Your suspension is what allows you to drive smoothly on the road and it is easy to take for granted. However, you will notice when it starts to fail. The suspension allows you to enjoy a stable and safe ride. Luckily, your car will give you lots of warning signs when this needs to be repaired.
1. Uneven Tire Tread
Your suspension has a big impact on your tires, as it allows your vehicle to enjoy a smooth ride. When your suspension starts to wear down, one of the easiest ways to see this damage is by checking out your tires. If you notice that your tire tread is not wearing out evenly, or you have random bald spots on your tires, that is a strong sign that your suspension is not able to properly balance the weight of your vehicle, resulting in uneven pressure being placed on your tires, which causes uneven tire wear.
2. Nose Diving When You Stop
When you stop, your vehicle should evenly and smoothly come to a halt. When your shocks are worn out, your vehicle cannot smoothly come to a stop, and instead, you will be experiencing a lurching feeling when you stop, and your vehicle may even feel like it is diving nose-first into the ground when you come to a hard stop. This is a sign of serious suspension issues and can impact your ability to stop your vehicle safely.
3. Visible Oil
If you look under your vehicle, you can see the shocks and struts near your tires. They look like oversized springs. If you can see oil or grease on your shocks, that means that they are leaking fluid. That leaking fluid means your shocks cannot work properly and that they have reached the end of their life and need to be replaced.
4. Rough Ride
When you are driving, you may see all the bumps in the road, but you shouldn't be able to feel them. If you feel like your vehicle is bouncing all around and you feel every little change in the road, then your suspension is starting to wear down. A rougher ride is often one of the first signs that your suspension is starting to lose its strength.
When it comes to your vehicle, a well-taken care suspension provides you with a smooth ride, even tire wear, and safe braking. If you notice any of the above signs that your suspension is not giving you the support it should, it is time to repair it at your local auto center. Contact an auto center for more information.
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