how often should i check my car's suspension?

Having a functioning and reliable car suspension is essential for a safe and comfortable ride. Checking on your car's suspension requires more than just doing a quick visual inspection. It is important to check for signs of wear and tear regularly and to make sure that any other necessary maintenance is done. So how often should you be checking your car's suspension?

It's recommended that you do a basic visual inspection at least once a month, such as checking the tire pressure and looking for cracks, damage or leaks in the brakes, hoses, belts, or other related parts. You should also pay attention to any squeaking or clunking noises when driving which could indicate an issue with your suspension system.

You should also check the condition of your shock absorbers by pressing down on each corner of your car with your weight. If it takes more than one bounce for the suspension to settle back into its normal position, then it's time to replace them.

Along with regular inspections, it's important to have a professional mechanic check out your vehicle's suspension system at least once every year as part of a routine maintenance schedule. Your mechanic can examine all aspects of the system including stabilizer bar links, shock absorber mounts, bump stops and bushings for worn or damaged material. They can also check for fluid leakage from the seals as well as look for undue play in steering components which can indicate worn joints and ball bearings.

Even if you don't plan on going off-road anytime soon, it is still important to regularly inspect your car's suspension components so that any potential problems can be addressed before they become serious issues. Regular inspections are especially important if you have an older vehicle since parts are prone to wear out over time and parts may need replacing earlier than usual. It's also wise to stick with manufacturer recommended parts in order to maintain warranty eligibility if applicable.