As vehicle owners, we often leave maintenance and repairs to the professionals. Most people don’t know a lot about their car’s suspension system, besides getting the occasional wheel alignment when their auto shop recommends it. However, your car’s suspension is a vital component in determining your vehicle’s overall quality and performance. Here’s what every driver should know about their suspension and how to properly take care of it. 

What Does the Suspension Do? 

Your car’s suspension system is a complicated series of shocks and struts that work together to give you a smooth, bump-free ride. Not only do these springs and dampeners absorb energy from road bumps and dissipate it throughout the vehicle, but your suspension also ensures your tires make maximum contact with the road. This increases your overall tire grip and leads to safer driving. Often, there’s not much you need to do to maintain your suspension, but most auto mechanics recommend getting a wheel alignment every 2-3 years or every time you have new tires installed on the car. 

How to Avoid Suspension Damage

While regular wheel alignments are usually sufficent, eventually the stress of carrying around tons of metal will start to wear on the suspension. Since most people think this system is just about comfort, they’ll often go for long periods without scheduling repairs or maintenance. However, this is a critical part of driver safety, affecting maneuverability and your ability to control the vehicle.

Signs that your suspension needs repair work can include your vehicle drifting to the left or right when cornering, lurching at stops, uneven tire tread, and an extreme amount of bouncing and roughness when driving. You should also take a look under the vehicle. If the shocks on your wheels look particularly slick or oily, it could mean they are leaking fluid. Any of these signs indicate that you should make an appointment with your local auto repair shop as soon as possible. 

To maintain a healthy suspension system and avoid damage, check your tire pressure regularly, and pay attention to how your car is handling. Get a wheel alignment and tire rotation routinely, and have your suspension checked after every collision. Don’t let this winter’s potholes get the best of you and your car. If you can’t remember the last time that you had an alignment, schedule one now before the winter weather hits.

Muffler Brothers is a quality auto repair shop and Jasper-preferred dealer, serving the areas of Chillicothe, Ross  County, and Southen Ohio. Their expert technicians have the skills and training to handle anything, from oil changes to transmission and engine repair. They can help you get your car ready for winter with brake service and tire rotation. To schedule your tune-up, call (740) 772-1890 or visit them online to find your most convenient location today.