HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR VEHICLE'S SUSPENSION SYSTEM

 

Your vehicle’s suspension system helps ensure you enjoy a smooth ride. A system of shock absorbers, struts, and springs help absorb the bumps and dips on the road to keep you more comfortable in the driver’s seat. But your suspension system does more than just offer a smooth and efficient ride — it also helps maintain the health and longevity of your entire vehicle!

The best way to care for your suspension system is by bringing your car to Proride Motorsport where our expert technicians know the ins and outs of your vehicle’s suspension parts. We provide complimentary full checking of your vehicle and recommendation of proper maintenance to keep your vehicle in tip top condition. REMEMBER to claim your Complimentary checking with us.

WHAT IS A VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM?

The suspension system is made of a few primary components, including shock absorbers, coil springs, struts, leaf springs, and the tires — that’s right, your tires are actually part of the suspension system!

Shock absorbers are long, tube-shaped pistons filled with liquid (and sometimes with gas too). They support the springs by compressing and lengthening to reduce the impact from a bump or dip in the road.

Function of a Shock Absorber

The shock absorbers absorb vibration and control the up/down movement of the shock springs. When the car wheel hits a bump, the fluid dampens the impact on the piston and smooths the movement of the piston and spring as they return back into place. This is important as it:

> Ensures the tire is always in contact with the surface of the road.

> Provides optimal brake performance.

> Prevents the vehicle from bouncing or swaying excessively.

> Ensures optimal steering response.

> Ensures a smooth, comfortable, and safe drive.

Coil springs are placed near the shock absorber and take much of the impact from bumps and dips in the road.

Struts have a shock absorber and a spring in one assembly. Struts provide structural support for your vehicle. Not all vehicles have struts, and ones that do, typically only have them on one axle.

Leaf springs are made up of multiple plates of slightly curved metal that are clamped together. They are installed on a vehicle to help minimize vertical vibration and are mainly found on vehicles with solid rear axles. 

Tires are the only car suspension components in your suspension system that touch the ground. Your tires take much of the impact from road bumps and dips, transferring it to the shocks and/or struts.

BASIC CAR SUSPENSION MAINTENANCE

Typically, suspension system maintenance should be left to the professionals at Proride Motorsport due to the complexity and importance of the system within your vehicle. There are a few things can be done to help keep up with your suspension — and it all has to do with tires.

1. CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE

Since your tires are the only part of the suspension system that touches the ground, it’s important to keep them inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI level. You can typically find this level on a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb. Find the recommended PSI level number, then check each tire with a reliable tire gauge. Fill any low tire to the specified PSI level. If a tire is overinflated, wait until it cools for at least 3 hours to confirm. Then, deflate any overinflated tire to the specified PSI level. 

2. CHECK YOUR TREAD DEPTH

Healthy tires also mean having good tread depth. Start by checking for any low or bare spots in the tread. The tread depth should be more than 2/32nd inches — a quick penny test can help you roughly measure your tires’ tread depths. Uneven wear can indicate that there’s trouble with your suspension system, but it can also indicate your vehicle needs a wheel alignment. If you notice uneven tire wear, head to Proride Motorsport for a professional diagnosis. 

HOW TO KNOW IF SUSPENSION PARTS NEED REPLACING

Like every car part, shock absorbers are prone to fatigue and wear. Therefore, it’s always important to pay attention to the quality of your ride and have your shock absorbers checked regularly. The lifespan of a shock absorber depends on several factors including your car’s mileage, your driving style, road conditions, and more. But in general, shock absorbers are considered consumables, just like your car’s tires and brake pads. Thus, it’s a good idea to have them looked at around the 20,000-kilometer mark, and replaced at 50,000 kilometers/5 years whichever come first.

 This is a part of wear & tear maintenance to prevent pre-mature wear of other suspension parts such as steering rack, drive shafts, lower arms & stabilizer link/bush.  

There are a few common signs that one or more components in your automotive suspension system need to be replaced, including:

> Your ride is more bumpy than usual

> Your vehicle rocks back and forth when you steer

> Your vehicle feels lower to the ground

> Your tires are wearing unevenly

> Your vehicle rocks or bounces when you brake

> Your vehicle's struts or shocks are leaking oil

Different symptoms may mean different parts of your suspension system are malfunctioning or broken. To know which suspension parts to replace, it’s best to get your vehicle professionally inspected Proride Motosport.

MAINTAIN YOUR SUSPENSION WITH PRORIDE MOTORSPORT

The best way to keep your vehicle’s suspension system working as it should is for a routine checkup — starting at 20,000 km — at Proride Motorsport. Our expert technicians know all there is to know about your vehicle’s suspension components, what suspension parts tend to wear out, and how to know what suspension parts need replacing. Schedule an appointment online or call us to set up your suspension system maintenance check.

Call: 082-24 6393

 WhatsApp: 016-851 6393