subject: Fix Your Vehicle's Suspension System [print this page] One system in your vehicle that probably gets ignored most of the time is the suspension. When was the last time you thought about how your struts were holding up? Did you know that your vehicle's suspension system is responsible for how well the car or truck drives down the road? You may not have known that, until a problem was found, and then you might find yourself bouncing down the road instead of driving smoothly down it. How do you know if the problem is the suspension system, and not the road? Does the problem continue on, even when you are on a smooth road? Maybe it is time to find an auto repair shop and have a look at your suspension to see if a repair is needed.
Struts and Shocks
Struts are put on the car or truck frame in order to absorb the bumps and jolts that every vehicle takes when they're going down the road. After time, these parts wear out and offer less cushion. When the struts and shocks are completely worn out, your car might feel like it is thunking down the road and you are biting your tongue just from a simple ride.
An inspection on your car will tell you if the shocks are worn out, if the struts are worn out, or if there could be something else that is wrong. ASE master technicians can put your vehicle up on a lift so they can look inside and inspect the parts for wear and tear. It could be a simple leak in one of the shocks or they might just need replacing. Once you know what it is, then it is up to you to replace them or to live with the bumps. However, remember that a damaged suspension system could effect other systems in your car.
Fix The Jolting in Your Car
The shocks and struts on the car make less bouncing and jolting on your body when you travel. Think of all of the jolting that is taking place on the car parts. The engine, the brakes, the fluids, and everything on the car jolts when you do. That wear and tear is hard on a vehicle and can do damage in several ways.
Uncontrollable bouncing could wreak havoc on hoses and cause leaks or tears on them that are not noticeable until there is a big problem. Jolting could cause engine parts to wiggle free and fall apart, or even fall out of the engine. The jarring action could also cause the brakes to not work or cause damage to the tires as you drive.
The jolting of the car may be more troublesome than just an unpleasant ride. If it causes your vehicle to fail in other ways, suddenly you could have an expensive problem to fix. Not only do the struts or shocks need replacing, but other potentially expensive fixes on the car are needed in order to get it back on the road again where it can be safe. An unsafe vehicle is also prone to accidents, which could be harmful to your health and others. Take the time and have the suspension system evaluated for any problems, and fix those problems before they become noticeable and effect other systems on your car.
