What Does Hitting Bumps in the Road do to My Car?
Impact of Rough Roads on Suspension System
Ever hit a bump and wonder what it did to your car? Here's a look at how different parts of your suspension are affected by every day driving.
When you hit a bump in the road, the sudden jolt can cause damage to your car's suspension system. This kind of impact affects different components of your vehicle, so let's take a closer look.
Shocks and Struts
The shocks and struts are designed to absorb some of the shock from hitting bumps, but can be damaged by repeated abuse. If you hit a bump regularly, it can cause the shocks and struts to wear out faster than they should. This can lead to uneven tire wear and an uncomfortable ride.
Springs
The springs are designed to absorb energy from driving over bumps, but they too can suffer damage when they hit big bumps or when they're overused. If this happens, it can wear down the springs, which will cause your ride to become bumpier and less comfortable.
Wheels
The wheels are also affected by hitting bumps in the road. When the car hits a bump, the impact is often transferred to the wheels. This can cause them to become misaligned and lead to uneven tire wear. It can also cause damage to the wheel bearing, which can make steering and cornering more difficult.
Alignment
Finally, your car's alignment is also affected by hitting bumps in the road. If you hit a bump too hard, it can cause your car to be thrown out of alignment. This will not only make driving uncomfortable, but it can also decrease your car's overall performance.
Mad Hatter Auto Repair - Your Local Suspension System Experts
By understanding how hitting bumps in the road affects your vehicle, you'll be better prepared to handle such situations and will be able to prevent mechanical problems from occurring. If you suspect that any of your suspension parts have been damaged by a bump in the road, it's best to have them checked by a qualified mechanic. Give Mad Hatter a call in Omaha at (402) 512-5923 or in Council Bluffs (402) 513-9436. We'd be happy to help!