Come winter, Santa Fe will have its fair share of experiences for snow lovers and holiday seekers. The city is at an elevation, and snow is common, though not too heavy. The snow clears up fast due to the bright sun, and you will not require chains to drive around town. But a car with a top condition suspension system would surely help when it snows.
Your car is a machine made by putting together complex parts. Each of them serves a vital aspect of the entire experience. Your car's suspension is what keeps the car stable and gives you a smoother ride on rough roads or harsh winter days.
Many people do not understand that the suspension system of their car serves various functions. Your car's suspension system is a protective layer between the cabin where you sit and the tires.
Here's what suspension systems essentially do
Maximize the friction. The more your tires are in contact with the ground, the more control you have of your vehicle.
As you drive along snugly, the wheels of your car constantly transmit kinetic energy to the car's body and you. When you encounter bumps, potholes, slush, mud, sleet, ice, and other unwanted road conditions, your suspension takes the beating from the wheels.
A well-maintained suspension system extends the life of your car itself. Over a while, the other components of your vehicle, like the AC, will have lesser wear and tear with a sound suspension system in place.
Most car owner manuals suggest that the average life of the car suspension system parts is around 70,000 miles. Of course, your driving style and the road conditions where you operate have a bearing on the life of your suspension system.
Here are four signs that your vehicle's suspension needs repairing or replacement.
Does your car feel bumpy when driving? The car suspension is essential to have a smooth, bump-free ride. One of the prime purposes is to absorb the shock and bumps from the road and avoid the bounce accompanying it. When the suspension system starts declining, a typical symptom is a bumpy ride.
Driving on potholes seems challenging because of the sounds your car makes and the struggle you face while going through them. This car suspension problem is primarily due to driving your car with worn-out shock absorbers.
The main job of the shock absorber is to keep your vehicle on the road and 'absorb' the shock. As your shockers become weak, the bumps on the road send your vehicle flying without any part that draws it back on the ground. As they wear out, the car performance decreases, and it becomes more challenging to keep the car in control. A rough and bumpy ride is a sign your vehicle needs suspension repair.
Another simple way to identify a car suspension problem is when you're having trouble steering the car, especially at low speed. The steering of your car and suspension system is interlinked. If you have difficulty handling the vehicle, it is usually one of the two or both at fault.
You may notice excessive vibration and clunking or screechy noises while driving the vehicle, indicating a failing power steering pump. Get your car checked by a service center, and let them detect the problem.
Another sign of a worn-out suspension system is that your car inclines or pulls to one side when driving straight. It may be due to several other reasons like tires or brakes too. It is dangerous to drive a car that is not in your control.
A droopy car means the suspension spring is genuinely worn out and needs urgent replacement because it can't support the car's weight anymore, causing the vehicle to drift.
If your car shocks are leaking fluid, they will be oily. This is the easiest way to judge whether your suspension is facing some issue. Grab a flashlight and take a look under the vehicle.
You can spot the shocks and struts near your wheels. If they are working correctly, there wouldn't be an oily glean to them. Touch the shock absorbers, and if you feel oil, you need to replace them.
The shocks in your car do not leak fluid unless they have worn out and failing. It's time for suspension repair. Get this looked at immediately by a professional mechanic.
The suspension system is one aspect of a car that tends to be the most neglected for routine maintenance. Most people remember to change their oil and feel that brake pads and other vehicle maintenance are essential.
In terms of staying on top of the condition of their shocks or struts or even having regular wheel alignments, many people ignore warning signs and end up paying the price when a car part fails.
A vehicle's wheel alignment can identify potential suspension repair and keep the car suspension in good health.
Master Tech Auto Repair can help you with the best car suspension repair and maintenance. We take cars, trucks, or SUVs of all makes and models.
We are ASE certified by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Since 1972, the ASE Certification has become the standard of excellence in the automotive arena. Our technicians have cleared exams in steering and suspension, and other subjects (there are eight altogether).
Our ASE-certified technicians will quickly identify any issues and have your air conditioner working properly again in no time. We care about your vehicle and its longevity.
We offer exceptionally fair and reasonable-priced auto repair services. In addition, once you drop in your car at our garage, we can provide a shuttle to drop you and pick you up from your home.
Call us today to schedule your appointment for an excellent ride ahead!
