The Triangle’s Premier Independent Auto Service and Repair for Audi, Volkswagen and Porsche






SERVING RALEIGH - DURHAM - CARY - WAKE FOREST

 

2620 Rowland Road, Suite 101

Raleigh NC 27615

(919) 850-4355

About Automobile Suspensions


•  struts  •  shock absorbers  •  wheel alignment  •

•  ball joints  • control arms  •  bushings  •  and more  •


When people think about car safety they normally think about brakes, tires, seat-belts, child booster seats, and airbags.  And, of course, those are all very important safety features.  However, one of the most important and frequently overlooked safety systems is your suspension.  Properly maintaining your car’s suspension is vital to your family’s safety.


Free suspension inspections


Our mechanics at Washburn Motorsports are experts for repairing Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche automobiles, and we offer free visual suspension inspections.  Give us a call today and we’ll be happy to schedule a suspension inspection for you.


What is an automobile suspension?

A car suspension is a complex system of interconnected springs, rods, bars, shock absorbers, ball joints and bushings that are designed to:

  1. •help smooth out a bumpy road and make your ride more comfortable,

  2. •keep your tires on the road (to maximize friction and control),

  3. •minimize sway and oscillation as you corner and go over bumps.


What parts of my suspension may need to be serviced?

Several components of your suspension system -- such as shock absorbers, McPhearson struts and ball joints -- will wear out with normal use, and they will need to be replaced when that happens.  In addition, wheel alignment should be checked periodically.  Most of the other parts of your suspension -- such as springs, sway bars, control rods, etc. -- are designed to last a long time, possibly for the life of the vehicle under normal conditions.


But what about that big pothole you hit last month?  Or that fender bender that happened in the parking lot at the grocery store?  Or the curb that you bumped against during that snow storm?  These kinds of impacts can damage your suspension.


When does my suspension need to be serviced?

We recommend visual inspections of your suspension every 5,000 miles.  This should be done by a trained mechanic while your car is up on the lift.


If you notice that your car is not riding or handling properly, take it to your mechanic for an inspection right away.  Some suspension problems that you may notice are:


  1. •your car bounces too much

  2. •your car pulls to one side while moving

  3. •your tires are wearing unevenly

  4. •your car seems to wander down the road, and needs constant steering corrections

  5. •your steering wheel shimmies, vibrates or twitches

  6. •you hear unusual noises from under your car while driving


Any of these symptoms could mean that you have a dangerous malfunction of your suspension.  You should take your car to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.


What could happen if I don’t maintain my suspension?

Without a properly maintained suspension you will be driving a car that is harder to control, particularly in emergency situations.  Regular suspension inspections are vitally important to your safety.


A properly maintained suspension can actually save you money through reduced tire wear, better gas mileage and lower maintenance costs on other components of your car (such as steering and brakes).





NOTE: This information is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as repair advice, and you should not attempt repairs or service based on the information contained on this website.

 

Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche Experts

Repairs - Service - Diagnostics - Performance - Tuning

Call us today for a free estimate!