How to Maintain Your Vehicle’s Suspension for Optimal Performance
If you’ve ever hit a pothole and felt the jolt ripple through your entire car, you already know how important your suspension system is. More than just giving you a smooth ride, it keeps your tires in contact with the road, helps you stay in control while turning or braking, and protects your vehicle from excessive wear and tear. That’s why maintaining suspension health is one of the smartest moves you can make as a car owner.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through practical suspension care tips to help your car handle better, last longer, and keep you safe, without any confusing mechanic jargon.
What Does Your Suspension System Actually Do?
Before we get into maintenance, let’s break it down. Your suspension system is made up of shocks, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, and other components that all work together to absorb bumps and keep your tires planted firmly on the road. Without it? Every speed bump feels like a mountain, your tires wear out unevenly, and steering becomes a shaky guessing game.
Why Suspension Maintenance Matters
Neglecting your suspension doesn’t just lead to an uncomfortable ride; it can also lead to costly repairs. Over time, worn-out components put stress on other parts of your vehicle, including tires, brakes, and steering systems. Keeping your suspension in good shape improves handling, extends tire life, and helps you avoid bigger repair bills down the line. Here are some suspension care tips:
1. Inspect Your Suspension Regularly
You don’t have to be a pro to spot signs of trouble. Make it a habit to check your suspension components every few months visually. Look for:
- Leaking shocks or struts (they may look oily or greasy)
- Cracked or broken bushings
- Rust or corrosion on springs
- Uneven gaps between the tires and fenders
If anything appears off or you hear unusual clunks while driving, it’s a good idea to bring your car to Frontier Repair and Towing for a closer inspection.
2. Pay Attention to How Your Car Feels
Your car is constantly talking to you, especially through the steering wheel and suspension. If your ride suddenly feels bouncier, rougher, or your car pulls to one side, it’s time to take notice.
Here are a few signs your suspension may need attention:
- Excessive bouncing after hitting a bump
- The car dips forward when braking
- A “floating” feeling at high speeds
- Difficulty steering or a loose-feeling steering wheel
Noticing these early and acting quickly is key to maintaining suspension performance and safety.
3. Get Wheel Alignments on Schedule
Misaligned wheels can wreak havoc on your suspension system. When your wheels aren’t aligned, the strain isn’t evenly distributed, which wears down parts faster. It also causes uneven tire wear, which can affect how your car handles. Most experts recommend checking your alignment at least once a year or after hitting a big pothole or curb. Bonus: proper alignment also boosts fuel efficiency!
🔗 Learn more about wheel alignment from the NHTSA
4. Rotate and Balance Your Tires
Rotating your tires regularly (every 5,000–7,000 miles) ensures evenwear and helps your suspension system do its job more effectively. Balanced tires reduce vibration and stress on your shocks and struts. Combine your tire rotation with an inspection so your mechanic can catch worn-out suspension parts before they cause trouble.
5. Don’t Overload Your Vehicle
Got a habit of hauling heavy loads in your trunk or truck bed? Overloading puts extra pressure on your suspension system, especially the springs and struts. Over time, that added stress leads to premature sagging, reduced handling, and higher repair costs. Stick to your manufacturer’s recommended weight limits, it’ll save your suspension and your wallet.
6. Replace Worn Components Early
It’s tempting to ignore squeaks, rattles, or slightly bumpy rides. But small issues can turn into expensive repairs fast. Replacing one worn-out shock is a lot cheaper than replacing a full suspension system or new tires caused by uneven wear. If your vehicle has more than 50,000 miles on it, start planning for routine suspension checks. Shocks and struts don’t last forever!
7. Drive With Care on Rough Roads
Oregon roads, especially around Mt. Vernon, can be full of unexpected dips, gravel, and potholes. While you can’t always avoid rough terrain, how you drive makes a difference. Slow down when the road gets sketchy, and avoid slamming on the brakes over bumps. Driving gently helps reduce shock to your suspension system and keeps your car in good shape longer.
Maintaining Suspension at Frontier Repair and Towing:
At Frontier Repair & Towing, we’ve built a reputation for doing more than just fixing cars; we go the extra mile to keep you moving. With over 40 years of experience, a clean and efficient shop, and a team that genuinely cares, customers trust us not just for towing and repairs, but for long-term peace of mind. When it comes to suspension-related issues, we provide expert diagnostics, fair pricing, and dependable service to get you safely back on the road, just ask any of our happy customers!
Ready to give your suspension the care it deserves? Book your inspection or repair today at or stop by our shop in Mt. Vernon, OR. Let us show you the Frontier difference.
