At Leale’s Transmission and Auto Repair shop in San Jose, CA, we frequently come into contact with cars that have gotten damaged or wrecked because their suspension system was going out and the owner didn’t get it checked. Your suspension system has many parts that affect your steering, driving, and braking, and if you aren’t aware of the warning signs or choose to ignore them, you’re risking not only your own safety, but the safety of everyone else out on the road. We at Leale’s have developed this list of three sure signs that your suspension needs to be checked, in an effort to prevent more accidents from happening.
Excessive bouncing
One of the most noticeable signs of a failing part in your suspension system is how much it bounces or rides rough. Parts of your suspension system are the shocks and springs, which absorb impacts and jolts to prevent a rough road from jarring you too much. If your shocks or a leaf spring are going out, you’ll notice that roads you drive on a regular basis feel bumpier. Your car will also bounce excessively after going over a bump or pothole in the road, continuing to shake for a few seconds after you’ve passed the hole when it should normally stabilize almost immediately.
Pulling to one side
Another sign of a failing suspension system that you’ll notice is that your car begins to pull or drift to one side while you’re driving or turning. If it happens only when you’re driving on a straight road, it might not necessarily be your suspension, but it still needs to be checked to make sure. However, if you feel like your car is drifting or pulling to one side when you’re going around a corner, this is almost always a warning sign that your system is worn and no longer able to stabilize your car. Left unaddressed, this can cause your vehicle to roll over or flip when turning, seriously damaging your car—and yourself. This is a serious issue, and you should get this checked as soon as possible to prevent accidents and serious bodily harm.
Dips when stopping
The final major, noticeable sign of a failing or worn suspension system is that the nose of your car dips when you stop. This can be a sign that your shocks are going out. Shocks keep your tires on the pavement when you’re driving, which makes it easier and safer for you to steer, as well as helping your car stay stabilized. If you don’t address this issue, it can lead to your car rolling and can make it significantly more difficult to make an emergency stop, leading to accidents and possible bodily harm, potentially serious.
Your car—and your life—is on the line
More often than not, people experience these symptoms, find out it’s “just the shocks” or “just the suspension,” and then think that it’s a minor issue only affecting their comfort on the road. In reality, your suspension system ties into major aspects of your vehicle from the steering to the brakes, and if a part of it is worn or broken, it can have serious consequences. You’re more likely to get in an accident, roll your car, or not be able to stop in time, which can total your vehicle and/or put you in the hospital. If your car rides more roughly than normal, is excessively bouncy, dips when stopping, or pulls to one side when turning, you need to get it checked immediately. Have a shop like Leale’s Transmission and Auto Repair diagnose and repair the problem to get you back on the road safely.
Your life is in your hands. Call a pro today!