What are the parts of my suspension system?

Your vehicle’s suspension system is responsible for your comfort while driving. It also ensures that you can adequately control your vehicle by absorbing the bumps and other imperfections of the road.

Several parts make up the suspension system. All of these parts are located underneath the vehicle, between it and the road. The parts include your tires, springs, struts, shock absorbers, power steering, arms, bars, bushing, joints, and more. If any of these components fail, your suspension system will not be as effective. It may even stop working. In order to ensure that you have a suspension in top shape, you should schedule regular suspension checks with Ethan’s Honest Auto.

What does the suspension do?

The suspension system is one of the most important in your vehicle. It cushions the bumps and lurches of driving. Without it, you would be shaken half to death while driving through the Cache Valley.

Car suspension systems have been in place since almost the beginning of motor vehicles. Early manufacturers realized that the vehicle would not be safe or comfortable without them. As early as 1901, an automobile by Mors of Paris was given shock absorbers. Until the modern era, cars only had front suspension systems. Today all cars are given suspension systems on four wheels.

When does my suspension need to be maintained?

It is important to follow a regular maintenance schedule for your entire car. However, the suspension system is so crucial that you definitely want to have it looked over periodically. The different components of the suspension will need maintenance at different times.

Your tires will need the most maintenance. They should be rotated regularly and checked every 1000-3000 miles. The power steering fluid will need to be checked and topped off every time you change your oil. Every 15,000 miles or so (when you have the tires aligned), have your mechanic check the suspension components for wear. You shouldn’t have to replace a part of the suspension until 50,000 miles or more when it is checked regularly for problems.

What parts of the suspension wear out the fastest?

The part of the suspension that will need the most maintenance is the tires. They need to be rotated about every 10,000 miles. They will likely need to be replaced more often than the other suspension parts.

Problems with the power steering, shock absorbers, and struts are all common. However, you shouldn’t start seeing issues with these components until the vehicle reached 50,000-100,000 miles—unless you drive on unusually bumpy or rough roads.

Signs I have a suspension problem.
Sometimes our vehicles have problems, even with our best efforts to keep them in top shape. There are a number of signs that you may be having suspension problems. If you notice the following issues, bring your vehicle into Ethan’s Honest Auto immediately to have the suspension looked at.

• Excessive bumping, especially after hitting a rough patch of road.
• Pulling to one side of the road or the other.
• Drifting when you turn a corner.
• The front of the vehicle dives down when you use the brakes.

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