Car suspension may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about driving in comfort, but it should be. Suspension maximises the friction between your tyres and the road, giving you improved control and steering stability no matter the condition of the surface you’re driving on. As any mechanic knows, the suspension in your car is essential to getting you from A to B safely. Here are a few more things you should know about car suspension to ensure you’re getting the smoothest, safest driving experience possible.
What is Your Car’s Suspension?
The suspension system is located underneath the body of your car. It’s made up of three parts which work together to support your car’s weight, create friction between your tyres and the road, and absorb shock on uneven surfaces.
Springs
Springs have been providing a smoother ride for over a century. They were once used to absorb wheel vibrations in horse drawn carts. Today, springs can be found in each wheel of your automobile. In modern vehicles, there are a number of different types of spring utilised. No matter the design, the role of a spring is to compress and extend to maintain the suspension system at a constant height, regardless of added weight in your car or bumps on the road.
Dampers
While springs are great at compressing and extending as required, they don’t do so in a particularly controlled way. Dampers are required to absorb some of the energy from the spring and prevent what would otherwise be a very bouncy ride.
Dampers come in the form of shock absorbers and struts. As well as damping the movement of the spring, struts also provide structure to the suspension system and play a crucial role in a vehicle’s steering system. They also act as a pivot point and affect alignment angles.
Anti-Sway Bars
Anti-sway bars join each side of the suspension system together. They transfer movement from either a front or back wheel to the wheel on the opposite side of your car. This helps to even out bumps along the road and improve control while turning corners.
Why is Your Car’s Suspension So Important?
The suspension system in your car keeps you in control and provides a smoother ride no matter the terrain. As well as providing a safer, more comfortable ride for you and your passengers, your car’s suspension reduces the impact and wear on your entire car. Suspension that isn’t up to standard can ruin your tyres and create the need for otherwise avoidable auto repairs.
How to Maintain Good Suspension
It’s not always easy to tell when parts of your suspension system need to be replaced, serviced, or repaired, because deterioration happens very gradually. Regular suspension checks offer peace of mind and keep you in control.
Contact Us
Need a mechanic to have a look at your suspension? If you are experiencing some of the issues mentioned, get some of the best car servicing Joondalup has to offer. At CarCare Joondalup, our team of expert mechanics are here to help. If you have any questions about your car’s suspension, or the other services we provide, call us today on (08) 9300 9796 or contact us online.