Many drivers take the suspension system on their car for granted, not realizing how important it is until something goes wrong. On average, a vehicle’s shocks support several tons of weight over time and will eventually stop functioning. A common misconception is that the sole purpose of suspension is to maintain a smooth ride, however, serious suspension has a domino effect on the control of the vehicle. There are some tall-tell signs that you need some suspension repair work.
Infamous Rough Ride
A rough ride could certainly be an indication that the struts or shocks are wearing out. When you are feeling every bump in the road or begin to hear knocking (metal on metal) coming from the wheel well area, it is a sure sign that you need to get your vehicle in to have its suspension looked at.
Uneven Tread Wear On Tires
If tread wear is uneven on tires, the tires will be shaped oddly and will begin to damage other tires as a result. When the suspension isn’t holding the car evenly, then uneven amounts of pressure are applied to the tires.
Leaning Into A Turn
Drifting or pulling is a sign of suspension problems, because the shocks can’t keep the car stable through the turn. As a result, you are in more danger because it increases the risk of rolling the car.
Greasy Shocks
If you can locate the shocks behind your tires, look to see if they are in good condition. If the shock has greasy residue on the housing, it could mean that fluid is leaking out of the shocks.
Unusual Movements When Stopping
Pay attention to how your car behaves when you come to a stop. Does the car dip or plunge in a lurching motion when you hit the brakes? A bad suspension system can slow down the time it takes for a vehicle to come to a complete stop. This can be dangerous and increases the likelihood of an accident.
Use A Certified Mechanic To Solve Suspension Issues
If you live or work in the Blaine Minnesota area, and are having issues with your vehicle’s suspension, schedule an appointment today with Clark Automotive. Whether your vehicle has a conventional suspension system with shock absorbers or a strut-based system (which is typical in many front-wheel-drive cars today), Clark Automotive has the equipment necessary and the knowhow of ASE-Certified mechanics to diagnose and repair any problem. Give us a call at (763) 784-7944 or stop on by the shop today! Walk-ins are welcome!
If you have lived in Minnesota even for a short time, you know that winter here can be brutal. Even a winter with relatively few snowstorms will wreak havoc on the roads you drive on. One snowfall that creates the need for plows to clear snow from road surfaces will create new potholes and damage old ones that had been “repaired.” Nothing is more likely to cause problems with your vehicle’s alignment and/or suspension than a perfectly placed pothole that is disguised as an innocent puddle or shadow on the road. Clark Automotive knows destructive potholes can be for your vehicle. We can help repair the damage that happens so often from hitting them—alignment and suspension problems, and, by extension, steering issues.
Have you ever watched a suspenseful car movie that made you want to go out and get in your minivan and just take sharp turns around the neighborhood? Oh, we are the only ones watching that one? Okay, fine! Just try watching ‘The Fast and The Furious’ and then pull up next to a sports car on a deserted stop light. In all honesty, you may not need sharp turns or a fast car to feel what those cars are feeling in the movies. At Clark Automotive, we understand the ins and outs of cars. If you live in or around Andover, MN, it may be time to check your car’s suspension!
