Do you ever wonder why your Chevy drives so smoothly? Excellent suspension is the answer; but without regular maintenance, even the best suspension will suffer wear and tear, eventually causing the car to bounce, sway, dip, and become less precise in its overall handling. You can keep your drives easy and smooth with the following Chevy suspension maintenance protocol.
Maintaining Your Chevy’s Suspension System
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
When tires aren’t at exactly the correct PSI in terms of air pressure, excess strain is placed on the suspension. This pushes the shocks and struts out of shape and also puts you at risk of skids and blowouts.
Routinely Rotate Your Tires
Car tires tend to wear down unevenly, a phenomenon easily corrected with regular tire rotations. It’s advisable to keep your tires uniform in size and wear patterns with rotations twice a year. This helps your tires last longer and protects your suspension from harm.
Avoid Rougher Roads
Suspension systems are most strained by rougher roads and potholes. The more you can avoid bad roads, the longer your suspension will last. If you do need to use poorly maintained roads a lot, or you’re a fan of off-roading, have your suspension and wheel alignment checked and corrected more often.
Realigned Your Wheels
Over time, car wheels become pushed slightly out of position by continual bumps against potholes and curbs. It’s advisable to have your wheel alignment measured at least twice a year. If any of your wheels are found to be out of proper alignment, have them realigned, a process that involves precision machinery and adjustments to the shocks, struts, and springs.
Clean Your Suspension
When you clean your car, don’t forget to clean thoroughly beneath the undercarriage too. If snow, mud, sand, or general grime builds up on the shocks, struts, control arms, and springs, it accelerates corrosion.
Repair Suspension Faults Promptly
If you notice signs of worn-out suspension parts, don’t hesitate to have the faulty component replaced. A malfunctioning suspension may cause your car to bounce excessively after bumps and dips in the road. You may find the nose dipping forward when you brake or the entire vehicle leaning to the side when you corner. A weakening suspension at just one wheel may also cause the car to lean towards that corner when it’s parked.
Book Chevy Suspension Maintenance
As with any important car part, it’s wise to routinely have your suspension inspected by a professional. Once a year is a good interval for most cars. During an inspection, our experienced technicians can check every suspension part and keep you informed of how much longer they’re likely to last. Visit Mike Kelly Chevrolet in Butler, PA, today to have your suspension inspected or repaired. For over 60 years, we’ve been helping drivers enjoy safer, smoother, more enjoyable rides.