Is Your Car Pulling For A Steering And Suspension Check Up?

It's tough driving out there on today's highways and byways, and not just because of congested traffic and construction delays. The road surfaces themselves are in pretty rough shape, and chances are you've experienced the pothole plunge and the washboard wiggle more times than you care to recall.

As annoying as those conditions are for you, they can really take their toll on your vehicle. Rough roads contribute to alignment problems, which often cause the steering to pull to one side or the other. Poor alignment can also greatly reduce tire life and create other problems as well.

A simple alignment job isn't always the answer. Your car could also be the victim of broken or worn tie rods, ball joints, coil springs or idler arms. These are among the chassis parts that help keep the tires firmly on the road and responsive to the steering wheel. These suspension and steering components also take a beating from the shake, rattle and roll of the road, and need periodic adjustment or replacement.

For instance, weak or worn coil springs can quickly undue an alignment job. The constant rate spring is a big coil spring that's a central point of the front end. A sagging coil spring forces all steering and suspension parts out of their proper positions.

The ball joint is another critical chassis part that actually works in both the steering and suspension system simultaneously. The ball joint swings and pivots in its socket during steering while supporting the weight of the car.

So if your vehicle seems to pull to one side, or if you've hit some pretty fearsome potholes - or if it's just been awhile since you've had an alignment - schedule a complete steering, suspension and alignment inspection.