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.
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.
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.
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.
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- If you notice any of these symptoms we recommend you go to your mechanic, he is who can help you most.