Your car’s suspension system is what keeps your ride comfortable and your vehicle stable on the road. It absorbs bumps, helps maintain traction, and ensures your car handles properly in turns. Over time, suspension components wear out, and when they do, you’ll start to notice changes in how your car rides and responds to the road. At Accomplished Auto, we’ve seen plenty of vehicles come in with suspension issues that started as small, subtle signs before turning into bigger, more expensive problems. If you’re wondering whether your suspension needs repairs, here are the key warning signs to look out for.
Your Ride Feels Rougher Than Usual
One of the first indicators of suspension trouble is a bumpy or uncomfortable ride. If you start feeling every little bump in the road or your car seems to bounce excessively after hitting a pothole, your shocks or struts may be worn out. These components are designed to absorb road impacts, and when they lose effectiveness, your ride becomes noticeably rougher.
Your Car Leans or Dips When Braking and Turning
A properly functioning suspension system keeps your car level when turning, braking, or accelerating. If you notice that your car:
- Dips forward when braking
- Leans excessively when turning
- Squats too much when accelerating
…it could be a sign that your struts or shocks are worn, affecting your car’s stability and control. This is especially dangerous in emergency braking situations, as it can increase stopping distances and reduce handling precision.
Steering Feels Loose or Unresponsive
Have you noticed that your steering feels less precise or that you have to correct more often to keep your car straight? Suspension issues can make steering feel loose, delayed, or unstable, especially at highway speeds. Worn-out tie rods, ball joints, or control arms could be the cause. If left unchecked, these components can completely fail, leading to serious safety risks.
One Side of the Car Sits Lower Than the Other
A noticeable tilt in your car’s stance could be a sign that a spring is broken or a strut is failing. Springs help support your vehicle’s weight, and if one is damaged, it can cause uneven height on one side. You may also hear clunking or knocking noises when going over bumps. If your car appears uneven when parked on a level surface, it’s time to have the suspension system inspected.
Unusual Noises Over Bumps
If you start hearing clunking, creaking, or knocking noises when going over bumps or making turns, it could indicate worn-out bushings, ball joints, or control arms. These noises usually mean that parts of your suspension are loose or deteriorated. Ignoring these sounds can lead to more damage and unsafe driving conditions.
Excessive Tire Wear
Your suspension system directly affects tire wear, and when components like struts, shocks, or ball joints wear out, they can cause uneven tire wear patterns. If you notice bald spots, cupping, or one side of the tire wearing faster than the other, it may indicate a suspension problem or improper alignment. Addressing these issues early can extend the life of your tires and improve vehicle stability.
How We Diagnose and Fix Suspension Issues
At Accomplished Auto, we perform a full suspension inspection to determine what’s causing the problem. Our technicians check for the following:
- Leaking shocks or struts
- Worn-out bushings and joints
- Uneven tire wear and alignment issues
- Signs of broken springs or sagging suspension
Suspension issues don’t just affect ride comfort—they impact handling, braking, and overall safety. If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, getting your suspension checked sooner rather than later can prevent more costly repairs down the road.
Does your ride feel rough or unstable? Accomplished Auto in Concord, NH, specializes in suspension inspections and repairs to restore smooth handling. Call today to schedule your service!