All makes and models of cars, trucks and SUVs have suspension system, which is comprised of tires and wheels, shocks and springs, links, joints and the steering system. This is the system that holds the vehicle off the ground to protect the people inside from bumps in the road. It’s also what allows the vehicle to turn. Most mechanics will peek underneath your vehicle whenever it’s up on the lift for regular service, but it’s a good idea to request a basic suspension check in Madison, TN if you think something is wrong.
Typically, a broken suspension part will need to be fixed or replaced to be road safe. But is it really that dangerous to drive your car if the suspension is broken? Let’s take a look at the most common suspension issues and how they affect your driving:
- A broken wheel: The problem here is that you likely won’t know you have a broken wheel until it has failed completely. A cracked wheel will leave the vehicle unable to move, but that’s not to say driving on a cracked wheel is impossible. What’ll likely happen is that a crack will suddenly turn into a complete break. The suspension will fail and may cause an accident.
- A flat tire: Many car owners are not aware that tires are a part of the suspension system. When you get a flat tire, it becomes unsafe to drive farther than a short distance, mostly because this can destroy the wheel and you will have trouble stopping quickly, all while the vehicle is pulling hard to one side.
- A broken spring: You may or may not be able to drive successfully in a car with a broken or collapsed spring. Even if you can, the ride will be bumpy and it’ll be difficult to control the steering. Keep in mind that a broken spring can collapse your car far down enough that the body rests on one or more tires, and this type of contact can cause a tire to come apart. You also risk damaging other parts of your vehicle.
- A broken sway bar: Another crucial part of your car’s suspension system is the sway bar. The sway bar is only needed when the car is rolling to the side during cornering, so without it the car will roll more. Interestingly enough, a broken sway bar does not require a mechanic’s immediate attention. Although it’s not unsafe to drive with it broken, you should have it replaced at some point.
- A failed shock absorber: If your vehicle has one or more shock absorbers out of commission, the entire car will bounce, roll or squat excessively. This will result in discomfort to you and your passengers. Also, the vehicle will be harder to control, especially at high speeds, so you should never take a car with a broken shock absorber on the highway. You should also avoid sudden turns and stops until you get it replaced.
For a comprehensive suspension check in Madison, TN, don’t hesitate to contact the friendly team at Madison Muffler & Auto Repair. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment!