How to Tell If Your Suspension Needs Repair: A Step-by-Step Guide

Beyond just comfort, your suspension system helps maintain control of your vehicle by keeping your tires in contact with the road. But how do you know if it’s time to have it inspected or repaired? At Albany Tire & Service in Albany, CA, we’ve created this step-by-step guide to help you spot the signs of suspension trouble early.

1. Pay Attention to Uneven Tire Wear

What to look for: Inspect your tires regularly for uneven tread wear. If one side of the tire is wearing out faster than the other, your suspension may not be distributing weight evenly across your vehicle. This issue could lead to alignment problems and unsafe driving conditions.

How Albany Tire & Service can help: Our team will inspect your suspension system and perform a wheel alignment to prevent further tire damage.

2. Watch for Excessive Bouncing or a Rough Ride

What to look for: Does your car bounce excessively after hitting a bump, or feel overly rough on smooth roads? This could mean your shocks or struts are worn out. These components absorb impact and ensure a smooth ride, so any changes in comfort could signal an issue.

How Albany Tire & Service can help: We’ll assess your shocks, struts, and other suspension components to identify the problem and restore your vehicle’s comfort.

3. Listen for Unusual Noises

What to listen for: Do you hear clunking, knocking, or squeaking sounds when driving over bumps or turning? These noises often indicate worn or damaged suspension parts, such as ball joints, bushings, or control arms.

How Albany Tire & Service can help: Our ASE-certified technicians will pinpoint the source of the noise and replace any worn components to keep your vehicle safe and quiet.

4. Look for Visible Signs of Damage

What to look for: Take a peek under your car. If you notice leaking shocks or struts, broken springs, or sagging areas, it’s time to act. Suspension damage can worsen over time, leading to more costly repairs if left untreated.

How Albany Tire & Service can help: We’ll perform a full suspension inspection to identify visible damage and recommend the right repairs to get your car back in shape.

5. Pay Attention to Vehicle Handling

What to notice: Is your vehicle pulling to one side, especially when turning or braking? Does it feel like it’s leaning or unstable on curves? These symptoms are clear indicators of suspension issues.

How Albany Tire & Service can help: Our team will perform diagnostic tests to ensure your suspension system is working correctly and address any handling problems.

Why Choose Albany Tire & Service for Suspension Repair in Albany, CA?

At Albany Tire & Service, we’ve been serving Albany, Berkeley, and El Cerrito with expert automotive care for over 70 years. Our ASE-certified technicians use high-quality Federated Car Parts and advanced diagnostic tools to ensure your vehicle gets the care it deserves. 

Schedule Your Suspension Inspection Today!

Don’t wait until your suspension problems get worse. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, bring your vehicle to Albany Tire & Service for a professional inspection. Conveniently located at 742 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA, we proudly serve drivers in Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, and beyond. Call us today at (510) 556-0646 or visit www.albanytire.com to schedule your appointment.