Owning a car is a source of freedom and convenience, but it also comes with the responsibility of keeping your car running well. One often overlooked aspect of car maintenance is that of maintaining the suspension and steering systems. While the two are often seen as individual components, they work symbiotically to ensure you have reliable handling while driving. Properly looking after these systems requires regular upkeep and preventive repairs, both in terms of parts replacement and lubrication, among other things, in order to keep them functioning safely for years to come.
Without proper care, drivers can experience severe problems from both minor bumps or major collisions due to inadequate suspension or steering components. Here are some of the top maintenance tips you can use to help ensure the optimum performance of your car.
Check Suspension and Steering Components Regularly
The suspension and steering systems of your car are constantly under strain from road shocks, which can cause parts to wear out or become damaged over time. Regular inspections should be done to make sure all of your car’s components are functioning properly. Check for cracked or broken suspension springs, worn-out bushings, worn or loose tie rod ends, and other signs of damage.
Replace Worn Suspension Parts
Over the course of time, suspension and steering parts will eventually wear out due to age and use. Make sure to replace any worn-out suspension components immediately in order to maintain proper performance and handling. Some of these components include:
- shocks
- suspension springs
- tie rod ends
- struts
- bushings
- ball joints
When replacing suspension components such as shocks and struts, it’s a good idea to replace both sides at the same time in order to ensure better suspension balance and performance.
Lubricate Moving Parts Regularly
Suspension and steering systems rely heavily on grease, oil, and fluids to keep parts from prematurely wearing out and creating undue strain on other components. Make sure to regularly check and replenish the suspension system with a quality lubricant to ensure better performance for years to come.
Inspect Tires for Uneven Tread Wear or Damage
Tire treads are important for providing good suspension performance and stability. Uneven tire wear can indicate suspension or steering problems, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble, such as uneven wear or damage. Replace tires that have too much wear or damage as soon as possible in order to ensure your car’s suspension system is functioning properly.
Additionally, wheel alignments should be performed regularly in order to keep suspension components from prematurely wearing out due to misalignment. This will also ensure improved vehicle handling by preventing excessive tire wear and suspension component strain caused by driving with misaligned wheels.
Schedule Steering and Suspension Repair in OKC, OK
By following these tips, you can help make sure that your suspension and steering systems are always functioning at their best, promoting a smoother ride while keeping your car stable no matter the road conditions or terrain.
At Brookwood Automotive, we offer suspension and steering repair in OKC, OK to help keep your car running safely and efficiently for years to come. We understand that checking a car’s suspension and steering system may be daunting for some of our customers, so we strive to provide a straightforward, reliable, and hassle-free experience from start to finish. Contact us to schedule an inspection of your suspension and steering system today!
