What is it?
Your suspension is the assembly system that absorbs bumps from the road and protects your car, and you, from the impact of these irregular surfaces as you drive.
How does it work?
We could go into great detail about the different types of suspension, but from the consumer's perspective, you really only need to understand three basic components:
Shocks
To put it simply, they keep your tires in contact with the road and help absorb bumps.
Springs
These support the weight of the car and help maintain proper riding height.
Struts
Commonly found on modern cars, these act as shocks and help wheels turn easily.
How could something go wrong?
The most common problem is wear from extended road use. Another cause is a jarring impact (or a series of jarring impacts) that could cause breakage.
How do you recognize a problem?
Bouncing is the most noticeable sign. And the steering wheel will feel loose. You should also check to see if your car is sitting level.
