How To Increase The Lifespan Of A Vehicle's Suspension
Your car's suspension system is what allows you to drive comfortably, and if it becomes damaged, can cause a great deal of distracting shaking and vibrating while driving. As such, a malfunctioning or damaged suspension system can increase the risk of an accident occurring by distracting you while you are driving and making it harder to notice what is going on around your vehicle. There are a couple of things that you can do to improve the overall lifespan of your vehicle's suspension system in order to reduce the risk of a collision while also saving you repair and replacement money in the long run.
Tire Wear
Your vehicle's suspension system is intrinsically linked to the tires, which means that you need to keep a close eye on the condition of your car's tires if you want to keep your suspension in good shape You should check the inflation of your car's tires semi-regularly, and adjust the air pressure of each of your tires so that it matches the recommended pressure levels that are printed on the tire's sidewall. This is because under and over inflated tires can increase the amount of stress and wear that your suspension system experiences.
Tire Alignment
In a similar train of thought to the above point, you should also have your tire's alignment regularly checked, as misaligned tires can place increased strain on the suspension and axle of your vehicle and make it more likely that individual parts and components become damaged over time. Increased strain on the axle and excessive pulling to one side, both caused by misaligned tires, can cause damage to one side of your suspension system if allowed to occur for an extended period of time.
Watch for Fluid Leaks
Your suspension system's shocks are filled with fluid, which helps stabilize the car as you drive over potholes and other uneven surfaces. Any sort of damage to your shocks can cause the fluid to begin to leak out, which can then cause your entire vehicle to start vibrating or shaking while driving, decreasing your overall amount of control. Keep an eye out for any sort of fluid leak underneath your vehicle, and look up underneath your tire well to see if the struts and shocks are coated with a liquid if you notice any sort of pooling fluids. If they are, you need to see an auto repair shop immediately about having your shocks repaired and refilled, as leaving damaged shocks alone can cause further damage to your vehicle's entire suspension system.
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