Vehicle suspension trouble makes driving dangerous. If you suspect there is something wrong with your car’s suspension, have it inspected as soon as possible. Proper maintenance prevents most suspension problems, but there are times when driver-error or poor manufacturing intervene. Brookwood Automotive staffs its shop with experienced auto technicians who know vehicle suspensions. Bring your car, truck or SUV in if you notice any of the following.
Handling Trouble
The primary indication something is wrong with your vehicle’s suspension is how it handles. You know how your automobile handled when you drove it off the lot and if that handling has changed, your suspension is the likely culprit. For example, your vehicle shouldn’t pull to one side or the other or be difficult or too easy to turn. Pulling indicates worn struts, shocks or brake system calipers. It could also be that you knocked your vehicle out of alignment by hitting a curb. Difficult or loose steering spells steering system trouble, which can be an expensive repair if it’s the steering column.
Ride Trouble
Your ride should be a smooth one, too, unless you’re on a bumpy road. If you suddenly feel as if you’re driving in a bounce house, your struts and shocks are likely worn and need to be replaced. The shock absorbers, in particular, can cause a bouncy ride if they are leaking fluid. Shock absorber fluid is designed to – you guessed it – absorb movement, so if your shock absorber fluid is low or you have broken or worn struts, you will feel every little bump in the road. The reason why you feel it is your tires bounce off the road, so this is something that needs to be addressed right away.
Strange Sounds
You may also notice clunking sounds when you turn your steering wheel or squeaking sounds when you turn your steering wheel or hit a bump in the road. Odd sounds are also a sign of suspension trouble if you hear the noise during suspension system actions, such as turning a corner or going over a speed bump. One sure sign your suspension is making noise is if you bounce at the same time. Always be aware of noises when you drive, as they clue you into automobile trouble down the road.
Brookwood Automotive in OKC, OK, works on vehicle suspensions all the time. We’d be happy to inspect your automobile’s suspension to ensure everything is okay and, if not, we can repair it at a reasonable cost. Call us today to set up an appointment.
