Mike and Sons Automotive | Sacramento, CA
When most people think about luxury vehicles—whether it's a rugged off-road Jeep or a sleek Ferrari—they imagine a smooth, high-performance driving experience. But the truth is, even your everyday vehicle comes equipped with advanced features that prioritize comfort and safety. One of the most essential (yet often overlooked) components is your suspension system.
At Mike and Sons Automotive, we believe that understanding your vehicle is the first step in keeping it running smoothly. Let’s take a closer look at what your suspension system does, how it works, and how to know when it might need attention.
What Does the Suspension System Do?
Your car’s suspension system is responsible for absorbing bumps, dips, and imperfections in the road. It ensures your tires stay in contact with the pavement at all times—giving you better control, a smoother ride, and increased safety.
Without it, even a short drive around Sacramento’s streets would feel like an off-road adventure (and not the fun kind). Whether it’s speed bumps, potholes, or uneven terrain, your suspension system is constantly working behind the scenes to keep your drive comfortable and stable.
How the Suspension System Works
When your tires encounter a bump, Newton’s laws of motion come into play: energy is transferred upward into the car. The suspension system absorbs this energy, preventing your vehicle from bouncing excessively or losing traction.
There are two main types of suspension systems: independent and dependent, but most modern vehicles use some form of independent suspension for improved handling and ride quality.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main components in your suspension system:
Key Components of the Suspension System
- Shocks (Shock Absorbers)
Shocks reduce the impact of kinetic energy from road bumps. They help stabilize your vehicle and prevent excessive bouncing or swaying. - Struts
Found in many front-wheel-drive vehicles, struts are a structural part of the suspension and often combine shocks and springs into one unit. They help absorb movement and support your vehicle’s weight. - Springs
Springs compress and expand to absorb road energy. They’re essential for maintaining ride height and keeping your tires firmly planted on the ground. - Control Arms
These connect the suspension to your vehicle’s frame and allow vertical movement of the wheels when navigating bumps or potholes. - Tires
Your tires are the first point of contact with the road, and they play a critical role in absorbing initial impact. Proper tire pressure and alignment are vital for your suspension’s performance. - Rods & Linkages
These strong metal components hold everything together and help transfer motion between suspension parts. - Bushings & Joints
These strong metal components hold everything together and help transfer motion between suspension parts. - Bushings: Reduce vibration and noise between parts.
- Ball Joints: Allow different parts of the suspension to move freely and smoothly in various directions.
Signs Your Suspension May Need Service
Your suspension is designed to last, but over time, it can wear down—especially with the daily demands of city driving in Sacramento. Here are some signs to watch for:
🚗 Pulling to One Side
If your vehicle pulls to the left or right while driving, it could be a tire issue, poor alignment, or worn-out shocks. It could also mean low tire pressure on one side so best to check that first!
⚠️ Excessive Bouncing, Lurching, or Dipping
Does your car dive forward when you brake? Or bounce repeatedly after hitting a bump? This is often a sign that your shocks or struts need replacing.
🌉 Bumpy or Rough Ride
If your ride suddenly feels rougher than usual, it’s likely that your suspension isn’t absorbing bumps as it should.
🔊 Unusual Noises
Clunking, creaking, or squeaking noises while driving over bumps could indicate loose or damaged suspension components like bushings or joints.
Why Suspension Health Matters
A worn suspension doesn’t just make your ride uncomfortable—it can also impact your braking, steering, tire wear, and overall vehicle safety. Over the course of 50,000 miles, your shocks or struts will absorb road impacts over one million times—so it’s no surprise they may eventually need service.
Let the Experts at Mike and Sons Automotive Help
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, don’t wait. At Mike and Sons Automotive, we specialize in suspension diagnostics and repair. Our expert technicians will thoroughly inspect your vehicle and recommend only the services you need.
Let us help you get back to a smoother, safer ride.