

If the ride quality and comfort provided by your car has suddenly gotten worse, you might find that problem a little shocking. But it just might be that your vehicle's shock absorbers have gone bad. If they need to be replaced, get this service performed by the professionals at Capitol Subaru. Nobody knows better how to properly care for Subaru vehicles. For example, did you know that every new Subaru vehicle should have the steering and suspension systems inspected by a technician every 12,000 miles? That's recommended so we can catch problems as they develop, before you notice any symptoms. But if any of the symptoms below have developed on your car, we can help get them fixed in our service center.

6. Car Squeaks Or Groans Over Bumps
A properly tuned suspension should provide a quiet ride, isolating the cabin from bumps and cracks in the road. If you notice going over speed bumps causes the vehicle to squeak, that indicates a possible problem with lubrication in the suspension. It should have smooth, silent motion even when going over curbs.

5. Accelerated Tire Wear
A properly balanced suspension will work together with the correct tire pressure to provide the most comfortable ride. It also ensures you get the best fuel economy and the most even wear on the tires. So they last longer! If your suspension is worn, it can put added stress on the tires, causing them to wear out unevenly. This typically means you'll go through your tires a lot faster than necessary if the suspension is suffering or in need of alignment.
4. Vehicle Leans When Parked
The vehicle should ride and sit level at all times. If it's sagging in one corner, then the shock on that wheel might be broken. It might be subtle enough that you don't notice it from inside the car, but it's easy to spot when looking at your car from several steps away. Worn-out struts that can't properly support the car when parked will also have a negative impact on handling and ride quality as you drive.

3. Vehicle Bounces Excessively
When you hit a bump, the shocks in your car should smooth out the impact, making the ride as comfortable as possible. But if the shocks go bad, the car might begin to bounce too much over bumps.
You can even test for this problem yourself from the outside. Push down on each corner of the vehicle, and watch what happens. The car should pretty much rise back to its natural position without bouncing up and down. But if it bounces up and down just from you pushing down on the hood or the trunk, that's definitely a sign that your suspension needs work.
2. Poor Ride Quality
In general, the suspension is responsible for keeping you comfortable no matter what the conditions of the road ahead are. If the ride quality of your car has started to leave something to be desired, let the experts in our service center take a look. This includes poor steering response, an uncomfortably stiff ride, an uncomfortably soft and bouncy one or a car that "rolls" too much when you turn. These signs can certainly indicate your car is in need of suspension work.
1. Fluid Leaks
Finally, if you suspect something has gone wrong with your vehicle's suspension, you might be able to confirm it by looking under the vehicle. Hydraulic shocks are filled with fluid. As the shocks go bad, internal seals can go bad and allow the shock absorber to leak. If you get on the ground and look behind the wheels of your car, and you discover the suspension components are dripping with grease, the shock absorber may have gone bad due to a leak.
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- Reasons Why Wheel Alignment is Important
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Capitol Subaru of Salem
920 Auto Group Ave NE
Salem, OR 97301
- Sales: 503-587-5500
- Service: 503-587-5500
- Parts: 503-587-5500