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It’s easy to put off suspension maintenance when your car still feels fine on the road, but waiting too long can be an expensive mistake. The suspension system quietly absorbs the stress of every bump, turn, and stop you make while driving. Shocks and struts are important parts of a suspension system, and when they begin to wear out, small issues can quickly escalate.
A routine suspension inspection can help prevent major repairs before they escalate. Catching early signs of wear saves drivers hundreds, even thousands, in tire replacements, steering repairs, and alignment issues. Having your suspension checked regularly is one of the easiest ways to protect your wallet and your vehicle’s performance for the long haul.
How Routine Suspension Inspections Can Save You Money
A suspension system connects directly to many other parts of your vehicle, such as the tires, steering, braking, and even fuel efficiency. Neglecting this system doesn’t just affect ride quality – it often leads to unnecessary, costly repairs that could have been avoided with a quick checkup.
Prevents Uneven Tire Wear
When shocks and struts wear down, they struggle to keep your tires in consistent contact with the road. The result? Uneven tread wear, cupping, and early tire replacement. Once tires start wearing unevenly, even new tires won’t last as long without addressing the root cause.
Routine suspension inspections help technicians identify wear before it becomes expensive. By keeping your tires balanced and properly aligned, you avoid premature replacement costs – often saving hundreds of dollars over your vehicle’s lifetime.
Protects Other Major Systems
A weak or failing suspension puts additional stress on components like tie rods, ball joints, and steering linkages. When these parts have to compensate for worn shocks or struts, they deteriorate faster and can eventually fail, leading to costly steering or alignment repairs.
During routine inspections, certified technicians can pinpoint early signs of wear on these systems. Addressing minor suspension issues before they spread means you replace a single part instead of paying for a complete steering rebuild later – saving both time and money.
Improves Fuel Efficiency
A car with worn suspension parts often rides unevenly, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Misalignment and improper tire contact create rolling resistance, reducing miles per gallon over time.
Keeping your suspension components in good shape helps your vehicle operate efficiently and smoothly. Even a modest improvement in fuel economy adds up, especially for drivers who commute regularly or travel long distances in Georgia’s traffic.
Reduces Long-Term Repair Costs
Suspension issues rarely stay contained. A small fluid leak from a strut can lead to metal-on-metal wear, while a neglected bushing can cause frame stress or even damage to the control arms. These problems often start small, but if left unchecked, they can multiply into a significant repair bill.
Routine suspension inspections catch these minor problems before they spiral into expensive repairs. Spending a little now on maintenance can prevent far larger repair costs later, often saving thousands over the vehicle’s lifespan.
Extends Vehicle Lifespan and Comfort
Every bump, turn, and stop puts your suspension to the test. When components wear out, the entire chassis feels the strain. Over time, this leads to rattles, squeaks, and a harsher ride. Eventually, the stress can even impact frame alignment and safety systems.
Keeping your suspension in proper condition protects the rest of your vehicle from unnecessary wear. You’ll enjoy a smoother, quieter drive while maintaining the integrity of your car’s body and structure – helping it last years longer before needing major work.
How Often Should Suspension Be Inspected?
While most automakers recommend a suspension inspection at least once per year or every 12,000 miles, McCullough NAPA Auto Care suggests pairing it with regular scheduled maintenance intervals. Our 30K, 60K, and 100K-mile maintenance programs include comprehensive inspections of your suspension system.
Protect Your Investment With McCullough NAPA’s Scheduled Maintenance Plans
A routine suspension inspection is a simple service that delivers lasting value. By identifying minor issues early, you can get ahead of the repair, preventing costly failures, extend your car’s lifespan, and keep your driving experience comfortable.
At McCullough NAPA Auto Care in Atlanta, our ASE-Certified technicians use advanced diagnostic tools and high-quality parts to keep your suspension performing the way it should. We offer personalized maintenance schedules and factory-recommended service plans designed to fit your vehicle and driving habits.