Cars are complex pieces of machinery that need regular maintenance. If you feel your car’s dragging on one side, it might be time for a suspension tuning service at Pedders. Suspension tuning is a mechanical treatment that can improve your car's performance in various ways.
How Do Suspensions Work?
Before going into what suspension tuning is and its benefits, here are some details about a car’s suspension first. The purpose of a car's suspension system is to keep the ride as comfortable as possible. Additionally, the suspensions maintain control of the vehicle while it’s moving down the road.
Although suspension may appear straightforward in theory, it involves a complex balancing act of many parts:
- Springs
- Shock absorbers
- Rods
- Wheels
- Steering system
- Frame
- Bearings, bushings, & joints
What is Suspension Tuning?
Suspension tuning is modifying a vehicle's suspension system to attain peak performance. Tuning the suspension system involves the alteration of struts, springs, and shock absorbers to change a car's acceleration, braking, and cornering. Suspension tuning increases the amount of friction between the tires and the road for better rides.
6 Benefits of Suspension Tuning
1. Improve Ride Safety and Comfort
First off, suspension tuning can improve ride safety and comfort. The suspension system has the ability to reduce the impact of road imperfections and bumps significantly.
Plus, your car ride will be safer if you have your suspension system thoroughly inspected and serviced. If your suspension system isn't checked, you risk losing control of your car and getting hurt in an accident. Other times, the car can break down and leave you stranded someplace or at a bad time.
2. Better Handling
Improving handling is the second and most visible advantage of suspension tuning. You can change how your vehicle handles braking, acceleration, and cornering through suspension tuning. Tuning the suspension system is highly advised if you frequently drive in demanding or difficult conditions. A better suspension system can help you keep control of your automobile and prevent accidents.
3. Improve Stability
Increased stability is a key benefit of suspension tuning. Stability is particularly crucial for high-performance vehicles, which are more likely to face instability at high speeds. By fine-tuning the suspension system, you can help keep your car stable and in control even when traveling at high speeds. You should also ensure there's no friction between moving parts. Car enthusiasts often buy bearings with housing to help reduce crevices where parts could rub against each other. This is particularly important if you have an older vehicle that may be suffering from wear and tear.
4. Smoother Ride
A vehicle's handling and steering are frequently more challenging when the suspension system malfunctions. Even minor alignment problems can cause your car to pull sideways. Even when driving straight, you could already have noticed your car dragging to one side or the other.
Suspension tuning can identify the causes of your car drifting and fix it. As a result, tuning prevents you from jogging your car constantly in the opposite direction.
5. Make Safer Stops
The suspension system also includes the wheels’ alignment. And your car's stopping distance is strongly related to the amount of wear on your tires. Suspension tuning can also affect the wheel alignment. Therefore, tuning your suspension system can help you safely stop your car, especially on slippery roads.
6. Cost-efficient
Car components wear unevenly and prematurely without adequate suspension services. By being proactive and using suspension tuning services, you may lessen your likelihood of needing pricey auto repairs. Plus, your fuel efficiency can be significantly impacted by suspension tuning services, making traveling long distances less difficult.
Suspension Tuning FAQs
1. How frequently should my suspension be tuned?
The frequency of getting your suspensions tuned has a lot of factors, like:
- What kind of vehicle do you drive?
- How frequently do you use it?
- What kind of roads do you frequently travel?
Nevertheless, it’s generally advised that your suspension be tuned at least once a year. But you may need to calibrate your suspension more frequently if you travel in hard or harsh environments. The suspension system can wear and tear over time, which reduces its capacity to absorb shock and provide stability.
2. How can I tell whether my car's suspension needs to be tuned?
There are several indications that raise red flags concerning your car's suspension system needing recalibration. It may be necessary to change the suspension system if you notice that your automobile is handling it differently than usual. Another reason is if your car appears to be bouncing more than usual. Additionally, if you see an increase in fuel usage, your automobile may also require its suspension tuned.
However, if you still don't know, it's always advisable to get professional advice. Professional mechanics can evaluate your automobile's suspension system and advise whether tuning is required.
3. What may cause the suspension to fail?
One of the main reasons a suspension system may fail is speeding through speed bumps. Your suspension system suffers damage when you hit a speed bump too quickly. The risky behavior could literally blow out a tire, shatter a suspension spring, or even ruin an old axle. Take caution when driving across speed bumps and dips because they are intended for slow traffic.
Also, give yourself plenty of time to brake. Avoid tailgating and pay attention to stop signs and traffic signals. If you step on the brake aggressively, you risk damaging the braking system and suspension components.
4. How can suspension damage be avoided?
Certain driving practices might cause immediate or long-term suspension damage. One of the best ways to avoid damage is to refrain from constantly slamming on the brakes. When it is unnecessary, this locks your wheels or activates your anti-lock braking system.
Additionally, your car's suspension is only designed to support a certain amount of weight. Think again if you are tempted to overload your car. Your car may undergo unnecessary stress if you overload it.
Better Suspension Tuning and a Better Drive
These are the top six reasons why suspension tuning is important. Suspension tuning is unquestionably something you should think about if you want to increase your car's performance, handling, and stability. To ensure your car's longevity and safety on the road, it's crucial to maintain a great suspension system.
Reference:
https://www.autospecialtyoflafayette.com/blog/the-suspension-system-its-7-parts/
https://www.delhatt.com/5-driving-habits-that-will-mess-up-your-suspension/
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/hppp-1010-suspension-tuning-guide/
https://eliteroads.com/4-benefits-suspension-tuning/
https://www.stringerautorepair.com/5-things-that-ruin-your-car-suspension/