3 Signs You Need To Have Your Suspension Serviced

Your suspension system works to maintain a smooth and level ride in your vehicle while driving. Damage or malfunctions to the suspension system can cause all sorts of complications to other parts of your vehicle and can have a marked effect on the performance and ability of your car on the road. Understanding some of the warning signs associated with a suspension system that is in disrepair can help you determine when you should talk to a mechanic about inspecting and servicing your vehicle.

1. Pulling and Steering Responsiveness

One of the first and most serious signs that you have something wrong with your vehicle's suspension system is if you notice that your car is pulling to one side or the steering wheel otherwise feels as if it is not as responsive -- as if it is loose or slippery even while driving at relatively low speeds. This is a serious concern since it directly affects the amount of control that you have over your vehicle and can increase the risk that you will experience an accident, so you should head straight to a mechanic once you notice any issues with the steering of your vehicle.

2. Bounce Test

Another good way to see if your suspension is still in good condition is to try bouncing your vehicle while it is parked on a level surface. Simply press down on the hood of your vehicle and try to get the car to bounce and move -- it may take you a little while to get momentum going. Once the car has started bouncing, let go of it. A properly working suspension system will make your vehicle stop bouncing almost immediately, whereas a damaged or malfunctioning system will allow for the car's movement to continue for a little while. You should also try to bounce your vehicle from the back to check the shocks and suspension on the rear tires.

3. Asymmetrical Wear

Finally, you should also take a look at the wear pattern on your tires. An improperly functioning suspension system will cause wear to be concentrated on one side of your tires. Alternatively, but in the same line, make sure that all of your tires are in relatively similar condition. A single tire that is wearing out faster than the rest can point to a suspension system that is placing too much strain on a single part of your vehicle instead of properly distributing the weight of your vehicle.

For more information, contact a company like Car And Truck Services Inc.