We’re finally turning the corner on another long Minnesota winter. Everyone looks forward to spring, but no one enjoys driving on roads dented and cratered by freezing weather.
By now, you’ve probably hit enough bumps and ruts to be concerned about pothole damage to your car. It might be time for car suspension repair, but can you drive with a broken suspension system? As Minnesota’s leading total car care pros, we don’t recommend it.
Think of suspension as a framework that supports the vehicle cabin. The system absorbs kinetic energy generated by the car’s wheels as they constantly encounter ups and downs in the road.
The suspension system also puts a safe distance between a car’s frame and the ground. Whether you’re navigating back roads or dodging deep puddles, solid suspension elevates you above all kinds of hazards.
How Does the Suspension System Work?
A vehicle’s suspension does its job through a combination of parts. Individual components handle different functions, and each one’s contribution is critical to performance. It’s easier to understand what car suspension is when you understand how it all works together. Let’s take a look at the main parts.
- Chassis – The chassis serves as overall support for the suspension system. Its framework also holds your car’s engine, transmission, running gear, driveshaft and differential.
- Springs – Located near each corner of the car’s cabin, springs reduce bounce, support vehicle weight and keep load distribution height stable.
- Shock Absorbers – These components work with springs to absorb energy generated from bumps and potholes. Shock absorbers control suspension rebound, making it easier to handle the road.
- Anti-Sway Bar – The sway bar regulates wheel movement relative to the direction steered. This action stabilizes the car as you negotiate corners and curves.
- Control Arms – Most cars have two controls arms that connect body frame to wheel assemblies. This critical component allows wheels to react to bumps without losing road contact.
- Ball Joints – Ball joints work in tandem with control arms keeping car wheels on the ground. They provide a pivoting movement to the assembly that makes driving safer and smoother.
Why Is Car Suspension Repair Important?
Can you drive with a broken suspension system? It’s possible, but it’s also dangerous. Don’t take chances. If you notice any of these signs of suspension problems, take your car to a pro mechanic right away.
- Every bump in the road makes the car bounce.
- You have to muscle the steering wheel.
- The car tends to drag to one side of the road.
- Tires show visible increase in uneven wear.
- Hitting the brakes pushes the car into a nosedive.
Worried About Pothole Damage to Your Car?
Potholes aren’t the only things that impact your car’s suspension, but they can be a dangerous springtime nuisance on our Minnesota roads and highways. Here at Kennedy, we take care of car suspension repair year-round.
If your car shows any of the symptoms listed above, bring it to one of our locations around the Minneapolis metropolitan area.
