Car Suspension 101: What You Need to Know

When it comes to car design, how effectively your vehicle absorbs the shocks of the road is more than simply a matter of comfort — it’s a question of safety too. Without your car suspension helping to stabilize your vehicle while it’s in motion, driving would be a far more dangerous pursuit.

No road is perfectly flat, meaning that bumps are inevitable. Your vehicle’s suspension system disperses the energy from these jostles in such a way as to improve car safety and comfort.

At the mechanical level, your auto suspension system helps improve steering and braking. It is designed to optimize traction between your car tires and the road, for a smoother ride. Since it handles shocks that might otherwise weaken crucial components, a car’s suspension also helps extend the lifespan of your vehicle.

A car suspension system is part of your vehicle’s chassis, which comprises its load-bearing elements. This includes the wheels, parts of the steering and braking systems and the all-important suspension system. While setups may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, suspension systems tend to share certain elements in common.

The workings of a car suspension system rest on the first law of thermodynamics: Energy is neither created nor destroyed. This means that energy generated from driving over a bump or dip in a road needs to go somewhere.

Your car suspension works by performing the following functions:

As we have seen, suspension systems are crucial for the proper functioning of your vehicle. Like any critical system, it’s generally best practice to undertake any routine maintenance that may affect its smooth operation, and that includes your tires.

Your tires’ ability to maintain steady contact with the road surface is vital to a fully functioning suspension. Types of tire maintenance to consider include:

Other maintenance areas to consider include:

Having a trusted mechanic examine your power steering belt to make sure it’s tight, and to replace or top off fluid levels as necessary, can help your auto suspension by keeping your power steering system in good shape.

Much of your car’s suspension system includes complex components that you may want to have checked periodically by your mechanic. You might also consider taking your car into the shop if you have reason to believe that your auto suspension system isn’t functioning properly.

Signs of a problem may include your vehicle dipping or bouncing upon braking, feeling shakier than usual or seeming lower to the ground. Other potential signs may include fluid leaks, uneven tire tread and unusual noises as you drive.

Without a suspension system, your car would jostle, sway, dip and possibly even lose contact with the road. By managing the way in which energy from bumps, brakes and turns is distributed throughout the vehicle, your suspension system allows for improved handling and a smoother ride. Given the importance of your car suspension, it’s typically a good idea to get it regularly inspected by a professional. That way, you can ensure its proper functioning and get ahead of any potential wear and tear.