Your car's suspension plays an integral role in the way that the car rides as well as how it handles, especially when you are turning, stopping, or driving over rough terrain. Unfortunately, the car's suspension system is often a mystery to most car owners, so they don't always know how to tell when something's wrong. The sooner you can recognize the signs of suspension trouble, the easier it is to get it fixed before you face a potentially dangerous failure. Here's a look at some of the signs that your car is in need of suspension work.
Rough, Bouncy Ride
One of the first indications that your car's suspension is worn, damaged, or in need of repair lies in the way that your car rides. If you notice that you're suddenly feeling every bump on the road, or your car seems as though it's bouncing a lot more than usual, those are indications that the suspension isn't absorbing that impact as well as it should. In that case, you'll want to reach out to an auto repair technician to have the suspension inspected and repaired if needed.
Shifting Or Uneven Feeling Around Corners
If you suddenly notice that it feels as though your car is shifting or feels like it's leaning when you turn a corner, that's a sign that you need suspension work. Your car's suspension is supposed to keep the car balanced, level, and stable through a turn. When the suspension fails, you'll feel some body roll and instability in the car when you turn. You'll need to have the suspension assessed by a technician in that case.
Shifting Forward When Stopping
If your car starts to shift forward when you stop, almost as though it is leaning nose-first, that movement is a sign that your car's shocks need to be replaced. When the shocks are worn, the suspension isn't as stiff as it should be. This can lead to the car being slightly unstable when you stop, which may also increase your stopping distance. You'll want to have this addressed right away for your own safety.
Visible Leaks
If your shocks or struts start to wear and need to be replaced, you'll typically notice that they are leaking. Inspect your car's shocks and struts periodically for any signs of leaks, including any greasy, oily residue around the top of the shocks or struts. If you notice leaking like this, you'll need to talk with a local mechanic about having the necessary suspension work done to repair the problem.