Suspension

Is your vehicle starting to bounce, sway, or pull to the side when you are driving? Have you been driving on uneven pavement or hitting potholes on your commute? Over time, damage to the suspension system will occur and causes various problems for your vehicle.

If you find it’s harder to turn the steering wheel, it’s time to call Paskett Auto Care in Roy, UT, to schedule a diagnostic appointment.

Suspension problems are often associated with a rough ride, but there is more to the suspension system. If you notice the car is taking a nosedive when you brake or feel that the car seems to drag when you accelerate, it can indicate a suspension problem. A damaged suspension system places you and your passenger at risk of auto accidents as you have less control over the vehicle.

Suspension System Damage

When a suspension system experiences damage, drivers usually notice one or several problems including;

• Vehicle pulls to one side while driving – normally associated with uneven tire pressure, uneven tire wear, poor alignment, sticking brake caliper, bad tie rods, or steering rack.
• Rougher than normal ride – if you feel every bump, it’s time to have the suspension checked. Try the bounce test by parking your car, placing all of your weight on the front end, and releasing and noticing how the vehicle responds. If your car bounces 3-4 times, it’s an indicator that the shocks and struts are worn out.
• One side of the car sits low – if one corner of the car is lower than the others, it indicates a broken spring.
• Car nosedives when braking- this indicates a problem with shocks and struts.
• Car rolls to one side when cornering – shocks and strut problem.
• Car pulls back when you are accelerating – shocks and strut problem.
• Difficult to steer – if it is hard to turn the steering wheel or it feels like it slips when you turn, the entire power steering system could have an issue.

Common repairs for suspension systems include;

• Broken spring
• Uneven tires
• Worn out shocks and struts
• Worn out ball joints
• Low power steering fluid
• Worn or loose power steering belt
• Faulty power steering pump
• Leaking power steering rack
• Worn out control arm bushings

Bad Suspension? Is Your Car Safe to Drive?

Driving with a bad suspension is dangerous as your safety is at risk. A bad suspension can lead to problems with your vehicle’s road traction and resistance to force when braking and turning. Drivers can find themselves at an increased risk of rollovers or fender benders when the suspension system is compromised.

At Paskett Auto Care in Roy, we never recommend a repair unless it is absolutely necessary. We want our customers to drive safe, reliable vehicles, which is why we work hard to provide the best auto repair in Northern Utah. A bad suspension is not a repair you want to delay! Contact us today to schedule an appointment, 801-728-3455!