Three Everyday Driving Mistakes to Avoid So You Don't Damage Your Car's Suspension System
The suspension system of your vehicle probably rarely gets a lot of attention from you as a driver, but this is one area of your vehicle that definitely demands respect. Without the shocks, struts, and other suspension components, it would feel a lot like barreling down the highway in a metal box that bounces with every notch in the road. If you want to get proactive about caring for the suspension system of your vehicle, there are some things you should know. Check out these everyday driving habits that can cause damage to the suspension system of your car.
Sudden Braking - You probably already know that sudden braking is hard on your brakes, but this action is also hard on the suspension system of your vehicle. Slamming the brakes suddenly on a regular basis puts unnecessary stress on the shocks and struts of your car's suspension, reducing their life spin and weakening the hardware that keeps them intact. This is because when you stop suddenly, the shocks try to absorb the excess shock of the sudden change in gravity and force of the weight of the vehicle and the struts take on unnecessary stress.
Hitting Potholes and Speed Bumps at Full Speed - When you spot an obstacle in the highway or wherever you are driving, slow your roll if you don't want to put stress on the suspension system. Hitting things like speed bumps and potholes at a high rate of speed jars the suspension system harder than it should, which can cause damage to the shocks and struts. Plus, hardware holding the undercarriage of your vehicle together can be in danger. For example, axle mounts are held in place with heavy-duty bolts and screws, but hitting a sudden bump or hole at a high rate of speed puts great strain on these components.
Taking Sharp Curves and Turns at a High Rate of Speed - As a driver who is mindful of the rules of the road, you will reduce your speed adequately when you take a curve or go to make a turn on the roadway. However, this is also a responsible thing to do to protect the life of your vehicle's suspension system. When you take curves and turns at a high rate of speed, the force of gravity makes it more difficult for the suspension system to keep the car stable because the weight of the moving vehicle is unevenly distributed.
To learn more about how to keep your vehicle's suspension in good repair, talk to a professional at Gitt's Spring Company.