All about your suspension and what to look for.
Suspension is a combination of shock absorbers and dampers. This allows the car to maximize the contact between the tires and the road, improving stability. Suspension can often wear out or accumulate damage through hitting potholes or carrying excessive loads. It is wise to get an opinion from a specialist if you have any concerns because a compromised suspension system can reduce manoeuvrability on the roads.
How Do I Know If My Suspension Needs A Service or Replacement?
Potential signs or indications that your suspension may need a service or replacement:
Stiff Suspension
A tell-tale sign that your suspension needs a service is when you can feel every bump in the road and the general ride of your car becomes uncomfortable.
Vehicle Instability
Upon turning or braking, your car begins to rock and oscillate.
Uneven Tire Wear
Easy to inspect and a clear sign that the suspension of your car isn’t balancing the weight out evenly.
Oil on your Shock Absorbers
Shine a light on your shocks or feel if there is oil. If there is oil, it is proof that they are worn and not working optimally, and generally need to be replaced.
The Bounce Test
If you are having any of the above issues with your suspension then the bounce test is an easy way to double-check the quality of your shocks and dampers. With all your weight, push down on the front end a few times in a bouncing motion and then release. If it continues to bounce more than two to three times, your suspension is wearing out. Do the same at the back to test the rear suspension.