What is car suspension?
Suspension is the name of the system that connects the vehicle to its wheel. It
comprises the springs, shock absorbers and the linkages of the vehicle
to the wheels. The car suspension is vital in the handling and the
braking system of your vehicle which is a big factor in contributing to
the safety and driving comfort of car owners.
What is the importance of vehicle suspension?
The
importance of a car suspension is basically to provide a smooth ride
while maintaining an excellent control of your car. This may seem simple
but as the car accelerates, force follows creating great impact once
the car gets into bumpy roads. This force then travels through the frame
causing a hard bounce with the absence of proper suspension
performance. Without the coil springs and the shocks, it may cause the
vehicle to jump off the road causing discomfort and danger to the
passengers. But with working suspension, you are assured of a smooth and
safe riding experience.
The
spring and the shock will absorb the strong force and firmly keep the
tires steady on the ground providing everyone a smooth up and down
bounce without the friction that causes the discomfort.
What to check?
1.
Shock Absorbers – Shock absorbers are important in determining the
efficiency of your vehicle’s suspension. Most of the time, shock
absorbers are checked every three to five years. Make sure to check for
any signs of leaks or cracks of the absorber. If leaks or cracks are
visible, then don’t waste your time and have it checked and repaired by
your trusted repair shop right away.
2.
Suspension Performance – It is important to check the performance of
your suspension. You can perform a simple testing to check if it is
still functioning well. By simply driving your car to a rough or to an
uneven road, turn off the music and leave your windows open. While
driving, try to listen to the sound coming from your wheel. If you hear
squeaky sounds or screech, then lubricating your suspension can help.
But if it’s a loud clunking noise, your suspension needs to be greased.
Next
is to check for any vibrations coming from the wheels. If you feel any
vibration, first check if the tires are properly inflated as under
inflated tires may also damage the alignment or suspension. If after
inflating the tires vibration still occurs, then you need to bring your
car to your trusted mechanic and have it realigned.
The
shock absorbers and the wheel alignment must be checked and repaired by
a trained mechanic only. If you want to ensure your family’s safety and
experience a smooth ride all the time, then do not leave suspension
maintenance to “anyone” but only to reliable suspension experts.
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It
is a common practice that car owners like to fix things on their own.
This is good but keep in mind that not all car problems can be fixed by
you. You may need some expert in this field to help you with these
things. There are 5 different car problems that you shouldn’t fix
yourself and must be checked by an auto repair shop.
5. Drivability Issues.
If you notice that something is not right when driving your vehicle or
see some unstable warning lights blinking, don’t just go and try to fix
them. Today’s vehicles are manufactured with a more complex system;
hence, it is unwise to think that it’s that simple. You may know a lot
about cars, no doubt about that, but there are people who are trained to
do these things. You may not know that what you consider to be simple
and an easy fixing endeavor is actually a money pit for mechanics. For
instance, all the while you thought the problem is solved only to find
out that another problem emerges. This may have occurred while fiddling
with your car’s components and got the system all mixed up instead, thus
causing more damage.
4. Transmission maintenance or repair.
Automatic transmission repair and maintenance should be left in the
hands of a specialized transmission shops and skilled mechanics.
Improper cleaning of the connectors and gaskets during transmission
flushes may cost you more than having it seen by your usual auto repair
shop.
3. Suspension Component Replacement. Replacing
the suspension components such as the struts, shocks, control arms and
bushings may seem easy to do. Repairs like this require you to have
specialty equipment like a wheel alignment rack which you don’t have at
home. So you might as well leave it to the pros to get the job done
right.
2. Timing-Belt Replacement. Typically,
timing belt replacement is where expenses constantly incur..... The
need for replacement usually takes place every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
As such, it is very tempting for homeowners to try and do it themselves.
I suggest you don’t, as they are difficult to get to as it lies behind
complicated items. By simply making a little mistake doing this job can
double or even triple your cost of a simple timing belt replacement by auto repair shops.
1. Overheating.
Maintaining a cooling system is one job that a skilled car owner can
easily do, given that they have the right tools. However, if the engine
is already overheated, don’t you dare to still do it by yourself. You
need a mechanic to properly diagnose the issue and address the damage
accordingly.
With
computers that are attached to most everything in your complex machine,
don’t second guess your talent only to find the simple repair is now
going to cost more than you expected. Wise decisions are necessary
when to know to leave the professionals handle certain repairs as in
the long running of your car investment. Remember, that skilled
mechanics underwent extensive training and auto repair shops are
equipped with the right tools which you don’t have at home. So for risky
and delicate repairs, it is best to seek for proper assistance.
