Winter and Your Suspension System

Suspension systems are important because they provide a comfortable ride and stability on the road by absorbing the vibrations from the imperfections in the pavement. In its most basic form, it is comprised of two systems: springs and shock absorbers. Springs can be coil springs, torsion bars, or leaf springs. Coil springs are the most common in American cars. Shock absorbers provide insulation from the vertical motion that occurs when driving on imperfect surfaces. Winter can be cruel to your car and the suspension system is not immune. Taking care of your car will prevent any major car repairs and let you enjoy a comfortable ride.

How Winter Affects Your Suspension

The winter weather can affect your suspension by affecting the road on which you drive. When the temperature drops to freezing and below, the ground begins to freeze. The freezing causes cracks in the surface. As the ground contracts from the cold and creates the holes, water freezes in those cracks. The thawing and freezing cycles make the cracks and potholes wider and more numerous. These imperfections create a rough surface over which to drive. If the potholes are very large, they can cause the shock absorber to bottom out prematurely. The steering and suspension are compromised and the wheel alignment will be affected. Winter can also cause damage to over- or underinflated tires. Incorrect tire pressure can lead to damaged rims and ruptured tires when driving over potholes. If the tire alignment is compromised, you will not be able to completely control the car. If you hit a pothole hard enough, you can even cause damage to the undercarriage of your car because the suspension will not be able to dampen such a large jolt and the bottom of the car will actually hit the ground. 

Preparing Your Car for the Winter

You should make sure that you have a thorough inspection of your car by qualified ASE master technicians. They can perform a bumper-to-bumper inspection and alert you to any possible problems. They can let you know if you need to have a tire alignment, perform fluid checks, and even windshield wiper replacements. They can give you recommendations on when to perform general car maintenance and explain when those tasks need to be done. For your suspension system, they will check tire alignment, tire pressure, and make sure that your steering and suspension is going to be able to handle winter driving conditions. They can check your brakes, brake pads, and replace any worn or damaged parts. 

Driving in Winter Weather

One of the most important things you can do for your car in the winter is to slow down. Snow and ice on the road creates a dangerous situation as they reduce traction between your tires and the road. If you drive fast over ice, your tires will lose contact with the ground and you will hydroplane. In other words, your car will be propelled down the road with the tires not touching the ground. Drive slowly and give the car in front of you plenty of space to give you enough time to stop. Careful driving and proper general car maintenance will make sure that your suspension system will keep you safe and comfortable on the road.