The suspension system is key for a comfy and safe ride, and car owners are always looking to maintain their vehicles running as effectively as possible. A vehicle’s stability is directly dependent on the condition of its suspension. The worse the condition of the suspension, the higher the risk of an accident.
After reading this article, you will learn how to maintain your suspension so that it performs at its peak and lasts longer.
The Importance of Lift Kit Maintenance
Road safety and the longevity of your vehicle are guaranteed by frequent suspension maintenance and repair. A repair shop’s certified auto mechanic should regularly check, align, and get the suspension fixed. This will reduce pressure on the car’s tires and brakes, among other things, and make the ride smoother and comfier.
The Checklist of Lift Kit Maintenance
Following these quite simple steps regularly, you can not only extend the service of your suspension, but also ensure a comfortable ride on any road in any weather conditions. It is essential to stay safe on the road. Also, the driver has to keep others’ safety, e.g., their passengers and other drivers around.
Regular Technical Inspection
The performance of each component in a car’s suspension depends on the condition of its adjoining components. That’s why, before adjusting the wheel alignment, the entire suspension is checked first – there’s no point in accurately setting the wheel alignment if there’s play in the components.
A faulty single suspension element can quickly lead to problems with the surrounding components, so have your car’s chassis regularly inspected by a service center. It’s cheaper to replace one problematic detail immediately than to delay repairs and then overhaul the entire suspension.
Lubrication
Bolts and nuts on suspension parts work in tough conditions, like constant vibration, temperature changes, and being around water, chemicals, and dirt from the road.
There are 3 types of lubricants:
- Lithium – all lithium greases are water-resistant, can withstand a wide range of temperatures, and have excellent mechanical stability.
- Barium – barium greases are a bit worse than lithium in terms of temperature characteristics, but are superior in terms of water resistance.
- Hydrocarbon – these greases are characterized by very high water resistance and are used as preservatives.
Use a premium vehicle grease that is appropriate for auto suspension use, or that your kit maker recommends. However, regular cleaning is still required. One of the most affordable and efficient methods to increase suspension life is lubrication.
Replacement of Worn Parts
Whether you drive safely or not, parts of the suspension wear out eventually. The leading indicators of blown suspension elements are unusual noises, unpredictable handling, and vibration while driving. The time they last long can significantly differ based on what kind of vehicle, how one gets around, and the condition of the road.
The suspension provides maximum traction and covers dents and other running irregularities for a smooth ride. Worn suspension components should be replaced before they cause unexpected, often costly, troubles.
Wheel Alignment
Dirty and poorly maintained wheels are immediately noticeable, unsightly, and won’t last long.
Wheel alignment affects not only the geometry and suspension elements, but also the wheels themselves. Excessive and bumpy tire wear reduces tire life by 2-3 times.
To extend the life of your tires, regularly check wheel alignment. Early detection and correction of wheel alignment deviations from factory specifications will prevent premature tire replacement.
Conclusion
The car is necessary for daily use, so keeping it in good condition is basic. To avoid unpleasant surprises, check your suspension at least twice a year, choose high-quality lubricant, and replace worn parts on time. This way, routine maintenance won’t turn into major repairs.
