Take Control of Your Vehicle's Safety by Checking Its Suspension

BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 31, 2009; Like your car's brake system, the steering and suspension systems are key to your car's safety. Together, they largely determine your car's ride and handling. The Car Care Council recommends having your vehicle's steering and suspension systems checked regularly, at least once a year and usually with a wheel alignment.

"Over time, steering and suspension components wear out and require replacement. The suspension system maintains the relationship between the wheels and the frame or unibody, and interacts with the steering system to provide vehicle control," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "Regular checks are critical to the safety of your car."

  Symptoms of Steering and Suspension Wear:
  --  Pulling
  --  Uneven tire wear
  --  Noise and vibration while cornering

  --  Loss of control

Several factors that affect steering and suspension wear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the frequency of regular maintenance such as chassis lubrication and wheel alignment.

  Questions to Ask a Technician:
  --  Is there anything I can do to help the steering and suspension systems
      on my car last longer?
  --  How does the work being performed eliminate the symptoms my car
      exhibited or my complaint?

  --  Are there any related services my car needs while this service is
      being performed?

  About the Car Care Council:

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.