A car’s suspension system is complex, consisting of many important parts, including shock absorbers, springs, struts, and ball joints. These components, alongside your wheels and tyres, control how your car handles the road.
A large part of why you’re able to enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride is your car’s suspension system. By absorbing the bumps on the road, it allows you to accelerate, brake, and turn corners safely.
When you’re driving with a damaged suspension, you’ll likely be able to hear and feel a difference in the way your car performs.
Sometimes it’s tricky to spot and diagnose car suspension problems. While certain signs may present themselves, they can easily be mistaken for something else. They may also occur gradually and get misread as normal.
Recognising the warning signs of suspension problems can mean the difference between minor repairs and a sudden car breakdown.
In this article, we’ll examine some common warning signs of suspension problems. By identifying these hidden issues early on, you can diagnose and address suspension issues before they develop into more serious problems.
1. The Car’s Pulling to One Side When Driving
If your car pulls to one side when driving, it’s a sign that there may be an issue with your shock absorbers, tyres, or brakes. To identify which part is the culprit, you’ll need to further investigate.
Your car may be pulling to one side simply because of an underinflated tyre, so check the tyre pressure before anything else. The problem could also be due to improper tyre alignment, so take a look at that as well. If you haven’t rotated your tyres in a while, doing so may resolve the issue.
Next, examine your shock absorbers. If you notice any signs of wear and tear or damage to them, it’s best to take your car for servicing to a professional garage, like In Town Automotive. Contact us to book an appointment.
2. Difficulty With Steering
If you’re experiencing difficulty steering your car, even at low speeds, it may be a sign of suspension problems or an issue with your steering system.
Try topping up your power steering fluid to see if that makes a difference. If that doesn’t do it, check for worn or loose belts and damaged control arm bushings. Listen out for squealing sounds, which may indicate an issue with your power steering pump.
Driving a car when your steering isn’t working properly is dangerous. In this scenario, it’s best to have your car examined by a qualified mechanic.
3. Unusually Bumpy Rides
We’ve all had the occasional bumpy car ride on hazardous roads, but if driving on flat, relatively smooth roads is giving you a similar experience, it’s a cause for concern.
If you feel every rock, bump, and hole on the road, it could be a sign of suspension problems with your shock absorbers or struts. To check for this issue, give your car the bounce test. Push your entire weight down onto your car’s bonnet. Then, release it and count the number of times the car bounces.
If there are any more than three bounces, it means there’s an issue with either your shock absorbers or struts.
4. Diving, Rolling or Squatting
Car suspension issues come in many different forms. If your car is diving forward when you’re braking, rolling to the side when you’re rounding corners, or squatting backwards when you’re accelerating, it could be a sign of suspension problems.
As well as making for an unpleasant ride, this type of suspension issue can also increase your stopping distance, which is very unsafe. Take your car to a qualified mechanic to resolve the problem as soon as possible.
5. One Corner Sits Lower Than Others
If your suspension is failing, you may notice a corner of your car sitting lower than the other. This may also be accompanied by a clunking noise when you go over bumps—a telltale sign of a worn or damaged spring.
As a precaution, check all your tyres to see if they’re properly inflated. If the issue persists, try pushing your entire weight down on the boot of the car. If you hear a creaking or squealing sound from your suspension, your car may be experiencing suspension issues and need to be looked at by a professional.
At In Town Automotive, our expert mechanics can help you quickly resolve all suspension problems as well as any other car issues. Contact us to book an appointment.
6. Oily Shock Absorbers
Typically, your car’s shock absorbers will be dry in appearance. If they’re greasy or oily, there may be a leak which could damage your vehicle if left untreated.
If the shocks are bad, you may notice a bouncier rise as the suspension springs are doing all the work.
Contact In Town Automotive To Resolve Your Suspension Problems
Suspension problems, if left untreated, can easily damage other parts of your vehicle and lead to expensive repairs down the road. Recognising the signs of car suspension problems can make the difference between a safe journey and a dangerous one.
If you experience any of the above suspension issues or any other car problems, we can help.
At In Town Automotive, our professional mechanics are equipped with the skills and expertise to effectively service your vehicle and keep it in excellent condition.
As an award-winning garage in Northampton, we have many years of experience repairing brakes, clutches, tyres, exhausts, and more. With our assistance, you can make every journey a smooth and safe one.
To learn more, explore our services, or contact us to book an appointment today.