What is car suspension?

Car suspension is an integral component of a vehicle that allows the driver (and passengers) to enjoy a comfortable and stable ride. This is done by absorbing the dips and bumps that vehicles naturally encounter on day-to-day road surfaces - allowing the driver to travel safely around corners, brake and accelerate.

What does suspension do for a car?

Suspension is a major element of your vehicle and, without it, the car would fail to perform. The safety of the vehicle would be compromised, and the performance would be poor. The suspension operates through a series of complex elements including linkages, springs and absorbers. These elements combine to work together reducing the vibrations of the vehicle, and absorbing road impact.

Find out more about car suspension and steering from our detailed guide.

How long does a car suspension last?

Generally speaking, a car's suspension lasts around five years. However, this is entirely dependent on a variety of factors - such as:

• Mileage - how many miles the car has been driven can affect the longevity of the car's suspension.
• Terrain - has the vehicle been exposed to rough, bumpy terrain? If so, this may affect the car?s suspension over time.
• Driving style - how the vehicle has been driven will also affect suspension.

How to identify suspension problems

Now that you know how car suspension works and how long it lasts, it's important that your suspension is properly maintained, else you can run into performance and safety issues. A few signs of suspension problems to look out for include:

• Bumpy ride - suspension is supposed to ensure you as the driver and your passengers have as smooth a ride as possible. However, if you've noticed a substantial change to the bumpiness of your journeys, your suspension could be in trouble.
• Lack of stability - the vehicle may appear unstable if there are any problems with suspension - look out for signs of the vehicle dipping to one side, as the spring in the system might have broken.
• Abnormal tyre tread depth - make sure you check out your tyres for any abnormal tyre tread - as this can indicate problems with your suspension.

Most importantly, if you notice any of these problems, or you want to get your car suspension checked over, book in with a specialist. Find your local PTA branch to book your free suspension and steering check, and for all your suspension and steering needs.