Taking care of your car’s suspension is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and safe ride. While some wear is inevitable, poor driving habits can accelerate damage to the suspension system. By adopting mindful driving practices and paying attention to key aspects of vehicle maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your suspension. Here are five tips to keep your suspension in top shape and prevent costly repairs.
1. Avoid Abrupt Braking
Slamming on the brakes puts unnecessary stress on your vehicle’s suspension system. This action can trigger the anti-lock braking system (ABS) unnecessarily, causing wheel lock-ups. If you tend to brake hard or ride the brake pedal frequently, you are potentially endangering yourself and others on the road. To avoid suspension damage and reduce the risk of accidents, practice smoother braking by leaving more distance between you and the car in front of you.
2. Respect Your Car’s Weight Capacity
Every vehicle is designed to carry a specific weight limit, and exceeding this limit can harm your suspension system. Overloading your vehicle puts extra pressure on the suspension components, causing them to wear out prematurely. While it may be tempting to carry extra weight for convenience, it can result in costly repairs. Always ensure you are within the manufacturer’s specified weight limits to avoid damaging your suspension and ensure optimal vehicle performance.
3. Approach Speed Bumps with Caution
Speed bumps are a necessary part of road safety, but they can be harmful to your suspension if not approached correctly. Driving over speed bumps too quickly can lead to unnecessary strain on the suspension, damaging the shocks and tires. Since the suspension is designed to absorb shock, it has its limits. Slow down when approaching speed bumps to preserve your suspension and reduce the risk of damage to your vehicle.
4. Keep Up with Regular Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your car’s suspension. While it might seem like a hassle, keeping up with regular maintenance will save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs. Regular inspections and servicing of components like shocks, springs, and bushings are essential to keep the suspension in top condition. By sticking to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, you ensure a smooth and safe ride while extending the life of your suspension.
5. Stick to Suitable Terrain
If your vehicle isn’t designed for off-road adventures, don’t push it to perform in those conditions. Off-road vehicles have specialized suspension systems that can handle rough terrain, unlike standard cars. Taking your vehicle off-road can cause significant wear and tear on the suspension. Stick to driving your vehicle on paved roads and avoid using it in environments for which it was not built to maintain the integrity of your suspension system.
While you can’t avoid all rough roads or debris, how you drive over them can make a big difference in the health of your suspension. Constant exposure to potholes, uneven surfaces, and debris can accelerate suspension damage. By slowing down and steering carefully around obstacles, you can reduce the impact on your suspension. Practicing defensive driving, especially on poorly maintained roads, helps minimize unnecessary strain on your vehicle’s suspension system.
