tie rods and control arms. If you ignore these warning signs, you will most likely face issues with vibrations and shakes while braking at higher speeds caused by faulty brakes or brake discs which may also result in more expensive repairs later on down the line due to damage caused to other parts including the transmission and the engine.
