Your car’s suspension system is a complex interaction between the tires, shock absorbers, springs, and even the air in your tires. Between the major and connecting parts, there’s more going on underneath your vehicle than you might realize. Crossroads Automotive cautions that if you have a knack for certain driving habits, you can actually damage your vehicle’s suspension, which makes it hard to handle and puts you at risk for expensive suspension repairs. Here’s what those driving habits are.
You’ve Got a Gift for Hitting All the Potholes
Potholes and bad roads do your car no favors at all. But if you’re especially talented at finding all of the potholes on your route to work, that’s going to have long-term effects on your car’s suspension. Driving a little more slowly and making sure that you are able to avoid those holes is a good idea. The worst time for hitting potholes is during bad weather because water puddles and snow can often disguise potholes and you might find yourself landing in one with a thud.
You’re Ignoring Speed Bumps
Speed bumps offer a similar problem as potholes, only you have a little more warning about them. There’s usually a warning sign, along with a suggestion to slow your speed dramatically, right before you get to the speed bump. If you’re routinely hitting those at full speed, though, your suspension is not going to be thanking you for the abuse.
You’re Always Heavy on the Brakes
Your car’s shocks are part of the suspension system, and when you’re braking hard on a regular basis, that has effects elsewhere. You’re also causing your brakes to have to work harder than they should have to, which is not great for them. One of the best ways to correct this is to be mindful of your surroundings as you’re driving and give yourself plenty of braking distance so that you can brake slowly.
You’re Driving Super Fast
If you’re driving like your favorite stunt driver, your suspension is taking the brunt of all of that abuse. Your vehicle’s suspension is not engineered or designed to handle the rigors of fast, movie-style driving over the long run. You may want to check yourself and revamp your driving style, at least a little bit. Your car’s suspension will thank you for that change.
Contact us at Crossroads Automotive in Topeka, KS, if you’re concerned that your suspension might need some help. We can take a look and get repairs handled quickly and easily, which gets you back on the road.