How Long Does a Car Suspension Last?

While your vehicle has many parts and systems, there are few that can impact the quality of your ride as much as the suspension. If the smallest bump in the road feels like you’re driving over a cavernous pothole, it may be time to replace the suspension’s shocks or struts. Read this guide to learn more about vehicle suspension and discover how long they typically last so you know when it’s time for a replacement. If you do need a replacement, come to the service experts at Ike Honda!

Image by Greg Rosenke is licensed with Unsplash License

A vehicle’s suspension system, including the shocks, struts, and coil springs, ensures a smooth ride, even on bumpy roads. Shocks support the springs and help them absorb the impact that occurs when a vehicle’s tires make contact with the road. A strut is similar to a shock, but it provides additional structural support when it absorbs impact. Today, most vehicles have suspension systems with struts on the front axle and shocks on the rear axle. When these parts begin to deteriorate, you’re likely to notice a bumpier ride and less controlled handling.

Importance of a Car Suspension

Whether you’re driving across town or cruising down the open Illinois highways, your vehicle’s tires are constantly making contact with various bumps on the road surface. This action creates an energy transfer, which causes the wheels to move up or down in response. A car’s suspension system absorbs that energy so that it doesn’t affect the vehicle’s frame, which would otherwise receive the transferred energy. When the vehicle’s suspension works as it should, it keeps the car from bouncing up and down, which provides a comfortable ride for you and your passengers.

With so many benefits, it’s easy to understand why every car today comes with a suspension system. A vehicle’s suspension can help to:

• Provide stability: A suspension system creates increased friction between a vehicle’s tires and the road, which provides additional stability for controlled, precise handling. This stability can help keep you safe on the road.
• Increase comfort: Without a suspension system, driving a vehicle would be far less enjoyable. A car’s suspension system absorbs the impact of transferred energy to keep the vehicle from bouncing, helping to increase the comfort of your ride.
• Extend the vehicle’s lifespan: Ever had the unfortunate experience of encountering a notorious Illinois pothole? A well-functioning suspension system helps limit the energy transfer of bumps in the road to avoid extensive damage, which can extend the vehicle’s lifespan by many years.

Factors That Affect a Car Suspension’s Longevity

There are many factors that may affect the longevity of your car’s suspension system. Here are some of the most common ones:

Road conditions

Not surprisingly, literal bumps in the road can affect your vehicle’s suspension system. If you often drive on uneven or bumpy roads, it can increase strain on your car’s suspension, causing it to wear down more quickly. Whenever possible, try to avoid driving on poor road surfaces. If you do find yourself on a bumpy road, drive slower to lessen the impact on your vehicle’s suspension.

Capacity

Every vehicle suspension has a maximum weight it can carry, known as a load capacity. If you go over this capacity, it can overload the suspension and cause your shocks to deteriorate. Be mindful of the weight you’re carrying in the vehicle, both in terms of passengers and cargo. Check your vehicle’s owner manual if you’re unsure of its capacity restrictions.

Driving

Find yourself stuck in rush-hour traffic from time to time? When you’re constantly stopping and going, this type of driving can impact the longevity of your car’s suspension system. If you’re able, avoid stop-and-go traffic when possible. For the same reason (and many others), it’s also important to avoid tailgating, which causes drivers to step on the brakes more often.

Weather

Weather can often play a role in the lifespan of your car’s suspension. Wet climates can cause suspension systems to degrade over time. In particular, road salt — a necessity on the roads during an Illinois snowstorm — can cause shocks to corrode more quickly. It’s helpful to clean your vehicle’s suspension at the end of each winter to help prevent rust.

How to Know if it’s Time to Replace Shocks and Struts

Not sure if you need to replace the shocks or struts on your vehicle? Here are some common ways you can tell when it’s time for new ones:

Bumpy or bouncy ride

If you’re experiencing a bumpy or bouncy ride when driving your vehicle, it could be a sign of problems with the vehicle’s suspension system. When you go over a bump, take note of how many times the vehicle bounces. While one bounce is normal, any more than that could mean it’s time to replace the vehicle’s struts or shocks.

Fluid leaks

Shocks and struts use hydraulic fluid to help absorb the impacts of the road. If you notice fluid leaks coming from these parts, it could mean they don’t have enough fluid to work properly. If you see a leak but you’re unsure if it’s new or dried liquid, wipe it off and drive for a few miles before checking it again.

Loss of stability

Do you feel the vehicle sway when you make turns, or does it suddenly take longer to stop the car? This loss of stability could indicate an issue with the suspension. Ask someone to drive behind your vehicle to see if they can notice it bouncing or swaying while you drive.

Car Suspension Services in Marion, Illinois

Have you noticed a difference in your ride lately? If you think it may be time to replace your suspension’s shocks or struts, we’re here to help. The highly qualified technicians at Ike Honda will take a look at your vehicle’s suspension and restore your smooth ride. We even offer a complimentary inspection when you bring in your vehicle for servicing. Schedule an appointment at a time that’s convenient for you. If you have questions, contact us or stop by our service center in Marion, Illinois. We look forward to welcoming you soon.