Make sure your car’s suspension, steering, brake systems, and tires are in good operating condition to protect yourself and others. 

What Car Systems Are Important for Comfort and Safety?

To give you control over your car and provide a comfortable ride the suspension, steering, and brake systems work together. 

•  The Suspension System

When you drive over bumps or uneven roadway surfaces the suspension system supports your car’s weight, cushions the ride and helps keep the car stable. The main parts of the suspension system are the springs and shock absorbers.

Bouncing reduces the contact between the tires and the road making it harder for you to control your car thus if your car only had springs it would continue to bounce. The shock absorbers work to control bouncing by absorbing the shocks of driving which help you maintain steering and braking control. 

• The Steering System

The front wheels are designed to remain in an upright position and move up and down over bumps even when they are turned. The steering system enables you to turn the front wheels which are connected by a steering shaft and moveable rods. 

• The Brake System

Hydraulic pressure which is pressure created by the force of a liquid against the wheels allowing the brakes to slow or stop a car. Stepping on the brake pedal forces brake fluid from the master brake cylinder through the brake fluid lines to the wheel cylinders. Drum brakes and disc brakes are two types of brakes. 

1. In drum brakes the fluid pressure causes the brake shoes to push against the brake lining, which then presses against the round hollow metal drum inside the wheel creating friction, which slows and stops the wheel’s turning motion. 
2. In disc brakes pressure squeezes the brake pads against a flat metal wheel disc producing the friction needed to stop the wheel from turning. Many cars are equipped with disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the back wheels designed to work independently to minimize the risk of brake failure. Power brakes engage with less pressure on the brake pedal than do non power brakes, however; it does not shorten a car’s stopping distance. 
3.  Anti Lock brakes are designed to keep the wheels from locking up when the driver presses too hard on the brake pedal in an emergency situation.  
4. A mechanically operated brake that is separate from the hydraulic brake system is a parking brake which is attached by a cable to the rear wheels to prevent a parked car from rolling. 

• The Tires

A driver’s control of a vehicle depends largely on the condition of the tires.

1. Tires must be inflated properly to provide maximum traction and control. An underinflated tire with too little tire pressure or an overinflated tire with too much tire pressure makes a car harder to handle, and lowers fuel efficiency.
2. Tread is the grooved outer surface of a tire which on wet surfaces the amount of tread on your tires determines how much traction your car will have. Worn tires have double the risk of skidding and are more likely to go flat or blow out. 
3. Tire rotation means switching their position from front to rear or side to side, which equalizes tire wear, every 5,000 miles. Having your tires balanced ensures that the weight of the car is evenly distributed as the wheel turns providing better steering control, a smoother ride, and longer tire life. 

What Are Some Warning Signs of Car Problems?

Sometimes car problems appear unexpectedly, other times, advance warning signals that a part needs attention.

• Suspension and Steering Problems

Watch for the following warning signs as a result of wear:

1. There’s too much play in the steering wheel. With power steering there should be no play in the wheel, however; in a manual there should be no more than 2 inches of play.
2. The steering wheel vibrates or is difficult to turn.
3. The front end of the car wobbles.
4. The car bumps as you turn the wheel while driving on a smooth road.
5. The car pulls to one side as you drive.
6.  The car bounces too much after hitting a bump.
7. Tread wear on the front tires is uneven and wear faster than rear tires. 

• Brake Problems

Neglecting a brake system problem can prove fatal.

• Tire Problems

Inspecting your tires regularly before you drive will help to avoid problems on the road. Watch for the following warning signs of tire troubles:

1. Less than 1/16 inch of tread
2. Areas of little or no tread called bald spots.
3. Uneven wear
4. Bulges
5. Embedded nails, glass, screws, or metal
6. Frequent pressure loss in one tire suggesting slow leak.