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.  

Wondering when Should Tires Be Replaced?

With the snowy and icy conditions beginning to hit several parts of the country, drivers are starting to think about putting their winter tires back into service.  When should tires be replaced for winter?  If you live in a climate where the temperatures consistently remain below 45°F, you can go ahead and switch out your summer tires for ice tires, especially if the cold days include icy conditions.   

Be sure to have your tires checked and any compulsory tire repair taken care of before installing them and that the tread and inflation are sufficient for snowy conditions.  If your winter tires have reached approximately 4/32" of remaining tread depth, you should consider replacing them before winter arrives in full force!

Here are several safety tips to keep in mind when driving with winter tires:

• The RMA recommends installing winter tires in sets of four to optimize the performance benefits.  This will help maintain stability and control of your vehicle in severe snow conditions.
• Traction control or four-wheel drive on your vehicle often gives drivers a false sense of security in winter conditions. Traction control/ABS is designed for vehicle stability, power transmission, and controlled braking. It does NOT optimize traction or grip in winter driving maneuvers. 
• Look for the Severe Ice Conditions Symbol when shopping for winter tires.  It is located on the sidewall, indicating that the tire meets the snow traction standard recognized by the RMA.

After you have removed your summer tires, you will need to store them. Keep them in a cool, dry and preferably shaded or dark location. Store them raised up off the floor on a pallet or rack, sidewall to sidewall.

Remember:  Before re-installing winter tires on your vehicle, have them inspected for possible damage and adequate tread depth.  

Need tire repair on your winter tires?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive about when should tires be replaced for winter and 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.