What is car suspension?

19 December 2019

The suspension of a vehicle allows the driver, and passengers alike, to enjoy a stable and comfortable ride. Car suspension does this by absorbing the various bumps and dips that vehicles encounter on day-to-day road surfaces. This then allows the driver to accelerate, brake and travel through corners safely.

How does car suspension work?

As a major component of your vehicle, car 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 from our detailed guide.

How long does a car suspension last?

Typically, a car's suspension lasts around 5 years. However, it's not possible to suggest a guaranteed measurement of time as there are many variables that need to be taken into account. For example, these variables could be how many miles the vehicle is driven, what sort of terrain the vehicle has been exposed to and the style of driving the vehicle has been subjected to.

Signs of vehicle suspension problems

It's important that suspension is properly maintained and looked after, given that it's such a vital element of your vehicle's functionality. 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 vehicle suspension
• Abnormal tyre tread depth - abnormal tyre tread can indicate something isn't right. However, this can also be a sign of many other motoring issues - so be clear to diagnose the problem correctly.

Find out more signs of suspension problems from our detailed guide.

Still wondering, 'what does suspension do for a car'? Or perhaps you suspect problems with your own suspension? Book in for a free suspension health check today at your local Setyres centre. A member of our expert team will be able to diagnose the issue and advise you on next steps.