Your car’s suspension system plays a crucial role in providing a smooth and safe ride. This includes different parts like shocks, struts, springs, and linkages. They all work together to absorb bumps on the road and keep the car steady. Just like other parts of your vehicle, it needs regular maintenance to work at its best. In this checklist, we’ll explore the maintenance tasks to help you keep your suspension system in excellent condition.
Check Your Wheel Alignment
Making sure your wheels are aligned is important to keep your tires wearing evenly and your car driving well. Sometimes, your wheels can go out of line, especially if you hit a pothole or curb. This can make your tires wear down faster and make your car feel less steady on the road. For instance, if your wheels are out of line, you might feel your car pulling to one side when you’re driving straight. By regularly checking and fixing your wheel alignment, you can stop these problems and make sure your car runs smoothly.
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Ensuring your tire pressure is correct is important for your car’s suspension to work well. If your tires don’t have enough air or have too much, it can affect how your car drives. You can find the right tire pressure for your car in the owner’s manual or on a sticker on the driver’s side door. It’s a good idea to check your tire pressure regularly using a tire pressure gauge. Most vehicles require a tire pressure of 28 PSI – 36 PSI. If your tires don’t have enough air, they can wear out faster and make your car use more fuel. But if they have too much air, it can make the ride bumpier and make it harder for your tires to grip the road, especially when it’s wet. So, keeping your tire pressure just right helps your car drive better and saves you from buying new tires later on.
Inspect Your Tire Treads
It’s important to regularly check your tire treads to keep your suspension system working well. Watch for signs like uneven wear or spots where the tread is gone. Uneven tread wear could mean your suspension isn’t aligned correctly or that parts of it are worn out. For example, if one side of the tread wears down more than the other, it might mean the alignment is off. If you see any problems, it’s important to replace your tires right away to make sure your car grips the road well and handles properly. By paying attention and fixing issues early, you can avoid safety risks and make your tires last longer.
Check for Leaking Shocks or Struts
If you see any oily spots around the shock absorbers or struts of your car, it might mean they’re leaking. This could change how your car feels when you drive, and it might not be safe. To make sure your car runs well and stays safe, it’s a good idea to have a mechanic check any leaks. They can look at how bad the leak is and decide if the shocks or struts need fixing. Ignoring leaks could cause bigger problems later, which might cost a lot to repair. It is recommended to get shocks and struts inspected every 12,000 miles. So, having them checked quickly can help keep your car running smoothly and safely.
Inspect Control Arms and Ball Joints
Control arms and ball joints are important parts of your car’s suspension system. They help your car stay steady and move smoothly, especially on bumpy or uneven roads. Control arms are like links between the suspension system and your car’s frame. They absorb shocks and keep your wheels aligned properly. Ball joints are small parts that let your wheels turn smoothly when you steer. They usually need to be replaced every 70,000 to 150,000 miles depending on their usage and road conditions. Keep an eye out for things like too much movement in the control arms or ball joints. This can happen because of regular use or damage from bad weather or road salt. If these parts get too worn out, it can make your car harder to control, especially when you’re turning or driving fast.
Check Suspension Bushings
Suspension bushings are important parts of your car’s suspension system. They help absorb vibrations and cushion different suspension components. Over time, these bushings can wear out, leading to problems like cracks or damage. When checking your suspension bushings, look for signs of wear or damage, such as visible cracks or worn areas. If you see any of these signs, it’s important to replace the worn or damaged bushings right away. Worn bushings can cause extra vibrations and noise while driving, making your ride less enjoyable. Also, damaged bushings can affect your car’s alignment and stability, which could be unsafe.
Inspect Sway Bar and Sway Bar Links
When you’re checking your car, it’s important to look at the sway bar and sway bar links for any signs of wear or damage. The sway bar, also called a stabilizer bar, is a metal bar that connects the suspension on each side of your car. It helps balance the weight during turns, keeping your car stable. The sway bar links are like rods that connect the sway bar to the suspension. If you notice any signs that these parts are worn out or damaged, like loose fittings or cracks, it’s important to get them fixed. If you don’t, it could make your car feel less stable when you’re driving and might even affect how it handles.
Lubricate Suspension Components
Making sure that the parts in your car’s suspension system have enough lubrication is important. Some parts, like ball joints and control arm bushings, need to have the right kind of lubrication put on them often. This helps them last longer and stops them from getting damaged too quickly. If ball joints don’t have enough lubrication, they can get dry and start to rub against each other, causing more friction and maybe even breaking. But if you make sure to put lubrication on these parts regularly, you can avoid expensive fixes and keep your suspension system working well for longer.
Monitor Suspension Fluid Levels
Keeping an eye on suspension fluid levels is crucial for taking care of your vehicle, especially if it has hydraulic parts like active damping systems. Checking these levels regularly helps make sure everything works as it should. If the fluid levels get too low, it can affect how your car rides and handles, making driving less comfortable and stable. If you see the fluid levels going down, it might mean there’s a leak or that you need to add more fluid. It’s a good idea to get a qualified mechanic to have a look and fix any leaks or top up the fluid. Doing this helps keep the hydraulic parts working well, so you have a smoother and safer driving experience.
Your Trusted Suspension Maintenance Partner
Maintaining your vehicle’s suspension system is essential for ensuring a smooth, comfortable ride and safe driving experience. Regular inspections, proper maintenance, and timely repairs can help extend the lifespan of your suspension system and keep you cruising smoothly down the road. At Drive Nation in Houston, Texas, we understand the importance of a well-maintained suspension system. Our team of ASE-certified technicians is dedicated to providing top-quality auto repair services. With our 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on auto repairs, we strive to make your auto repair experience as convenient and hassle-free as possible. Experience the Drive Nation difference today. Contact us to request an appointment. We’re here to meet all your auto repair needs and keep you driving with confidence.