6 Basic Functions of Your Truck’s Suspension System
Anyone with a truck needs to make sure the suspension is fully operational at all times. You can find suspension kits at online shops when you need to maintain and repair your current system. Without a functional suspension system, you will not enjoy the same kind of ride. Proper handling depends heavily on the suspension, and these are the basic functions you can thank your suspension for.
1. Cornering
When you drive around in your truck, you need to be able to take corners safely. You do not want to verge out too wide or else you risk getting into a collision. The suspension makes it easier for your vehicle to travel on a curved path. Another issue this helps with is oversteering. This is when you make a turn and your vehicle overcompensates and turns in a 360-degree angle.
2. Ride Height
In your truck, you should be used to driving a certain way. You are used to being a certain level above the ground. You need the suspension to maintain the correct ride height or else your truck will feel lower than usual. This is a problem because you may think you can drive over something in the road, but you end up scraping the undercarriage of your truck.
3. Easier Control
Both the front and rear axles of your truck need to be fully operational to drive safely. When you move the steering wheel even a little bit, you should receive a response from the wheels and axles. When you start experiencing problems with this handling, you should check out the system. You may need to replace the Bilstein struts or something else entirely. When in doubt, bring your truck to a professional mechanic.
4. Weight Support
Your truck is incredibly heavy. It is much heavier than a regular sedan, so you need a more resilient suspension system than average. This is especially important if you tend to carry a lot of gear in the bed of the truck. You want to make sure your truck does not slow down in the slightest even with all of this extra weight.
5. Reduction of Impact Forces
When driving on the road, you may encounter various bumps and dips. Your suspension should absorb the impact of these forces. No matter what, you should receive a smooth ride even if you take your truck off-roading.
6. Correct Wheel Alignment
You should bring your truck to a mechanic once every two to three years for a wheel realignment. This is essential so that your wheels continue pointing in the right direction. You also need to get this work done any time you put a new tire on your truck. A good suspension should aid in this endeavor. In the event your wheels go out of alignment too often, then the issue might be with the suspension.
Your truck’s suspension is responsible for a lot. You do not want it to break down prematurely, but when it does, you can purchase all of the components you need from a reputable auto parts shop. Do any repairs as quickly as possible so that you do not have to ride around uncomfortably.