Very few drivers are fully aware of what their vehicle suspension does to keep them safe. While many people assume the suspension is only used to ensure a smooth ride, its purpose extends further to protect the car, as well as your personal well-being on the road. Knowing the signs that you need vehicle suspension repair will keep you safe and avoid the need to visit your mechanic for more intensive and expensive auto repair. 

3 Ways to Know When Your Car Needs Vehicle Suspension Repairs

1. Bumps & Jumps

The main goal of a healthy suspension is to keep the car running smoothly on the road. While some cars offer a smoother ride than others, most drivers usually know how their car is supposed to feel while cruising, accelerating, and decelerating. If you notice your car is bumpier or suddenly jumps and lurches forward, it’s most likely a sign of a suspension problem on your hands. The suspension should absorb some of the shocks of the bumps in the road, so if it’s not doing its job, take it in for service immediately. 

2. Tire Wear

A car with a faulty suspension will bounce on the road, putting more pressure on the tires and wearing them out quicker than a healthy suspension would. Uneven tire wear is a clear indication of driving with a less-than-optimal suspension in your car, which puts you at risk for wheel damage and unsafe driving conditions. 

3. Drifting

As the shocks on your car begin to wear out, it can lead to drifting and nose diving while you drive. The suspension should keep the car entirely level, whether you’re turning, accelerating, or driving through uneven roads. When the parts are worn out, you’ll notice your car pulls to one side of the road or the other or will dip down in the front when you hit a minor dip. These are both serious problems, putting you and your fellow drivers at risk, so it’s imperative to have it fixed right away. 

Driving with a poorly-maintained vehicle suspension is not only unsafe for you as a driver, but it can lead to major repairs down the road. If you’re driving in Anchorage, AK, look to Alaskan Auto Center for transmission repair and all other auto maintenance you may need. For 17 years, the area’s leading experts in auto repair have provided meticulous auto repairs and unmatched customer care to keep each client safe and happy. For more information, visit them online or call (907) 522-7035.