What is car suspension?
29 September 2025
When you think about car safety, you probably picture brakes and tyres first. However, your car suspension system is just as important. It’s what keeps your car ride smooth, stable, and safe, no matter the road conditions. Without a properly working suspension, your tyres won’t grip the road correctly, your steering could feel unpredictable, and your stopping distance may increase.
In this blog, we’ll answer the question “What is car suspension?” while looking at how it works, the different types of car suspension available, and the key signs your vehicle’s suspension might need repairing or replacing.
Car Suspension Defined
Your vehicle’s suspension allows you and your passengers, and their passengers, to enjoy a stable and comfortable ride. Your car suspension does this by absorbing bumps and dips that your car encounters on a daily basis. This then allows you to accelerate, brake and travel around corners safely.
How does a car suspension work?
As a major component of your vehicle, the suspension operates through a combination of complex elements such as shock absorbers, springs and linkages. These components work together to reduce vibrations and absorb as much of the road impact as possible. For more information, read about how car suspension works in our detailed guide.
How long does a car suspension last?
A car's suspension typically lasts 5 years, but this depends on a few variables as no car suspension is the same. Factors affecting the lifespan and condition of your vehicle’s suspension include mileage covered, the type of terrain that your vehicle is usually exposed to and your style of driving.
Signs of vehicle suspension problems
It's important that your vehicle’s suspension is properly maintained and looked after, as it’s vital to your car’s performance. A few of signs of car suspension problems can include:
- Lack of stability - the vehicle may dip to one side if a spring in the system has broken, making the car unstable.
- A bumpy ride - the ride itself may feel bumpier than usual, so if the car is bouncier and less stable, there may be problems with your car’s suspension
- Abnormal tyre tread depth - abnormal tyre tread wear can indicate something isn't right with your suspension. However, this can also be a sign of many other motoring issues - so be careful not to jump to conclusions when diagnosing the problem.
Are you noticing problems with your suspension? Book in for a free suspension health check today at your local Setyres centre. A member of our expert team will diagnose the issue and advise you on the next steps.
Car Suspension Types
Coil spring suspension
Most vehicles have a coil spring suspension system. A coil spring suspension consists of shocks and coil springs that work together, absorbing any vibrations or shocks from the road. This type of suspension offers excellent performance and reliability. Also, a coil spring suspension is cheap to maintain over time and is used in various vehicle types, from city cars to sport-utility vehicles (SUVs).
MacPherson strut suspension
Named after the creator of the suspension system, Earle MacPherson, the MacPherson strut suspension combines a coil spring and strut as one unit. Many modern cars with front-wheel drive use a MacPherson strut suspension as the compact design makes it easy to fit into the vehicle, therefore giving auto manufacturers more space to play with when designing the engine bay and interior.
Double wishbone suspension
The double wishbone suspension (also known as an A-arm suspension) consists of two wishbone-shaped arms positioned on the top and bottom of each wheel. This type of suspension is found in high-performance supercars and luxury sports cars. The double wishbone suspension’s design allows for excellent handling and stability, particularly when going around corners at high speed.
Air suspension
An air suspension system (also known as a pneumatic suspension system) uses air springs instead of coil springs. The springs can be inflated or deflated, allowing you to adjust the ride height and stiffness depending on the road surface. Compared to other car suspension systems, an air suspension can easily absorb road vibrations and shocks. You are likely to find an air suspension system in luxury vehicles and SUVs.
Leaf spring suspension
Leaf spring suspension is a type of suspension system found on heavy-goods vehicles, commercial vans and SUVs. A leaf spring suspension typically consists of several metal leaves stacked on top of each other. Leaf spring suspension systems are designed for durability, allowing your vehicle to carry heavy loads without compromising the ride quality.
Can you drive a car with a broken suspension?
No - you shouldn't drive a vehicle with a broken suspension. When a car's suspension breaks, there are multiple components that could be causing the problem - such as a broken coil spring or a broken shock absorber. Regardless of what part of the car's suspension is damaged, you should not drive the vehicle.
This is because a broken spring or suspension arm can cause sagging - which could cause further damage to your vehicle over time. Other elements of your vehicle that suspension is likely to affect include alignment angles, and the control and stability of your vehicle.
How suspension affects other car parts
A faulty suspension doesn’t just affect comfort; it can lead to:
- Brake problems – Increased stopping distance due to poor road contact
- Tyre damage – Uneven wear and reduced grip
- Steering issues – Harder to control, especially on corners
Keeping your suspension functional with regular maintenance checks means protecting your entire vehicle.
How to improve suspension on a car
The suspension of your car plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, comfort and overall performance. However, many drivers overlook the fact that a well-functioning suspension system can also enhance braking efficiency and handling on the road. This guide will help you identify signs of poor suspension and provide tips on improving it.
What are the signs of a poor suspension?
You can often detect issues with your vehicle’s suspension by the way it feels while driving. The signs of poor suspension include:
- Uncomfortable driving: If you begin to experience a rough or bumpy ride as you’re driving along, it could indicate a problem with your suspension. This could mean that you feel every bump on the road - an uncomfortable experience for both you and your passengers.
- Unstable handling: If your vehicle leans excessively to one side as you take corners, it can be a sign of worn-out suspension components.
- Uneven tyre wear: If your tyres begin to show wear on the inside or outer edges it could be a sign of problems with your suspension. However, uneven tyre wear could also be caused by other issues such as incorrect wheel alignment.
- Bouncing: If your vehicle bounces excessively after hitting a bump, it could be caused by a worn-out suspension as it isn’t able to handle the impact.
- Strange noises: If you hear any clunking, squeaking or knocking coming from the underside of your car, this could be due to a worn-out suspension.
- Fluid leak: If your suspension is leaking near the wheels, it could be hydraulic fluid or oil from a damaged shock absorber or strut.
It’s dangerous to drive a vehicle with a broken suspension so, if you notice any of these signs, you can get your vehicle inspected FREE of charge by our qualified mechanics who are on hand to diagnose and repair any suspension-related issues.
How to improve suspension on a car
It’s possible to upgrade the suspension on your car in order to get a better driving experience. Some of the ways you can improve your vehicle’s overall suspension include:
- Upgrade shocks and struts: Installing aftermarket shocks and struts reduce excessive bouncing and give your vehicle more stability.
- Install performance springs: Installing stiffer springs can improve the handling of your car, but it’s important to remember that installing stiff springs can compromise your overall comfort.
- Upgrade your wheels and tyres: Lightweight wheels can increase your overall suspension and handling, whereas high performance tyres will give you a better grip on the road.
- Suspension alignment: Proper wheel alignment will ensure all four wheels are correctly positioned, maximising contact with the road. It can also improve your steering response and tyre wear.
If you choose to modify your suspension, it’s important to strike a balance between performance and comfort. We recommend that your suspension is checked every 12 months or every 12,000 miles, or if you’ve noticed any of the signs of poor suspension.
Book a free car suspension check with Setyres
You can book a free suspension check online. Alternatively, contact our helpful and experienced team about the services and products we offer at our South of England garages today.