A car suspension plays a crucial role in driving comfort and safety.
This system is responsible for absorbing impacts and ensuring that the wheels maintain proper contact with the road. However, like any other component of a vehicle, it is also subject to wear and tear and can present problems over time.
In this article, find out what car suspension is, what signs can indicate problems and the care you should take to extend its lifespan.
What Is A Car Suspension?
A car’s suspension is a system made up of several parts that work together to ensure that the car remains stable, even on uneven terrain.
This system absorbs irregularities in the road, making driving more comfortable for the driver and passengers.
Depending on the type of vehicle, the type of car suspension can vary.
What Are Car Suspensions For?
Firstly, it absorbs impacts caused by potholes, bumps or other irregularities in the road surface. Secondly, it helps maintain control of the car by ensuring that the wheels are always in contact with the road, which improves the vehicle’s traction and stability.
In addition, the suspension also influences driving comfort, both for the driver and passengers.
What Are The Main Components Of The Suspension System?
A car suspension system is made up of various components that work together to ensure the vehicle’s stability. The main car suspension system parts include:
- Springs: responsible for supporting the weight of the car and absorbing most of the irregularities in the road;
- Shock Absorbers: control the movement of the springs, preventing the car from continuing to sway after passing over an irregularity;
- Stabilizer Bars: connect the opposite wheels to reduce the car’s sway when cornering;
- Suspension Arms: connect the wheels to the vehicle structure and allow them to move vertically.
Other components of this system include:
- Torsion bar;
- Pivots;
- Trays;
- Bushings;
- Connecting rods.
What Is The Difference Between Shock Absorbers And Springs Suspension?
Springs and shock absorbers are two of the most important components in a car’s suspension, but they perform different functions:
- The springs are responsible for absorbing impacts and supporting the weight of the vehicle;
- The shock absorbers control the movement of the springs, ensuring that the car does not oscillate after passing over an irregularity.
How Does A Car’s Suspension Work?
A car’s suspension works through the interaction between springs and shock absorbers.
When the vehicle passes over an irregularity in the road, the springs compress to absorb the impact. In turn, the shock absorbers control the movement of the springs, preventing the car from continuing to sway.
In cars with hydraulic or pneumatic suspension, the system is controlled by fluids or compressed air, which allows for more precise adjustments to the suspension’s height and stiffness.
What Types Of Car Suspension?
There are several types of car suspension, including:
1. Torsion Bar Or Rigid Axle Suspension
This is the most common type of rear suspension in most cars.
In this type of suspension, the two wheels are connected by just one axle and work together.
Despite having a low production cost, this type of suspension is the heaviest and the most prone to loss of tire grip.
2. Independent Suspension
This is the type of suspension most commonly used in high-end cars.
As well as providing stability and grip, it is a lightweight system that helps transmit the engine’s power to the wheels.
3. Macpherson Suspension
The Macpherson suspension system consists of a spring, a shock absorber and an arm.
The upper part of the shock absorber supports the vehicle body via a rubber support and the lower part is supported by a triangle.
This system has a low production cost and a large component displacement, which helps to absorb road imperfections.
4. Double Triangle Suspension
The double wishbone suspension supports the wheels on an upper arm and a lower arm joined together in a “V” shape.
This type of suspension is quite common in sports cars due to its rigidity and above-average stability, which is very important in racing. However, it comes at a high price due to its complex construction.
5. Multilink Suspension
This type of suspension is quite common on high-powered rear-wheel drive cars.
In this suspension, between 3 and 5 arms are used to maintain the position of the car axle.
With all this complexity, the vehicle gains greater grip and speed.
Does Suspension Make Cars More Comfortable?
The suspension in cars provides greater comfort because it absorbs road irregularities, preventing impacts from being transmitted directly into the passenger compartment.
What’s more, in cars equipped with air or hydraulic suspension, the level of comfort is even greater, since these systems allow you to adjust the height and stiffness of the suspension as required.
Tires Part Of A Car’s Suspension?
Although tires are not technically part of the suspension system, they play a fundamental role in the comfort and stability of the vehicle.
Tires in poor condition or with inadequate pressure can affect suspension performance and compromise vehicle safety.
That’s why it’s essential to check the correct tire pressure and keep them in good condition.
How Important Is Wheel Alignment For The Suspension?
When the wheels are misaligned, wear on the tires and suspension components increases, which can compromise the stability and safety of the vehicle.
How Long Does A Car Suspension Last On Average?
The durability of a car’s suspension depends on several factors, including the type of vehicle, driving conditions and regular maintenance. On average, the suspension can last between 80,000 and 120,000 kilometers, but this figure can vary.
Does Suspension Need Maintenance?
It is important to carry out regular maintenance e to ensure that the system works properly.
Lack of maintenance increases the chances of the vehicle gaining problems and associated risks. Bad suspension affects the car’s performance, stability and safety.
How Often Should I Check My Car Suspension?
The suspension should be checked regularly.
However, if you notice signs of wear, it is advisable to take the car to a specialized mechanic for a more detailed inspection.
What Are The Tell-Tale Signs Of Car Suspension Problems?
Some of the signs of car suspension problems include:
- Strange noises when driving over potholes or bumps;
- Uneven tire wear;
- The car tilts to one side;
- Feeling less comfortable or unstable when driving.
If you notice any of these signs, take your car to a garage as soon as possible.
Can I drive a car With Bad Suspension?
Worn suspension compromises vehicle control, especially when cornering and braking, which increases the risk of accidents.
It can also lead to premature wear of the tires and other vehicle components.
What Care Should You Take With Your Car Suspension?
To avoid premature wear of this system and its components, you should:
1. Carry Out A Periodic Inspection
Regular car inspections are important for all components of any vehicle and the car’s suspension is no exception.
Every 20,000 km you should check the condition of the suspension and, if necessary, change the oil or spring.
2. Avoiding Road Imperfections
To avoid further wear and tear on your car’s suspension, you need to take extra care when driving.
By avoiding imperfections in the road and adhering to speed limits on speed bumps, you also increase the lifespan of your car’s power steering.
3. Balancing Your Suitcase And Avoiding Excessive Loads
The car’s suspension must not be overloaded at any time. As such, the load must be redistributed equally throughout the vehicle to avoid increased wear.
4. Aligning The Steering And Balancing The Wheels
Aligning and balancing the wheels is crucial to the vehicle’s suspension, to prevent further wear and tear on the suspension and steering system.
How Much Does Car Suspension Cost?
Car suspension prices can vary greatly depending on the type of suspension and the vehicle in question. A complete suspension replacement can range from hundreds to thousands of euros, depending on the make and model.
The price of individual components, such as shock absorbers or springs, can range from tens to hundreds of euros, depending on the quality and type of part.
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