Your vehicle’s suspension is not only a matter of comfort, but a matter of safety as well. If your suspension is bad, it can make your vehicle difficult to handle and increase your chances of getting into an accident. Your stopping distance while traveling 50 mph can be increased as much as 12 feet when just one shock is bad. Thus, it is important to check your suspension regularly to maintain safe driving conditions and avoid costly repairs.
Symptoms of bad suspension
- Bounce that causes you to slow down to regain control
- Swaying as you turn a corner
- Vibration in the steering wheel
- Leaking
If your vehicle bounces excessively over a bump, the problem is likely with the springs or struts. Springs often last the life of the vehicle, but if they go bad, it’s a good idea to replace the shocks at the same time.
Swaying around turns indicates a problem with the struts or shocks. Always replace them in pairs.
A vibration in the steering wheel does not always indicate a problem with the suspension but it is something that should be inspected, just in case.
When you check your oil, if you take time to do a visual inspection under the hood and underneath your vehicle, you should be able to detect any leaks and get your vehicle in for repair if you find any. Giving quick attention to a leak can save you a lot of money.
