A car’s suspension system consists of its shocks, struts, and other related parts. It’s important to recognize when a vehicle is in need of Suspension Repairs in Chesapeake VA, as bad suspension can affect how easy it is to control a vehicle, and in particular how effectively turns and stops can be controlled. Luckily there are some warning signs to look out for before the situation becomes dangerous.
A visual inspection of the shocks and struts will provide some insight about whether or not suspension repairs will be imminently necessary. An oily or greasy appearance indicates that there is a fluid leak present, which will cause the system not to function as intended. There are also a variety of symptoms that manifest themselves in how the car handles while driving.
Most people realize that their suspension is in bad shape when they notice that every little bump in the road causes the vehicle to noticeably bounce. Car owners that realize their ride is a little rougher than usual should recognize this as a sign that they need suspension work. This includes not just a bouncing sensation going over bumps but also a feeling that the car is drifting or pulling during turns. Should this be the case the need for repairs has become urgent, as the problems with the shocks that it indicates increase the risk of rollovers while taking turns even at lower speeds.
Accidents caused by failure to come to a quick enough stop can sometimes be caused by suspension problems as well. When the shocks wear out the front of the vehicle will lurch downward when the breaks are applied, causing it to take much longer to come to a complete stop. In fact, a bad suspension can actually increase the amount of time it takes to come to a complete stop by as much as 20%.
Here’s one more simple way to troubleshoot a vehicle’s suspension: put the car in park, and press down on the hood of the vehicle, letting it bounce up and down lightly a few times. If upon release the car continues to bounce on its own more than two or three times, the suspension needs repairs. Those who’ve finished reading this article and found it all too familiar should contact an auto shop such as London Bridge Auto and Transmission Repair in Chesapeake VA before the problem worsens.
