Your car’s suspension system

You’re driving down the road and suddenly feel every little bump. Your steering seems off, your car leans in turns, or you hear clunks and squeaks when going over speed bumps. It’s not just annoying, it could mean your suspension system needs attention.

While your engine may get all the credit for performance, your suspension is the system that keeps your ride smooth, your tires firmly on the ground, and your car safe and controlled, especially during turns or emergency stops.

At All Around Auto Repair, we help drivers every day who didn’t realize their suspension was failing until their ride quality plummeted or they noticed unusual noises and uneven tire wear. In this blog, we’ll break down what your suspension system does, how to spot warning signs, and why timely repairs can save you money and headaches.

What exactly does the suspension system do?

Your suspension system connects your vehicle’s body to the wheels and helps absorb the impact of bumps, potholes, and uneven roads. But it does much more than just give you a smoother ride.

A well-functioning suspension system:

• Absorbs shock so bumps don’t get transferred directly to you

• Keeps your tires in contact with the road, even over uneven surfaces

• Stabilizes steering and handling, especially when cornering

• Supports braking and weight transfer, ensuring safety in sudden stops

• Reduces wear on other components, like tires, axles, and frame

Main components of a suspension system

While vehicle designs may vary, most suspension systems are made up of the following components:

1. Shocks and struts

These are the primary shock absorbers.

• Shocks dampen the bouncing motion of the springs.

• Struts combine the shock absorber with a structural support.

2. Springs

Springs (coil or leaf) support the vehicle’s weight and absorb larger road impacts.

3. Control arms and ball joints

These allow the wheels to move up and down independently while keeping the tires aligned.

4. Sway bar (Stabilizer bar)

Reduces body roll and helps keep the car level during sharp turns.

5. Bushings and bearings

These small components cushion vibrations and allow joints to move smoothly.

All these parts work together to deliver a safe, smooth, and controlled driving experience.

How to know if your suspension needs attention

Most suspension issues develop slowly over time, which makes them easy to ignore, until your car starts handling poorly or your tires wear unevenly. Here are the most common signs something’s wrong:

1. A rough or bouncy ride

If your car feels like it’s bouncing or floating, especially over small road imperfections, your shocks or struts may be worn.

Test: Try the “bounce test” by pressing down on the hood. If your car continues to bounce more than once or twice after release, your shocks may be worn out.

2. Uneven or rapid tire wear

A failing suspension system doesn’t keep the tires properly aligned and planted, leading to:

• Bald spots

• Feathering

• Inner or outer edge wear

This kind of tire damage shortens tire life and reduces traction.

3. Clunking, squeaking, or knocking sounds

Noises when going over bumps or turning can indicate worn:

• Control arm bushings

• Ball joints

• Shocks/struts

• Sway bar links

Don’t ignore these sounds, they often signal something’s loose or close to failing.

4. Vehicle Pulling or Drifting During Turns

If your car feels unstable during turns or leans more than usual, your sway bar or shocks may not be doing their job. This compromises your car’s ability to handle emergency maneuvers safely.

5. Steering Feels Loose or Stiff

If your steering feels disconnected from the road, overly stiff, or too loose, your suspension or steering components (like tie rods or rack and pinion) may be the culprit.

6. Fluid leaks near the wheel wells

Shocks and struts contain hydraulic fluid. If you see oily residue or wet spots around them, it may mean they’re leaking and losing their ability to absorb impact.

Why you shouldn’t wait to fix suspension problems

Ignoring suspension issues doesn’t just make your ride uncomfortable, it also affects your safety and your car’s long-term condition.

Here’s what could happen if you delay:

• Longer stopping distances

• Poor traction, especially in rain or snow

• Increased tire wear and replacement costs

• More strain on your steering and brakes

• A higher chance of losing control in emergencies

In short, your suspension system is critical to your car’s safety, not just its comfort.

How often should you have your suspension inspected?

There’s no fixed schedule for suspension maintenance, but here are some guidelines:

• Check shocks and struts every 50,000–60,000 miles, or sooner if symptoms appear

• Inspect bushings, control arms, and ball joints during every brake or tire service

• Have the suspension inspected at least once a year, especially before long trips

• Always inspect after hitting a major pothole or being in an accident

Should you replace shocks and struts as a set?

Yes, replacing both front or both rear shocks/struts at the same time is strongly recommended. Uneven wear can cause imbalance, poor handling, and even steering instability.

If your vehicle is older or heavily used, it may be smart to replace all four at once for a full handling refresh.

How All Around Auto Repair can help

At All Around Auto Repair, we offer full suspension inspections and repairs. When you bring your car in for bumps, rattles, or poor handling, we’ll:

✔ Inspect shocks, struts, and all key suspension parts
✔ Check for signs of fluid leaks, looseness, or wear
✔ Test your steering and alignment
✔ Recommend only what needs to be fixed, no upsells

We use high-quality OEM or premium aftermarket parts, and we stand behind our work with trusted warranties.

Final thoughts: Listen to the way your car feels

You don’t need to be a mechanic to know when your car just doesn’t feel right. If your ride is rough, your steering is loose, or you’re hearing unusual sounds, it’s probably your suspension system trying to tell you something.

Catching problems early can save you from costly repairs, improve safety, and bring back that smooth, confident drive you deserve.

Feeling every bump in the road? Let’s take a look.

If your car is bouncing, drifting, or making strange noises, don’t wait.
Call All Around Auto Repair today or schedule your suspension inspection online.

We’ll help you get back to a smooth, safe ride, without the guesswork.

All Around Auto Repair — Repair. Maintenance. Service. Since 2001.
Because your car should feel just as solid as it looks.