Maintain your suspension system at Bridgestone Select
At your local Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto Service store, our emphasis has always been on the safety of your vehicle,
which in turn keeps both you and your passengers safe.
One of the main systems affecting the overall safety of your vehicle is the suspension system. It can have a
huge impact on your braking, steering and tyres.
Let our qualified mechanics look after you
Your vehicle’s suspension is vital to providing a smooth, comfortable ride even when the road is in poor condition. In fact, your suspension’s most vital function is to ensure all four tyres stay in firm, constant contact with the road surface.
And when that happens, your steering and braking systems are at their most effective.
So it’s extremely important that your suspension system is well maintained. At your local Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto Service store, our qualified mechanics will thoroughly check out your suspension and advise you if any components are worn and need replacing.
Stay safe on the roads with regular checks
Your vehicle’s suspension system is made up of many components including shock absorbers, springs, ball joints, tie rod ends and suspension bushes to name a few.
However, if just one of these parts is worn or damaged, your whole suspension system becomes ineffective.
Know the warning signs
Even when stationary, there are other tell-tale signs that certain components of your suspension system are worn and should be checked:
- Vehicle tyres are unevenly worn
- Vehicle not sitting level when parked
- Shock absorbers show signs of fluid leakage
- Shock absorbers are dented or physically damaged
- Bushings or mounts are sagged, cracked or disto
If your shock or struts are worn, there are some things to look out for when driving:
- Vehicle dips forward when braking
- Vehicle doesn't handle properly around corners
- Vehicle bounces when you drive
- Poor handling and excessive body roll on corners
If you notice any of these, drop into your local Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto Service store and let one of our qualified mechanics take a look. They can then advise you on what needs to be done. We only use a genuine or equivalent range of shock absorbers, springs, struts and suspension replacement parts.
We undertake any work we perform with quality in mind, and only use a genuine or equivalent range of shock absorbers, springs, struts and suspension replacement parts.
How does a suspension system work?
Obviously suspension systems will vary greatly between makes and models, but most will consist of a chassis or frame, dampeners (including shock absorbers and struts), coil springs and leaf springs.
Your vehicle’s suspension system is designed to give you complete driving control and a smooth, comfortable ride.
As you accelerate, any bumps cause forward energy to be converted into vertical energy, which consequently travels through your vehicle’s chassis.
Coil and leaf springs absorb this vertical energy preventing your vehicle from jumping up off the road.
Dampeners (shock absorbers and struts), then dissipate the energy absorbed by coil springs, so any vertical motion is quickly reduced to zero.
Effectively, this means if the dampeners are in good condition, you’ll barely notice the bumps in the road. However, if they’re worn, you and your passengers are in for an uncomfortable ride.
For safety’s sake, the key thing to remember is to ensure your suspension system is in good working order.
The major benefits of a well-maintained suspension system
A well maintained suspension system not only increases your safety on the road, but also creates a hostof other benefits you’ll notice when driving every day. These include:
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Shorter stopping distance
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Less vibration in steering
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Smoother and more comfortable ride
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Less body roll
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Better handling and safety
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Improved steering response
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Prolonged tyre life
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Safer support under load
How often should I have my suspension checked?
Your suspension should be inspected at every service (twice a year) and whenever the wheels are removed. If in doubt, get in touch with your local Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto Service store and have them check out your suspension system.Available at Bridgestone Select only
Automotive Servicing, Warrant of Fitness Inspections and Mechanical
Repairs are available at Bridgestone Select stores only.