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Suspension is the system of tires, tire air, springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels and allows relative motion between the two.
A car's suspension system is one of the most important components that allow you to maintain control of the vehicle. While the suspension helps with a smooth ride, it's not all that it does.
Keep reading to learn more about how a bad suspension can impact your car's engine and when to schedule a car engine suspension repair in Calgary.
The suspension system includes the shock absorber, drive axle, drum, control arm, strut rod, coil spring, transverse rod, and steering system. This collection of parts holds the car off the ground, allows the vehicle to turn smoothly, and cushions the ride against bumps.
Like all components of a vehicle, the suspension begins to wear out over time. When this happens, how can you tell if your suspension system needs repair?
Here are some telltale signs of a bad suspension:
- Uneven Tire Treads: If the tread on your tires is wearing down unevenly, it indicates that the suspension isn't holding the car properly, resulting in unbalanced pressure on the tires.
- Bumpy Car Rides: A rough car ride is the most common sign that your vehicle's shocks or struts are wearing out. If every bump causes the vehicle to "bounce," it's time to take it to your local Calgary auto shop for suspension repair.
- Pulling During Turns: When the shocks fail to keep the vehicle stable during a turn, you'll feel the car drift or pull. This increases your risk of a rollover and compromises the safety of you and your passengers.
- Car Lurches Forward When Stopping: If your vehicle dips forward and downward when stopping, it indicates that the shocks are worn out. A bad suspension affects your ability to stop quickly and increases your risk of a collision.
- Failed "Bounce Test": The bounce test can signal a worn suspension. To perform this test, put your vehicle in park, press down on the front of your car with all your weight, and bounce a few times. If the car continues to bounce 2-3 times or more after you release it, it's a sign that your suspension needs repair.
Your vehicle's parts function as an interconnected ecosystem, working together to operate at peak efficiency. A bad suspension can affect your ability to control the vehicle, cause uneven tire wear, and strain your vehicle's drive system, inevitably leading to premature wear on other components.
However, unlike routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes or topping up fluids, many car owners mistakenly believe that the car's suspension doesn't impact the engine. This misconception can lead to neglecting necessary suspension repairs, ultimately affecting the overall health and performance of the vehicle. While a worn suspension system doesn't directly break the engine down, issues that interfere with the vehicle as a whole cause your engine to work harder.
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