Changing the suspension

When should I change my car's suspension

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: January 16, 2017
When should I change my car's suspension

Suspensions not only provide comfort when drivingbut also guarantee safety as they help to control the vehicle, especially at high speeds and in risky manoeuvres. In fact, they are considered one of the three essential components of the 'triangle of security', together with tires and brakes. This article will explain what signs indicate the need to check and maybe change your car's suspension.

Contents
  1. Aquaplaning
  2. Roll and side slip
  3. Steering wheel vibration
  4. Errors in Security Systems
  5. Tire wear and increased braking distance
  6. Change the suspension every 60,000 kilometres

Aquaplaning

Aquaplaning is caused by poor adherence to the road in situations of rain or wet surfaces. This can be corrected or lessened if the suspension are in good state as it reduces the formation of a film of water between the tire and the road.

When should I change my car's suspension - Aquaplaning

Roll and side slip

Curves and sharp turns are other situations in which drivers must count on perfectly maintained suspension. They provide greater security. In critical situations, it is essential to maintain control of the vehicle and secure road holding. Rolling, side shift and loss of vehicle direction are effects that can be corrected when you have perfectly maintained suspension.

When should I change my car's suspension - Roll and side slip

Steering wheel vibration

As the shock absorbers are responsible for a good road holding, if defective, they produce a constant wobble of the steering wheel as the wheels constantly bounce; this may even lead to the car coming off the road. In these cases the vehicle behaves in an imprecise and unstable manner. Similarly, worn suspensions contribute to the wear of other elements of the suspension (spring and stabilizer bar) as well as other breakages.

Errors in Security Systems

Currently there is widespread use of security systems like TSC and ESP, whose function is to act automatically in cases of vehicle instability, such as loss of control, etc. If shock absorbers are not in optimal conditions the vehicle does not work properly and so these systems misinterpret the signals emitted by the car.

Tire wear and increased braking distance

Tires are other items that are damaged by bad maintenance, leading to additional wear and a reduction of tire lifespan by 20%. If a vehicle has both worn tires and suspension in disrepair breaking distance at 100 km/hr can increased by 3 meters. It is even more dangerous if the vehicle has an ABS braking system, increasing the breaking distance to a further 5 meters. This is because the tire bounces and jumps, losing contact with the road surface.

Change the suspension every 60,000 kilometres

Experts advise replacing the suspension and some suspension elements every 60,000 kilometres. Tests have shown that shock absorbers and suspension in the originally fitted equipment deteriorate noticeably at 60.000 km. In many standard vehicles replacing these worn parts can improve the handling characteristics and comfort.

If you want to read similar articles to When should I change my car's suspension, we recommend you visit our Car Maintenance and Repair category.

Tips

  • If you notice any of these symptoms we recommend you go to your mechanic, he is who can help you most.
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1 comment
Jessie Harrison
I like to take my jeep mountain climbing. The issue is, I need to get new struts. I think that if I took my jeep climbing right now it would be too hard on it. Although with brand new suspension I think it would be perfect.
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When should I change my car's suspension