Regular maintenance is key when it comes to making sure your truck is performing at its best all year round. Oil changes, fluid and filter checks, tire rotations and all the other seemingly small items on a maintenance checklist are important when it comes to keeping you and the drivers around you safe. Two of the most important systems in need of a regular inspection are the suspension and steering systems.
Why Is It Important to Have My Suspension and Steering Checked?
Steering and suspension are two systems directly related to each other that have a massive impact on your ability to safely drive your truck.
The steering system is what allows you to accurately maneuver your truck with the steering wheel. It’s what helps you stay in one lane, keep straight in strong wind, and quickly move around obstacles. If your steering system becomes damaged, driving your vehicle at all becomes next to impossible.
Suspension systems act as shock absorbers, allowing your truck to drive over a variety of obstacles, like potholes, without any problems. It helps keep the wheels of your vehicle on the ground evenly, providing traction in any condition. If your steering system is damaged, the suspension system will have a hard time doing its job, and vice versa.
If you’re looking for any sort of truck repair in Sacramento, or simply want your vehicle inspected, it’s essential that the steering and suspension systems are checked over thoroughly.
When Should I Get My Steering and Suspension Checked?
There are many situations that might require you to get these systems looked at. Some are less severe than others, while the worst might require some sort of mobile truck repair. A good mechanic will always check your suspension and steering during general and preventative maintenance checks and oil changes, but your vehicle might require a repair before that. Here is a short list of some scenarios that should lead to an inspection:
- If you notice that your vehicle drifts while turning and stopping.
- If your rides are bumpier than usual.
- If your steering wheel vibrates, wobbles, or does any other sort of unusual motion while driving.
- If your truck sits unevenly whether or not it’s parked on an even surface.
- If your vehicle tends to over or under steer, regardless of wheel movements.
- If potholes and speedbumps leave your truck “bouncing” for longer than the initial impact.
I’m Experiencing One or More of these Problems, What Should I Do?
If you’ve noticed any of these issues with your truck, you should perform a self-inspection where you visually examine your vehicle, particularly your shocks, for any damage. By taking a look under your truck, you can check to see if there is any breakage, cracks, or fluid leaks coming from anywhere. If your shocks look oily, there is a good chance fluid is in fact leaking, and a trip to a repair shop is required.
Even if you don’t notice any outward signs of damage, it is highly recommended that you visit a mechanic, or have a mobile truck repair technician visit you, to double check your vehicle if your truck is experiencing any of the above symptoms. If you’re looking for general or mobile truck repair in Sacramento, you can find an expert willing to help you get your vehicle back in working order.