subject: Caring For Suspension Systems In The Winter [print this page] It is very important that you take care of your suspension system, particularly during the winter. Winter can be difficult on a car. The freezing temperatures, sharp winds, snow, and ice can make for treacherous driving conditions. However, if you have a regular winter safety inspection, you can minimize your chances of being sidelined by your car. When you take your car in for your inspection, you should make sure that the inspection also includes your suspension system. If it does not, ask if it can be added to your service. The suspension system can play an important part to how your car will perform on the road and it can affect the safety of your car and of the other drivers on the road.
How Winter Affects Suspension Systems
In winter, the car is in constant exposure to freezing temperatures and road salt. The suspension system, since it is underneath the car, is particularly vulnerable to the hazards of winter driving and the elements. This system needs adequate lubrication to keep debris and road salt out and to replenish the grease that has washed away. Another way that winter affects steering and suspension is with damage caused by potholes. Potholes occur from the contracting of the road pavement as it freezes, thaw, and produce cracks. If you strike a pothole at a high rate of speed, the system receives a violent pulse. Over time, repeated violent pulses begin to weaken the structure of the struts and springs. The ride becomes rough, you will feel every bump in the road, and you will not have the protection of the springs and struts to cushion you from the jostling. The car will also begin pulling to one side while driving.
Purpose of the Suspension System
The purpose of the suspension system is to provide protection from the jolts and jostles of the road. The shock absorbers and springs help absorb the bumps and imperfections of the road and provide a comfortable ride. It also provides stability for the steering, which makes it easier to handle the car in a safe manner. The steering is the system that is used to guide the car, and the suspension system is the system that makes it easier to guide the car.
Shake, Rattle, and Roll
Problems with the steering and suspension can be avoided by performing a thorough inspection of your car. You can have your suspension inspected when you have your winter safety inspection done. At that time, you will also have your electrical, brakes, and engine inspected and you will be able to know what must be done to get your car or keep your car in the best shape it can be. You should make sure that when you discover any problems during your inspection, you determine when you can have it repaired. It is better to correct a small problem than trying to fix a bigger problem that could have been stopped by fixing the smaller problem. Keeping your car in shape means you will less of a concern while on the road and you will not have to use your winter safety kits.
