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When some folks hear the word suspension, they may think back to those rowdy days of high school. Well, your vehicle's suspension is actually a good thing because it keeps your vehicle up off the road and helps provide a comfy ride around Lincoln. Its job is to keep your wheels firmly planted on the road going over bumps and through curves. Your suspension system has many parts. If you look under your vehicle, it's basically everything that connects your wheels to the vehicle's frame. These are heavy duty parts that do a lot of work. They need to be inspected for damage and excessive wear at every oil change service. An annual four wheel alignment is also recommended component and tire wear as well as for optimal steering and handling performance.
Here are some warning signs of suspension problems:
- the car pulls to one side
- it wanders
- the steering is erratic
- you see uneven tire wear
- you experience a poor ride or handling
- you see oil leaking from shocks or struts
- excessive rattling and clunking noises
Basically, you just don't feel in control when you're driving.
Some suspension parts just wear out with use. Shocks and struts eventually lose their ability to control your ride. Wheel bearings become loose and start producing a gravely, rotational noise. Some, but not all suspension pieces need to be lubricated when you get your oil changed. Your service mechanic at inMOTION Auto Care can perform an inspection and inform you of any problems or issues you may have now or in the near future.
If you're in an accident, your suspension can be damaged or knocked out of alignment. Even a minor accident, like hitting a curb around Lincoln or even a large rock can mess things up for drivers. With a minor accident it's tempting for many to just get an alignment or wheel balance to correct the problem. But if there's damage, a simple alignment won't actually fix the problem, and you'll just have to align it again after the repairs are made. So if you have an accident, get your suspension system inspected right away. Suspension problems are a major safety issue because they can lead to unsafe handling.
One big cause of suspension damage for Lincoln drivers is potholes – those nasty magnets that form in roads in freezing weather. They seem to draw our tires right into them. Here are some tips for avoiding damage from potholes: First, keep your tires at their full air pressure. That gives tires their maximum resiliency and will hopefully minimize damage on your wheels or other suspension parts when hitting that next big pothole. Next, just pay attention. When you see a hole you can't miss, slow down before you hit it. Driving at a slower speed will limit the damage and may keep your drink from spilling. But avoid the temptation to brake directly over the pothole. That will cause the car's weight to shift forward and add to the potential damage.
If you have any questions about your suspension, call the knowledgeable service advisors at inMOTION!
inMOTION Auto Care
131 Russwood Pkwy
Lincoln, Nebraska 68505
(402) 486-9880
http://www.inmotionautocare.com