Aside from engine and transmission repair, service to your vehicle’s suspension is one of the highest costs associated with fixing your vehicle. In fact, the average suspension repair can range from $1,000 to $5,000, which is certainly more than just a drop in the bucket. Such repair is important to ensure a safe, smooth ride. The good news is that there are things that you can do to avoid suspension problems – and they largely involve keeping close tabs on the condition of your tires. Here’s a closer look:
1. Rotate Your Tires
You should be rotating your tires every oil change, or about once every 3,000 to 5,000 miles driven. Regular tire rotations help promote even tread wear on your tires, which helps to extend tire life and avoid premature replacement. Uneven or badly worn tires can also lead to other vehicle issues, like suspension problems. Poor tires will cause the vehicle to handle differently and lead to a rougher ride, which can impact the suspension and your overall driving safety. As you rotate the tires, you should also inspect them for any issues and address them as necessary.
2. Routinely Check Your Tire Pressure
Regularly check tire pressure to make sure they aren’t under or over-inflated. Under-inflated tires result in more traction between the pavement and tire, which can accelerate wear. On the other hand, over-inflated tires have too little friction between the pavement and tire, which can cause poor handling and lead to tire blowouts. The suspension can also feel the effects of tire pressure issues.
Temperature has a direct effect on tire pressure. For instance, tire pressure can decrease 1 PSI for about every 10 degrees the temperature dips. To avoid any issues, make sure to regularly check your tire pressure, especially during times of cold snaps and heat waves. Tires should also remain properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Make your life easier by remembering to inspect your tires for defects while checking their pressure.
3. Know the Signs: Symptoms of Suspension Issues
You should also be aware of several signs and symptoms that could indicate a suspension problem. Here’s what you should look for:
- Vehicle bouncing
- Vehicle swaying
- Your vehicle drifting in a certain direction, especially when you hit the brakes
- Problems steering your vehicle
- A corner or portion of your vehicle appearing lower than the rest of it
Contact Big Chief Tire
Suspension problems often start because of problems with the tires. Waiting to buy new tires could have major consequences, so don’t wait! Contact Big Chief Tire today to schedule an appointment.