A comfortable ride is important, but it is also about safety and control. If your car feels like it bounces more than usual or sways during turns, your suspension may be the reason. Specifically, worn shocks or struts could be making your drive less stable. Many drivers become accustomed to a rougher ride over time, but this can lead to more significant issues, such as poor handling, uneven tire wear, and longer braking distances.
If you're driving around Albuquerque and your car doesn't feel as steady as it used to, it's worth having your suspension checked before the problem gets worse.
What Do Shocks and Struts Actually Do
Shocks and struts help absorb bumps and keep your tires in contact with the road. They do not support the weight of your car, but they manage the movement of the suspension system. Their main job is to control the bounce and movement that occurs after hitting uneven surfaces.
Struts combine a shock absorber and a coil spring in one unit. Shocks are separate parts that work alongside other suspension components. While they differ in design, both serve a similar purpose and play a major role in ride quality and control.
Sign 1: Excessive Bouncing Over Bumps
One of the easiest signs to spot is repeated bouncing after going over a bump or dip. A vehicle with a healthy suspension should settle quickly. If your car continues to bounce up and down after the initial impact, your shocks or struts may be worn out.
You might also notice this problem more on speed bumps or rough patches in the road. A car that bounces too much is harder to control, especially at higher speeds.
Sign 2: Front-End Dips When Braking
If your vehicle leans forward noticeably when you brake, that is often a sign of suspension wear. Known as nose-diving, this issue happens when the shocks or struts no longer hold the front of the car steady during sudden stops.
Not only does this affect comfort, but it also increases your stopping distance. That can make it harder to respond quickly in traffic or during an emergency.
Sign 3: Uneven or Unusual Tire Wear
When suspension parts wear out, your tires may no longer stay evenly pressed against the road. This can cause uneven tread patterns, such as bald spots or feathering along the edges. If you see this kind of wear, your shocks or struts may not be doing their job.
Worn suspension also leads to tires wearing out faster, which can become costly. More importantly, uneven tire wear can reduce traction and make the vehicle harder to control.
Sign 4: Too Much Body Movement in Turns
A vehicle with worn suspension often leans or sways during turns. This is more than a comfort issue. It means your tires are not staying fully planted during side-to-side movement, which affects cornering stability.
If your vehicle rolls too much when changing lanes or taking curves, it may be time to replace the struts or shocks. This problem is especially noticeable in taller vehicles like SUVs or trucks, but it can happen in any car.
Sign 5: A Floating Feeling at Higher Speeds
When driving on smooth roads or highways, your car should feel steady and in control. If it feels like it is floating, drifting, or rocking slightly at speed, it could mean your suspension has become too soft.
This is often caused by worn shocks or struts that no longer resist the movement of the suspension. The result is a less secure ride, which becomes a safety concern when making sudden moves or driving in crosswinds.
Protect Your Suspension with Forthright Auto Repair in Albuquerque, NM
If your car feels bouncy, unstable, or harder to control than it used to, the suspension system may be the reason. At Forthright Auto Repair in Albuquerque, NM, we provide full suspension inspections to help pinpoint the issue. Whether you need new shocks, struts, or an alignment check, we’ll help restore the comfort and safety of your vehicle.
Call us today to schedule a suspension check and enjoy a smoother, more stable ride.
