Rough Ride Review: 6 Signs You Need Vehicle Suspension Service
March 18, 2022
Tires
Today’s post runs down 6 telltale signs that you need to book a vehicle suspension service. Read to learn when it’s time to roll into your local TIRECRAFT, or use our shop finder tool to book a vehicle suspension service straight away.
1. You Are Experiencing A Rough Ride
If your morning commute or weekend joyride is feeling a bit bumpier than usual, and you haven’t detoured down any rough country roads, there’s a good chance that you’ll need a vehicle suspension service in the near future. Prolonged bouncing or bumpy rides typically indicate that your shocks and/or coil springs are shot.
Don’t worry—the replacement parts aren’t expensive, and we’ve got all the parts and maintenance skills needed to smooth out your ride.
2. Your Car Is Drifting Or Pulling During Turns
It’s quite common for vehicles with failing suspension systems to “drift” or “pull” when turning. This means the shocks are worn out, and they’re no longer keeping the vehicle body stable against the centrifugal force of a turn. If you feel a drifting or pulling sensation as you turn, don’t ignore it, as you’re likely at higher risk of a rollover. Get in touch with your local TIRECRAFT to assess the seriousness of the situation and schedule a vehicle suspension service.
3. Your Car Is Dipping Or “Nose Diving” During Braking
Is your vehicle lurching forward or nose diving when you hit the brakes? This is a common sign of bad shocks, and it can increase your braking distances by up to 20%! This not only makes driving more dangerous; it also seriously reduces your tire life, as the weight of your vehicle lurches forward, super-loading your front wheels and grinding tread down with every stop.
4. You Notice Uneven Tire Tread Wear Patterns
Uneven tread wear can be caused by poor wheel alignment and exacerbated by failing to rotate your tires, but it’s also a common sign of suspension wear. As your vehicle’s suspension system starts to fail, your tires will be forced to absorb the shock and pressure of your vehicle unevenly, and overburdened treads will begin too bald.
If you detect uneven tire wear and want to get to the bottom of it, get in touch with a TIRECRAFT technician near you. Whether you need an alignment, a tire rotation, or a vehicle suspension service to maximize your tire tread life, we can do it all.
5. The Shocks On Your Vehicle Look “Oily”
If your shocks look particularly greasy, there’s a good chance that they are leaking fluid and in need of repair or replacement. To make the most of this tip, it’s a good idea to take a look at your fresh new shocks immediately after a vehicle suspension service. This will help you establish a “baseline” and make it easier to tell when something’s awry.
6. Your Car Fails The “Bounce Test”
Place your vehicle in park, then press down on the front of the vehicle a few times with all your weight. Once you’ve got the chassis rocking, release. If your car continues to bounce more than a few times after you stopped rocking it, there’s a good chance that your suspension is on its way out.
Get A Free Quote On A Vehicle Suspension Service: Contact TIRECRAFT
Use the Find a TIRECRAFT tool to get in touch with a vehicle suspension service specialist in your area and find out why so many Canadians choose TIRECRAFT to keep their suspension in shape!
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