Reasons to have your car’s suspension inspected

If you commute a lot and cover a lot of miles each day, your car may eventually need a realignment. You can test the timing for realignment by driving slowly, such as when approaching a stop sign, and slightly loosening your grip on the steering wheel. If the car seems to instinctively pull in one direction or the other then it may need to be realigned. You may also notice this tendency when going around a turn, and the car wants to go hard in a certain direction as you pull on the steering wheel. Other things to watch out for while driving include vehicle knocking sounds. Turn off the radio and listen for any noise as you go. If there is a rattling or knocking noise, there may be a loose bolt in the undercarriage.

Alignment work will include inspection of items related to the problem. This could include a check of the strut and ball joint bearings, bushings, and stabilizer bar links. Catching problems early can help you save costly repairs down the road, as suspension or alignment issues can become complex if left unfixed. Simple problems, such as driving through road construction zones day after day, can cause suspension problems. These rough roads, where the pavement has been removed, can put excessive stress on the shocks and struts. Over time, even the bolts near the tires can become loose. If you haven’t had your car serviced lately, even simple rumble strips on the side of the road can lead to problems with a car in need of repair.

Things a mechanic may look for are leaking or cracked shock absorbers, unnecessary amount of vehicle movement such as bouncing or rocking, and uneven tire wear. Tire trouble, in particular, can mean shocks and struts need replacement. Excessive bouncing experienced in a vehicle can affect overall car control, driving comfort, and even the ability to brake in a timely manner.

Over time, a bounce that starts out subtle can get worse, so it’s best to have the car inspected so it can be fixed quickly. A quick way to occasionally test the shocks is to park the car, then walk around to the side and lean against it. Stand back, and if the car bounces more than once, the shocks or struts may need to be examined.

Another instance where you may want to have your undercarriage and alignment examined is after an accident. When a car breaks down, you may be focused on repairing the physical damage. Remember that when you hit a car, the alignment of the vehicle also absorbs the impact. The momentum of the shock can bend metal on the underside that you might not see, which could cause suspension and alignment issues. Eventually, this problem can lead to hidden wear or obvious problems, such as knocking or rattling noises inside the nuts and bolts. A mechanic trained to spot misalignment after an accident can ensure proper repairs. It is important not to overlook this aspect when repairing after an accident.

You can also choose to have a used vehicle inspected if you are thinking of buying it. A full vehicle inspection may be worthwhile to see if there is any damage or problem, or even if the car has been in an accident. An inspection can alert you to any damage or previous repairs that have been done. This type of knowledge is something you would like to know before you buy the vehicle and could be used as information in negotiating a purchase price. On the other hand, you may decide to walk away from the car and not buy based on the information from the inspection.

Most cars are designed to withstand the rigors of the road and give you many years of good performance. However, as the miles add up on a car’s odometer, it may soon be time to have your car’s suspension inspected. Do not neglect this important part of car maintenance. Regular checks can ensure that you enjoy a smooth ride and that all parts are in good working order. This attention to detail can not only extend the life of your tires, but it can also extend the years of service on a vehicle.