Our vehicle’s suspension system which includes the shocks or struts is something we take for granted. However, after the support of several tons of metal years after years, but the shocks will wear out and suspension repair is necessary. Some people believe that the suspension is all about a smooth ride, and these repairs aren’t considered as important as other maintenance issues like oil changes or brakes. However, having a bad suspension can affect your ability to control the vehicle, so it’s in your best interest not to go on and ignore this part of auto maintenance.
1. Car rides roughly
- Most people can tell that their shocks or struts are wearing out as soon as they begin to feel every bump on the road, or when every bump causes the vehicle to bounce. A rough ride is a sign that your vehicle’s suspension needs some work for sure.
2. Drifting or pulling during turns
- With a fail in the suspension system, you will often feel that the vehicle is drifting or pulling while you’re turning. This means that the shocks are no longer able to keep the vehicle body stable against the force of a turn, therefore increasing your risk to rollover. If you feel this while turning, it’s time to take your car to a trusted auto repair shop for its servicing.
3. Dips or “nose dives” when stopping
- When the shocks are wearing out, you’re more likely to feel the vehicle body lurching forward and downward when you apply the brakes of the car more firmly. This can affect your ability to stop the car very quickly.
4. Uneven tire treads
- Have a look at your tires. If you notice that the tread of the tire is wearing down unevenly, or if you get to see any kind of balding spots, this is a symptom that the suspension isn’t able to hold the car evenly, and therefore it is putting uneven amounts of pressure on the tires.
5. Damaged, “oily” shocks
- If you can take a look under the vehicle, look directly at the shocks or struts in there. If they look even a bit greasy or oily, then there’s a good chance of having a leaking fluid and which makes them work uneasily. It’s your time to get the shocks of your car replaced.
6. Try the “bounce test”
- If you figure out that your suspension is going bad due to one or more of the symptoms we mentioned above, try the simple test mentioned below. With the car in “park,” press on the front of the vehicle with all your weight, make it bounce a few times, then release. Do it again but now on the rear of the vehicle. If your car continues to rock and bounce more than just 2-3 times after you release it, the suspension is definitely wearing out.
