Routine auto maintenance will help keep your car driving as smoothly as possible, but wear and tear can cause unexpected problems to pop up. If your car is making strange noises or odd jerky motions on the road, it’s not just uncomfortable—it’s a safety hazard. The sooner you bring it into a mechanic the better, but the more information you can give the auto repair team, the faster they’ll be able to fix the problem. Be on the lookout for these common causes of a rough ride.

3 Causes of Rough Handling That Auto Maintenance Can Fix

1. Damaged Suspension

The suspension helps cushion your car against bumps, making the ride smooth and comfortable. However, because the suspension is always in use, it sees a lot of wear and tear. Once a problem arises, you’ll feel it immediately. Even small bumps in the road can feel severe, making it difficult to retain control over the vehicle. It may even make the car jerk and bounce when you brake. Take the car in at the first sign of possible suspension damage. Otherwise, the problem will only get worse.

2. Worn-Out Brakes

When they’re in proper condition, brakes should stop the vehicle smoothly and quietly. However, when the rotors, pads, and drums are worn or damaged, braking may be more difficult. Often, this results in a bouncing or jerking motion as the brakes are engaged. Driving on worn brakes is dangerous both to you and the car. The sooner the brakes are repaired, the less damage can be done to the rest of the car.

3. Unaligned Tires

Under ideal conditions, car tires should always be in alignment. This means the rear tires follow directly in the tracks of the front tires. If the tires are knocked out of alignment either by time on the road or by hitting a curb as you turn, your car’s ride quality won’t be as smooth. Tire rotations and realignments should be a part of your regular auto maintenance routine, but if you notice the ride quality getting rougher, schedule an appointment immediately. This will help reduce wear and tear on the tires while also improving your gas mileage.

Worried about your car’s ride quality? Schedule an auto maintenance appointment with F.A.T.S. Service in Anchorage, AK. Their experienced mechanics can help with everything from standard tune-ups to full engine replacements. They stand behind their work so you’ll never have to worry about the safety of your car again. Learn more about their services online and call (907) 561-5721 to discuss your repair needs today.