Find Out When Your Car Needs Suspension Repair
Highlights
- The suspension system is a complex combination of struts & shock absorber
- The first-ever car in India to get air suspension was the Hyundai Verna
- The modern suspension system used in cars dates back to 1904
The suspension system is responsible for bearing the entire weight of the vehicle, but it also ensures the drive is smooth. The suspension systems consist of various springs and shock absorbers that absorb the energy from any bumps. Without a suspension system in place, the car will bounce around during the whole trip and cause a lot of discomfort to the driver.
How do you find out about any defect with the suspension system? Here are some important tips: -
The bumpy feeling while driving
While driving, if a person starts feeling sudden bumps and jerks at every pothole or crater, it indicates a suspension system that is worn out. This shows that the piston-cylinder assembly (inside the shock absorber) needs replacement, or the strut is severely damaged.
Unnerving Turns
When a person is trying to take a turn and feels that the car is drifting or pulling away, there is some problem with the suspension system. This happens because the suspension system cannot counteract the centrifugal forces acting on the vehicle, and the vehicle travels out of control.
Nose-Diving
The phenomenon of nose-diving might occur due to worn-out suspension. When brakes are applied, the body abruptly tilts ahead. This becomes troublesome during cases of emergency braking to avoid collisions. In this case, a worn-out suspension system endangers the passenger and increases the risks of accidents. If this occurs, immediate action should be taken to avoid any mishappening.
Uneven Tire Wear
If the driver notices some bald patches appearing on the surface of the tires, then it's an indication that the suspension system is not working. This shows that the suspension system can't hold the tires in an exact position while traveling. Misalignment or improper balancing can also be a major issue in this scenario. When the car is taken to the repair, make sure that the alignment of the tires is monitored as well. If needed, some parts might need replacement.
Leaky Suspension
Underneath the car, if oil leakage is found, it indicates a major problem. Faulty shock absorbers are at fault in most cases. Now, the replacement of these absorbers can be costly but, the issue requires immediate action; otherwise, the car might suffer more serious damages.
Bounce Test
One of the easiest ways to figure out whether the suspension system is worn out is to do a simple test. After parking the car on an even surface, push down the front end and do the same for the rear end. If the car still keeps on shaking after the force application has been stopped, it means the suspension system has worn out!
These simple checks can help determine any faults with the suspension system, which must be repaired only by an authorised or experienced professional.