A car's suspension is crucial in acting as a cushion between the vehicle and the road to make driving more comfortable and improve its handling performance.   Like any other part of a vehicle, the suspension can wear down over time or be damaged. 

Knowing the first sign of a potential issue with your car's suspension can save you from further problems and endangering yourself or your family on the road.  Here are the five common warning signs your car's suspension may be malfunctioning:

Car Pulls to One Side When Driving

When your car is veering to one side, and you suddenly find yourself struggling to counter-steer or control the wheel, it could be caused by multiple things. 

It could be due to a misaligned wheel axle, imbalanced tire pressure, worn shocks and struts, a broken spring, a faulty steering component, or any other part of the suspension system. 

An expert mechanic can diagnose the issue by inspecting the vehicle and maybe even taking it for a test drive to pinpoint the exact culprit responsible for the issue.   Then, the mechanic will make adjustments or replace parts such as spark plugs, bearings, bushings, and other mechanical components to fix the problem.

Steering Wheel is Crooked or Off-Center.

By looking at its position relative to the dashboard, you can quickly tell if your car's steering wheel is crooked or off-center.   A properly aligned steering wheel should be straight, parallel to the dashboard, and not at an angle.

Another indicator of this symptom is if you find it difficult to turn the steering wheel even when driving at low speeds.   This could be dangerous because if the car pulls towards the side too much, you could lose control of your vehicle and put yourself or your passengers at risk.

The possible causes for this symptom include uneven tire pressure and incorrect tire alignment, but most of the time, a damaged steering or suspension system is the primary factor.   Keep an eye out for this sign so it can be addressed immediately at a reputable auto repair shop. 

Car Bounces Up and Down Excessively When Driving Over Bumps

You can easily spot this symptom by driving over a flat, even surface, and if the car still jostles, that's a clear indicator that something is wrong. 

Typically the culprit for this symptom is damaged shock absorbers causing the vehicle to move up and down excessively instead of absorbing the impact of road bumps.   Another reason for this issue could be something related to the springs.

Vehicle Rocks Back and Forth When Stopped

If you've been driving on a rough road or terrain, and your car keeps rocking back and forth when it comes to a stop, that usually means the springs and other suspension parts are no longer working in tandem with each other to stabilize the car while in motion.

The possible reasons for the car's tendency to rock back and forth even while stopping could be worn-out components, a wheel misalignment, or an entirely unbalanced suspension system.   Whatever it is, a skilled mechanic can correctly assess which parts need to be repaired or replaced. 

Excessive Noise from The Suspension System While Driving

A problem with the suspension usually comes with unusual noises such as squeaking, creaking, clunking, and rattling from underneath the car, especially when it goes over bumps or potholes.   You may also feel odd, intense vibrations from anywhere in the vehicle, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, and even seats.

Bad shocks or struts, worn-out bushings, loose or broken springs, and misaligned wheel bearings are the common causes of the noise and the intense vibrations.   With a detailed inspection, an auto repair specialist can determine the underlying cause that needs to be addressed to resolve the issue.

Conclusion

These are just some common signs of issues with your car's suspension systems.   Many drivers don't realize these vehicle components' importance until they experience difficulties while driving.

To prevent this from happening, be wary of these signs and address them immediately by taking your car to a Suwanee auto repair shop like Wayne's Auto.  Even better, always take proactive solutions, and take your vehicle for regular servicing and inspections.