Five common signs that your suspension is wearing

You check your oil filters, brakes and tyres regularly, but how often do you think about your suspension? Most of take our suspension system (shocks) for granted. However, after supporting several tons of metal year after year, eventually the shocks will wear out and suspension repair will be necessary. They aren’t just there to ensure a smooth ride but to perform a vital role in keeping you safe on the road. A worn or damaged suspension system will impact your ability to control your car’s brakes and steering, so neglect could prove costly.

Luckily you don’t have to be a mechanic to know when it might be time to book in to have your suspension checked. Here are the common signs that you need a suspension service:

1. Rough ride

When driving, do you feel every little bump on the road or your car seems to bounce over bumps? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to book your vehicle in to check it’s suspension. 

2. Pulling or drifting when turning

With a failing suspension system, you'll often feel the vehicle "drift" or "pull" when you're turning. This basically means the shocks are no longer keeping the vehicle body stable against the centrifugal force of a turn, increasing your risk of a rollover.

3. Nose-diving when braking

If it feels like your vehicle is doing a nose-dive when you brake hard, it’s a huge red flag. This means your shocks are worn, which can make your brakes up to 20% less effective.

4. Oily Shocks

Check your shocks to make sure there is no oil or grease leaking from them. If they are leaking they will no work properly and you should replace them ASAP.

5. Uneven Tyre treads

If you notice the tread is wearing down unevenly on your tires, or if you notice balding spots, this is often a symptom that the suspension isn't holding the car evenly and therefore putting uneven amounts of pressure on the tires.

The Bounce Test

If you suspect your suspension is wearing out, try this simple test. With the car in "park," press down on the front of the vehicle with all your weight, "bounce" it a few times then, release. Do it again on the rear of the vehicle. If the car continues to rock or bounce more than 2-3 times after you release it, the suspension is wearing out.

Booking your vehicle in for a suspension check at Sunshine Toyota

Sunshine Toyota has made booking in your vehicle as simple and convenient as possible. To inquire, you can call us on 5493 3900 between our office hours or you can use our online enquiry system whenever you have a spare moment, it should only take three minutes if you have your vehicle information handy.

We have two handy service locations in Currimundi and Sippy Downs. We service vehicles from Alex Heads, Mooloolaba, Buderim, Kawana, Palmview and all the way to Caloundra South. With our kind of passion, you can be sure that you and your vehicle is being taken care of by an experienced team at Sunshine Toyota on the Sunshine Coast.