Your vehicle’s suspension system is responsible for keeping the chassis stable and controllable as you drive while absorbing energy from road impacts. This system consists of various components working together to provide you with a comfortable and safe ride. So when it comes to keeping your vehicle’s suspension system protected over time, you can probably imagine the importance of regular maintenance.
What Is Suspension?
The suspension in a vehicle is made up of shocks, springs,s and other interconnected components used to maximise the grip between the tires and road surface while providing stable steering and a comfortable ride for you and your passengers.
Best Ways To Protect Your Suspension
Regular Wheel Alignments
With the suspension system being directly connected to the wheels, it’s no surprise that neglected wheel alignment can affect the surrounding suspension components.
When your car falls out of alignment, it places increased stress on the suspension system as the misaligned wheels will fight against the forward movement of the vehicle. Allowing bad wheel alignment to linger will significantly increase the wear experienced by the suspension, as well as lower fuel economy and lead to drivability issues.
Having your vehicle’s wheels aligned by a trusted professional around every 12,00 mikes orroughly a year of consistent driving ensures that your suspension system is protected from unnecessary wear and more expensive repairs down the road.
Avoid Bad Driving Habits
The amount of wear your vehicle’s suspension system endures during the day depends a lot on how you drive the vehicle. Taking speed bumps and potholes at high speeds can cause a significant amount of unnecessary stress, while driving over them with caution will reduce the amount of impact the suspension must absorb.
Clean the Undercarriage
Often overlooked when it comes to taking care of your vehicle’s suspension system, cleaning the undercarriage of the vehicle, particularly when it has been snowing outside, as road salt can cause rapid corrosion to important suspension components if left to accumulate under your vehicle.
Don’t Overload Your Vehicle
The more weight your vehicle carries, the more stress it places on the suspension system, which can accelerate wear and tear. Removing unnecessary heavy items or accessories when not in use can help reduce the load on the suspension components.
Replace Worn-Out Components
Replacing your vehicle’s old suspension components when they’re near failure is important for protecting the different components around them. When one part of the suspension system fails, it puts increased stress on the rest of the system, accelerating the wear and tear.
If you notice a faulty shock, spring, ball joint, or any other worrying symptoms, it’s crucial to have it inspected by a trusted automotive professional to avoid further damage and repairs.
Suspension Repair Portland, OR
When you need suspension service or suspension repair in Portland, Oregon, the experts at Jolene’s Auto Repair are here to help. Addressing suspension issues promptly helps to keep other parts from premature wear, saving money in the long run. Give us a call or stop by, and we’ll have your ride driving smoothly before you know it.