What would be affected by a vehicle with faulty suspension
A car's suspension system plays a vitally important role and needs to be maintained and checked regularly. The steering, handling and comfort of a car are all reliant on the suspension, which is also designed to maximise the adhesion between the tyres and the road surface. Suspension systems are made up of a collection of components, including shock absorbers, struts, springs and anti-roll bars, all of which connect the car's body to its wheels.
A faulty suspension can affect:
Wheel alignment and tyre wear. Faulty suspension can lead to misaligned wheels. If the wheels are not aligned correctly due to issues with the suspension, a vehicle's steering will be off-centre and the tyres will not wear evenly. Worn suspension can lead to excessive wear on one or two particular tyres. A poor wheel alignment may also cause your vehicle to pull to one side when driving.
Braking efficiency. If your car dips more than expected when you use the brake, it may be a sign of worn shock absorbers, which are a key element of the suspension system. This can be dangerous if your car has to stop suddenly in an emergency.
The smoothness of your ride. This will be badly affected by a faulty suspension. Worn or broken shock absorbers will cause the car to bounce excessively if it hits a pothole or encounters rough road surfaces or terrain. This will make for a more uncomfortable ride.
The balance of your car. If your vehicle appears to dip in one corner when on flat ground, it could be a sign that one of the springs is damaged. This may also result in a noise every time you go over a bump.
Creaking noises when turning. This may indicate that ball joints in the car suspension system are worn and need to be replaced.
Stability of the drive. A feeling that the car is pulling to one side when turning corners is another indication that there may be suspension problems.
How often should suspension be checked?
If you notice any of the above issues, you should have your car's suspension system checked straight away. Suspension checks are carried out as part of an annual car maintenance service, although interim checks can also be carried out upon request. At Protyre, our qualified fitters recommend getting your suspension checked every six months. Be aware that your choice of tyres can also have an impact on the performance of your car's suspension. Our tyre professionals can help you to find the right ones for your vehicle from our wide range, which includes tyres by Pirelli, Falken, Sumitomo and Bridgestone.
Need your suspension checked? Visit your local Protyre garage where our friendly and professional staff will be happy to help. Or simply use our website to book a free vehicle suspension check today.
