What Causes Car Suspension Problems?

The suspension system of your vehicle consists of springs and shock absorbers that work together to cushion the car from the uneven motion of the four wheels in contact with the road. A sudden shock from a pothole or other obstruction in the road can damage this system.  Over time, these shocks will wear out the components of your vehicle suspension, thus reducing the life of these components. 

As an experienced driver, you know that potholes and rough roads are part of life, especially during winter.  Many times, a large pothole in the road ahead can’t be avoided as it could be risky to try to swerve around it.  You find yourself cringing as your car takes the big bump.  Over time those bumps can add up to issues with your vehicle suspension and alignment. A big enough bump can even cause your car to “bottom out,” meaning the bottom of your car could hit the road.

The term “suspension” refers to all of the components that connect the vehicle to the road, such as tires, car axles, and shocks.  Although vehicles may vary in their suspension designs, they are all designed to do three things:

• Support the vehicle
• Absorb bumps and other shocks
• The vehicle turns in response to steering

When your vehicle suspension system goes bad, the results can be risky, as it impacts the steering and stopping the performance of your vehicle.  To regain stability and control of your vehicle, have the shocks, or struts, replaced.  This will also increase stopping performance.

Remember:  Don’t let damage from potholes and other obstacles in the road affect your car’s efficiency and safety. 

Wondering what causes car suspension problems?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about vehicle suspension problems and to make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

How Do I Know If My Suspension Is Bad?

The term “suspension” refers to all of the components that connect the car to the road, such as tires, car axles, and shocks.  Although vehicles may vary in their suspension designs, they are all designed to do three things:

• Support the vehicle
• Absorb bumps and other shocks
• Allow the car to turn in response to steering

Some drivers may be wondering, “How do I know if my suspension is bad?”  If you are experiencing any of the issues below, call your professional auto mechanic to schedule a checkup of the car axles and suspension system.

1. Excessive bouncing when hitting a bump or pothole.
2. Vehicle “nose-dives” or “squats” when braking or accelerating.
3. Tire "cupping" as the rubber wears off the tire each time it hits the ground.
4. Hydraulic fluid leaking from inside the shock.

It is normal that shocks wear out as the miles add up on your vehicle. They wear out even more quickly when it is compulsory to drive over bumpy streets on a regular basis.  When your suspension system goes bad, the results can be dangerous, as it impacts the steering and stopping the performance of your vehicle.  Replacing the shocks, or struts will improve stopping performance as well as increase vehicle stability and driver control.

Are you wondering, “How do I know if my suspension is bad?”  If you have questions about suspension systems and the effect on car axles, call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information and to make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served car owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.