Does Your Car Have Suspension Problems?

The suspension in your car is responsible for how smooth and comfortable it rides while you are driving. You may not even notice your suspension at all, and this is a good thing. Your ability to drive on bumpy or gravel-covered roads without feeling a lot of vibration means that the suspension in your car is working as it should.

It's when you begin to experience discomfort while driving that you begin to notice your struts and shocks. Here are signs you may be having suspension problems so you can take your car in to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair.

The alignment of your vehicle and its suspension go hand in hand. Struts and shocks that help manage mobility in your car can be affected when your tires are not aligned straight. Since alignment can be knocked out of place by something as simple as hitting a speed bump too quickly or encountering a sudden pothole, it's important to have your car's alignment checked every time you take it in for new tires or tire rotation.

You can tell if your car is out of alignment by the way it drives. If your vehicle pulls to one side or appears to swerve all over the road unless you are controlling the steering wheel tightly, your alignment may be at fault and your suspension weakened as a result.

If it suddenly feels like you are driving on a trampoline when you navigate the roads, your suspension may be to blame. Shocks and struts are designed to absorb impact as you are driving so you don't feel every bump or curve in the road negatively. A single shock or strut can wear out, making one side of your vehicle feel out of balance and bouncier than usual.

You may also notice that your car turns corners with less accuracy than it used to. Difficulty steering can be due to loose struts that can create less pressure on your tires to turn the way you want them to.

Take your car to your mechanic if you feel like your car is suddenly driving more loosely than usual and you are feeling bumps on gravelly or uneven roads. Your car will be given a full inspection to determine just what is causing your vehicle to operate poorly, and broken or worn shocks and struts will be replaced.

You're not imagining things if it looks like your car is canted to one side when it is not in motion, even if it is sitting on even ground. When shocks and struts wear out, the area of your car affected can sag as a result. Consider your car's suspension like a set of balloons, one by each tire. If a balloon pops or deflates, the supported tire will sag and lean as a result.

Other issues can also cause your car to lean, such as poor alignment or other mechanical problems. Take your car to your mechanic if you suspect your car is leaning so you can have it inspected for mechanical issues. If shocks or struts are the issue, broken or loose components can be replaced to make your vehicle operate more soundly.