Modern cars are able to traverse bumpy roads and tough terrains without much noise or jolts; it is all possible because of a well-built and efficient car suspension. A good car suspension ensures a smooth driving experience in different road conditions and makes handling easy. Moreover, a car suspension is not just a component, it is a complete system.
Similar to many other vehicle parts and systems, maintenance of the suspension system is essential to enjoy a comfortable driving experience. Let’s go through this complete guide to understand how to take care of your suspension system.
MAINTAINING THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
With the technology advancements, car suspension offers more than a smooth ride. From steering wheel to tyres and springs to shock absorbers, they help increase safety and comfort. Major car suspension system failures may require a replacement.
However, there are certain ways the maintenance of the suspension system can enhance the driving experience. Here are some tips for timely maintenance of the suspension system.
WHEELS AND TYRES
Tyres and the air inside them are among the fundamental components of a suspension system. When maintaining your car’s suspension system, ensure that the tyres have the required air pressure. You can check the air using a tyre pressure monitoring system.
If your tyres don’t have enough air pressure, they result in jolting on bumpy roads and also rattle other components of the suspension system. Moreover, always ensure that you get wheel alignment every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometres.
While checking your wheels and tyres, check the tyre tread depth too. An uneven tyre tread depth can affect suspension system performance.
SPRINGS
The springs in the car suspension system can take the load on heavy bumps. Moreover, the spring mechanism prevents the suspension system from failing under extreme pressure conditions. When the springs are worn out or broken, you may hear a clunk or squeak sound coming from the car.
Therefore, always look if there is rust in the spring when maintaining the suspension system as worn out or rusted springs can cause damage to other components. This problem can only be solved by replacing the worn-out springs with new ones.
SHOCK ABSORBERS AND STRUTS
Are you experiencing an unstable ride on the highways? Or does your vehicle tip more towards one side on a turn? If you are facing these problems, there might be a problem with shock absorbers and struts. Shock absorbers and struts help you control the vehicle on turns, brakes, or acceleration. Moreover, the car anti-roll bars are used along with either the struts or the shock absorbers and provide additional stability to the moving automobile. They help reduce the car swaying and ensure a balanced ride.
That said, replace the broken or worn-out shock absorber when maintaining the suspension system if you find any of the following problems:
- Fluid leaking on the outside of the shock absorbers
- Unusual tyre wear when your shock absorbers and struts are not working properly
- Excessive jolting on bumpy roads
- The car’s front end plunges more when braking
- One side of the car leans more than the other side on a turn
It is to be noted that all vehicles don’t have struts. Therefore, always check your vehicle user manual when you are maintaining your suspension system.
JOINTS AND BEARINGS
A suspension system consists of different parts and small components connecting them. While there are different types of suspension systems with different working phenomena, these joints and bearings play an important role in holding the system together. These connections are made up of plastics, rubbers, or metals that may wear over time.
That said, you must check your automaker’s guidelines when replacing these joints and bearings because each manufacturer has different system designs.
STEERING
The steering system connects to the suspension system of the vehicle. While you maintain the suspension system, it is important to check the steering fluid if your vehicle has a hydraulic steering system. Set your car maintenance schedules. For instance, steering fluids need to be refilled every 45,000 to 50,000 kilometres.
These are all the parts that need to be taken care of when maintaining the suspension system. You can follow the maintenance check from the smallest to the largest component in the suspension system. For instance, check the bearings, joints, and connections first when you face a problem with the vehicle suspension system.
This wraps the complete details on the maintenance of the suspension system. Whether you buy a new or used car in the UAE, ensure that the suspension system is well maintained for a safer and more comfortable ride.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog to find out more about different vehicle systems and how to maintain them.
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