When was the last time you had your car suspension checked by an expert? Do you even know what your car suspension is? If you're vaguely aware of its existence and have a basic idea of what it does, then you're in good shape... however, Toyota of Clermont is here with a quick but in-depth guide on what it is, what it does, and how to troubleshoot it. Get ready to get up close and personal with your suspension system!
What does your car suspension do?
To be as basic as possible, your car suspension suspends your car off the ground. However, our goal is to get a little more granular and give you a better understanding of this critical car part. Here are the two main functions of a suspension system, according to our Toyota of Clermont experts:
#1: It absorbs the vibrations and forces from the ground. Your car bounces a little when you drive, and it bounces more when you drive at high speeds or on bumpy roads. Without a suspension system, your car would essentially just vibrate to pieces over time. Your car suspension also keeps you and your passengers comfortable inside the cabin and helps support extra weight in the vehicle (like when you haul in the back of a truck).
#2: It keeps your tires in contact with the ground. Without suspension, your car tires would literally just be bouncing all the time, especially on bumpy roads. The car suspension system is attached to the axles and wheels and forces your tires to stay on the ground as you drive.
What is your car suspension composed of?
The two main parts of the car suspension system on your Clermont Toyota: the springs and the dampers.
The springs help your car bounce to handle high speeds and irregularities in the road, as well as keep your car at its predetermined height and support extra weight in the vehicle.
The dampers help absorb the kinetic energy from your springs and dissipate it in hydraulic fluid. There are three types of dampers: shocks (which slow down the springs - they're mounted right next to it), struts (which are similar to shocks and mounted inside a coil spring), and anti-sway bars (which connect opposing sides of your car suspension system to provide more stability).
How to troubleshoot your car suspension
Now you know what your car suspension does, and you also know which parts make it up. Let's talk about troubleshooting this important car part with the experts at our Clermont Toyota service center. Here are signs they said to be on the lookout for when it comes to car suspension problems:
You hear clunking noises when you drive over a bump
You notice your car is riding bumpier than usual, or feels unstable at highway speeds
You're having a hard time steering or your car is pulling to one side
Your car dips back when you accelerate, dips down when you brake, and dips to the side when you turn
Your car sits lower on one side when it's parked
Your tires are wearing unevenly because they're bouncing too much
Regardless of what car suspension problem you have, Toyota of Clermont can help! Call us today at (352) 404-7000. You can always stop by, too - our Clermont Toyota auto care center is located just off the Florida Turnpike at 16851 State Road 50.