The ride and handling system supports the vehicle’s weight, keeps the wheels in contact with the road and helps provide a comfortable ride for the passengers.
Service and Maintenance
Regular maintenance plays a major role in the way that your vehicle handles as well as how it steers in an emergency. In addition to a visual inspection and chassis lubrication with every oil change a thorough annual inspection of the suspension is recommended as well.
Regular maintenance also improves tire wear. A car with misaligned wheels and/or worn shocks can cause tires to wear out faster than normal. Consequently, the modest cost of a semiannual tire rotation and alignment check is a solid investment.
Tire pressure and vehicle ride height are two of the most neglected suspension-related items. Lack of attention to these areas can contribute to improper wheel alignment and unnecessary chassis parts wear.
If the ride height of a vehicle falls below the manufacturer’s specifications due to wear (or incorrect loading), the entire suspension system suffers. This in turn reduces your vehicle’s braking, steering and acceleration capabilities and increases tire wear.