Suspension Collapses

Every vehicle that has an engine will usually have suspension, this is located under the car and holds your vehicle up. Like any part of your vehicle suspension must be maintained and serviced regularly it’s not something that usually wears out quickly it happens over time. Your suspension keeps your car safe and absorbs shock from kinetic impact allowing you to steer safely. Failing of suspension is something that will happen eventually sometimes when you least expect it, the vehicle usually lower by around 3 inches you may become unsteady whilst driving and your wheels and frame begin to touch when driving, this is otherwise known as a collapse this occurs when your springs or bearings break or become weak.

Most vehicles contain springs and coils and are usually pretty strong , it’s proven that around only 1 in 1000 break yearly. If you own a vehicle that’s slightly older then it’s more likely your suspension may fail.

5 things that could cause suspension collapse
1.Bumps
2.Overloading
3.Rust
4.Chemical changes
5.Age

It’s important to be aware of potholes and speed bumps when driving, especially when driving at high speed. Do not overload your vehicle if you are transitioning heavy goods , some vehicles simply can’t handle the weight. The pressure from the weight will cause the suspension to become low or simply snap causing breakage.

The most common cause of spring collapses are chemical changes , mainly salt usually found near beaches or cold weather conditions. Road salt can be a huge problem especially in winter this worsens your chances or acceleration.

In recent years so many vehicles have become more modern and lightweight resulting in more lightweight parts and suspension springs being thinner making it easier for them to weaken and corrode over a shorter space of time.

1. If you have been driving in salty conditions like stated above, for example the winter gritters usually salt the road resulting in your vehicle being affected or at the beach. It’s important to wash your vehicle thoroughly, especially the wheel wells where the majority of springs are located, the more damage the more chance of breakage.

2. Don’t overload your vehicle, if you have to split the loads you carry. Your vehicle is built to hold a certain weight exceeding it will surely result in damage to the suspension.

3. Avoid potholes and bumps in the road. We know that avoiding potholes is sometimes not possible but we’re able to do it. Always slow down when you come to bumps in the road especially spread bumps the faster you hit them the worse the impact.

If your suspension does collapse then the main thing is DON’T PANIC everyone will experience it at some point in life. Do not drive if your suspension has collapsed this will only make the damage worse and you are at higher risk of causing an accident. If it does happen while your driving follows safety procedures pull over safely, put your hazard lights on and call a recovery company. In cases of extreme emergency you should drive your vehicle slowly and carefully. Lastly, always have your suspicions looked at by a registered mechanic.

Sanderson Leaf Springs is dedicated to bringing you the best advice when it comes to any vehicle, we hope our handy tips and advice helped you get out of your sticky situation.