Your vehicle’s suspension system is responsible for keeping the chassis stable and controllable as you drive while absorbing energy from road impacts. This system consists of various components working together to provide you with a comfortable and safe ride. So when it comes to keeping your suspension system protected over time, you can probably imagine the importance of regular maintenance.
With so many parts working in conjunction, however, even a small failure within the system can cause a host of drivability issues. In this article, we’ll cover the best steps to take to protect your suspension system, why it’s important, and what effect ignoring it can have on the health of your vehicle.
What Is Suspension?
The suspension in a vehicle is an array of shocks, springs, and other interconnected components used to maximize the grip between the tires and road surface while providing stable steering and a comfortable ride for you and your passengers.
While the exact components and setup of the system can vary considerably between make and model, all suspension systems are designed with these responsibilities in mind.
Best Ways To Protect Your Suspension
Regular Wheel Alignments
With the suspension system being directly connected to the wheels, it’s no surprise that neglected wheel alignment can affect the surrounding suspension components.
When a car falls out of alignment, it places increased stress on the suspension system as the misaligned wheels fight against the forward movement of the vehicle. Allowing bad wheel alignment to linger will significantly increase the wear experienced by the suspension, as well as lowering fuel economy and leading to drivability issues.
Having your wheels aligned by a trusted professional around every 12,000 miles, or roughly a year of consistent driving, ensures that your suspension system is protected from unnecessary wear.
Avoid Bad Driving Habits
The amount of wear the suspension system endures depends a lot on how you drive your vehicle. Taking speed bumps and potholes at high speed can cause a significant amount of unnecessary stress, while driving over them with caution will reduce the amount of impact the suspension must absorb.
Clean The Undercarriage
An often overlooked part of keeping your suspension in good shape is cleaning the undercarriage of the vehicle, particularly when it has been snowing outside, as the road salt can cause rapid corrosion to important suspension components if left to accumulate under your vehicle.
Don’t Overload Your Vehicle
The more weight your vehicle is carrying, the more stress it places on the suspension system. Removing unnecessary heavy items or accessories when not using them can help to lessen the load placed on the suspension components.
It’s best to always stay under the recommended load capacity mentioned in your owner’s manual.
Replace Worn-Out Components Promptly
Replacing old suspension components when they’re nearing failure is important for protecting the various components around them. When one part of the suspension system fails, it places increased stress on the rest of the system, accelerating wear and tear.
If you notice symptoms of a faulty shock, spring, ball joint, or otherwise, it’s crucial to have it inspected by a trusted automotive professional to avoid further damage and repairs.
Suspension System Maintenance & Repair in Boulder, CO
If you drive a Subaru and are in need of any suspension-related diagnostics, maintenance, or repair, the experts at Super Rupair in Boulder have the expertise and equipment to ensure your Subaru is back on the road in no time.
Don’t let just any shop work on your Subaru vehicle, instead trust the shop that understands these unique platforms inside and out. Give us a call or schedule online today to secure your appointment with Boulder’s premier Subaru care and repair facility!