Suspension & Front End

Suspension System 101

What does the suspension system do?

Your car’s suspension system has some very important tasks:

Keeping the tires in contact with the road.
Stabilizing the steering.
Helping you control the vehicle.
Providing a more smooth, comfortable ride.

Without a suspension system, your vehicle would bounce heavily over every small bump, even to the point of possibly causing the tires to lose contact with the road.

Thanks to the suspension, your car’s wheels follow the ups and downs of the road, keeping the car’s frame and body more stable.

What parts make up a suspension system?

The suspension system has three main components:

Springs

These mechanisms compress and release to absorb the impact of irregularities in the road. Most modern vehicles use coil springs, but leaf springs are common on heavy duty trucks.

Struts

Struts help to disperse the energy that springs absorb to help keep your ride nice and smooth. Some vehicles have struts on all four corners, while others have them on the front axles and shock absorbers, at the rear of the vehicle.

Anti-sway bars

These counteract the force felt while turning and keep the wheels closest to the corner on the road. This provides additional stability and keeps your vehicle from swaying during cornering.

Most modern vehicles have independent suspension at the front and back. This allows the wheels to move independently of each other.

How often should I get my car’s suspension serviced?

Everyday driving leaves wear and tear on your suspension system. That’s why it’s recommended to get your suspension checked every year. By doing so, a technician can identify any of these potentially dangerous issues: