A poor suspension and damping system can cause the loss of stability and safety of our car. Unfortunately, although it is clear that it is an element of great importance in our vehicle, it is not always given the necessary attention. Even being a frequent driver's license exam question.
For this reason it is important to check that all the elements of the suspension of our car are in perfect condition and, in case of finding any defective element, try to repair it as soon as possible.
Importance of vehicle suspension
Un suspension system It is a set of components that allow your car to drive smoothly on rough roads. The suspension system includes the frame, axles, drive shafts, tires, wheels, and most importantly, the suspension. Suspension is the term used to describe the system that holds the wheels in place while the car is in motion. The suspension system is made up of various components, such as an axle, springs, shock absorbers, and a frame.
All these components work together to cushion the ride of the car and help absorb the bumps in the road. And not only that, the most important thing is that it is also considered an elementary safety element, since they help the tires to always be in contact with the pavement. There are two main types of suspension systems: rigid and independent. A rigid suspension system is the most common. It is found in most ordinary cars. Rigid suspension systems have a solid axle, which means that the axle is made from a single piece of metal. In an independent suspension system, the axles are separated from the other parts of the car, making them easier to lift and maintain.
What problems does malfunctioning suspension cause?
With the passage of kilometers, we are getting used to the behavior of our car, even if the shock absorbers are worn. This is due to the fact that this deterioration is gradual, and we do not realize the moment in which they can already be considered in poor condition.
Bad shock absorbers can cause odangerous scillations and a greater inclination in curve of the body of our car. What it causes:
loss of vehicle stability
This happens especially in curve, which can cause the car to go off the road. It will also be more noticeable vulnerability to lateral winds which will move the body more.
Loss of effectiveness of ESP and especially ABS
Systems that help us not to lose control of our vehicle. To understand why this happens, you have to know that the ABS works by preventing blocking of the wheels when braking with tens of stops per second (instead of stopping them completely).
This generates some vibrations that can make you lose tire adhesion si the shock absorbers are in poor condition and do not keep the wheel on the ground.
Increased braking distance
The problems of a suspension in poor condition go further, since it also causes the braking distance of our car to increase. Driving at 100 km/h, the braking distance can increase by more than two meters.
La Explanation is that, with worn front shock absorbers, the car nods more. That is, the weight reverts too much to the front wheels. This results in the front tires getting more work than they were designed to take and the rear tires getting too little to contribute as much as they should.
Increased chance of hydroplaning
As if this were not enough, when the asphalt it is flooded, the problems increase. On rainy days we can suffer aquaplaning more easily, precisely for the same reason as with ABS: the shock absorbers do not keep the tires pressed against the asphalt effectively. Something that is noticeable when the tires begin to have problems evacuating the water through the grooves.
Sand this is combined with worn tires, the probability of aquaplaning is even greater. So with a more maintained car we can be running a great risk without realizing it.
Wear of other elements of the car
It should also be said that a suspension in poor condition will make us spend more money on our car. This is due to other components will be affected of the vehicle, which will suffer premature wear.
An example of this are the tires, which will wear unevenly and they will have to be replaced much sooner, if we have a suspension that is in poor condition.
Loss of comfort and…
Last but not least, is that with poor suspension and damping makes the car more uncomfortable. A problem that does not seem to be a big deal because, as we have said before, the owner gradually gets used to it. However, this affects fatigue on long trips without our realizing it, with the consequent loss of safety.
Symptoms of poor suspension and damping
We may have this system in bad shape and not realize it until it's too late. Therefore, it is convenient to know what the symptoms of a suspension in poor condition are:
- Creaks and clatters when overcoming potholes or in tight curves. If you hear noises like this, you should take your car to a trusted workshop as soon as possible. Safety comes first and it is not convenient to skimp in cases like this.
- Suspension bounces when overcoming a pothole: watch carefully when you go over a speed bump or something similar, because the car will bounce. That is, it will go up and down one or several more times after getting over the bump.
- The car swings excessively: This is difficult to perceive, because the driver gradually gets used to it as the suspension deteriorates over the years.
- Irregularly worn tires: This symptom can indicate a bad suspension, but it can also be due to poor alignment.
- The car is lopsided: This only happens when it is only one of the shock absorbers that is bad (within the same axis). However, this is not the most common.
In any case, the most prudent what can you do is take the car to the workshop for revisions, because there they will notify you if the suspension and shock absorbers are in poor condition. So you will have no doubt when you have to do your maintenance.