5 Signs Your Car’s Suspension Needs Checking
All too often, drivers make the mistake of assuming that the main job of a car’s suspension is to keep your journeys comfortable.
In reality, suspension plays a key role in both vehicle safety and performance.
Suspension helps to keep your tyres in contact with the road, supports safe handling, and ensures reliable and safe braking performance. So, whatever conditions or speed you’re driving at, suspension helps your vehicle to perform in a stable and predictable manner.
However, because your suspension is constantly having to absorb bumps, potholes and uneven road surfaces, it’s inevitable that parts will wear over time.
In fact, suspension problems are one of the most common reasons why vehicles fail their MOT.
According to the DVSA, suspension-related defects account for almost 20% of initial MOT failures.
Thankfully, your suspension will usually show clear warning signs, before issues develop into more serious problems.
By learning what these indicators are, you can address suspension issues early, before they are allowed to escalate into more extensive and costly repair work.
The 5 main signs of car suspension issues
1. A noticeably bumpier or unsettled ride
A key sign of suspension wear is a change in the way your car feels when driving.
If your car feels significantly bumpier, or if it feels generally more harsh, bouncy, unstable or unsettled when driving over uneven surfaces (compared to how it previously felt when driving), this is a common indicator of worn shock absorbers, or struts failing to absorb the impact.
2. The car pulling to one side
If you feel your car regularly drifting or pulling to one side while driving, or if it feels unstable when you go around corners, this is a common indicator of a suspension fault.
Usually, this is being caused by worn control arms, bushes or springs, all of which can affect how the vehicle responds to steering.
However, note that this issue can also be caused by alignment or tyre pressure issues. So, if you spot these symptoms, a proper check by a trained professional is the only way to confirm the cause.
3. Clunking, knocking or creaking noises
Unusual noises can include clunking, knocking or creaking noises when driving over bumps.
These are often a result of worn suspension bushings or ball joints, or a damaged coil spring.
Although the vehicle may still feel safe to drive, these problems are unlikely to improve on their own and, if they’re left ignored for too long, they can quickly escalate into a much more expensive repair job.
4. Uneven or accelerated tyre wear
Suspension systems are designed to help keep the tyres in consistent contact with the road surface.
As a result, if suspension components wear down, the vehicle may no longer distribute its weight evenly.
The result is that some areas of the tyres can wear down more quickly than others.
You may spot:
- Uneven tread wear
- Accelerated tyre wear
- Tyres failing to meet their predicted lifespan
- The car not being held evenly
- Reduced tyre contact with the road
5. The car sitting lower on one side
If, when your vehicle is parked, you can see that it is sitting visibly lower on one corner, then this is a strong indicator of a broken spring or coil.
This means that part of the suspension has failed, and needs to be replaced urgently, as it can impact vehicle performance, while also placing additional strain on other suspension parts.
The value of booking a suspension check
As suspension components continue to degrade, you may experience reduced handling, longer stopping distances and increased tyre wear. In some cases, the problem could also result in an MOT failure.
Suspension issues almost never improve on their own.
Without repairs, even relatively minor issues can noticeably affect the way your vehicle drives. Plus, delaying the repair just increases the likelihood of a much higher bill later down the line.
So, it’s always best to get the issue diagnosed and addressed as early as possible.
At Auto Exhausts & Tyres, we carry out comprehensive suspension checks, tyre inspections and wheel alignment services, to help keep vehicles safe and reliable.
To book a suspension check with one of our trusted specialists, get in touch today.
