When was the last time you had your car suspension checked? This important part plays a critical role in your car's performance - without it, you'd be going nowhere fast. And when it's in need of service or repairs, it can cause major issues for safety, performance, and even your other car parts - a damaged car suspension can lead to way more expensive repairs in the long run. That's why our expert techs at Toyota of North Charlotte always recommend knowing how to troubleshoot your car suspension and notice when something is off. Here's a quick guide to help you do it!
What is your car suspension, and why does it matter?
However, before you learn how to troubleshoot your car suspension, you need to know what it is, what it does, and what makes it up. Here are the main components of your car suspension:
- Dampers, which usually include shocks or shock absorbers, sway bars, and struts
- Springs
- Rods
- Joints, bearings, and bushings
- Wheels
And here are the two main functions of your car suspension, according to our Charlotte auto service techs:
#1: To help minimize the shaking in your car. When your car is traveling down the road - especially at high speeds or on bumpy surfaces - your car shakes and vibrates. Without suspension, you and your passengers would be very uncomfortable inside the cabin. Not only that, the constant vibrations and shaking could do major damage to the rest of your N Charlotte Toyota. Your car suspension keeps things in check.
#2: To help keep your car tires touching the ground. Your car suspension is attached to your wheels and axles. The system constantly pushes your tires against the ground - without it, your car tires would bounce non-stop.
Toyota of N Charlotte explains how to troubleshoot your car suspension
OK. Now you know what a car suspension is made of and how it works, it's time to learn how to troubleshoot it. Here's what our Charlotte Toyota service experts have to say about it.
- You can see that one side of your car is sitting lower than the other when it's in park
- When you push down on the bumper, the car bounces instead of just rebounding once
- You see leaking fluid on the springs or shocks
- You notice that your tires are wearing unevenly (because they're bouncing)
- Your car feels bumpier or shakier (basically, you feel more vibrations while you're driving)
- Your car feels unstable or off-balance when you drive at fast speeds, like on the highway 70 mph+
- You hear clunking or thumping noises when you drive over bumpy surfaces
- You feel like steering is becoming more difficult and takes more effort
- Your car is pulling to one side when your steering wheel is aimed straight
- Your car is "tipping" to one side when you make turns
- When you hit the brakes hard, the car dips down in the front, or when you accelerate hard, the back of the car dips down
Think any of these signs apply to your car suspension? We've got you - schedule service or repairs today at Toyota of N Charlotte. We're open seven days a week at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23. You can also schedule online OR call us at (704) 875-9199.
