Watch Out for Your Suspension!

Kansas City is working on ‘pothole prediction’ technology. It’s an attempt to fix problem spots on the roads before damaging potholes appear. Unfortunately, it hasn’t happened yet, so you’re stuck calling 311 to report potholes while masterfully maneuvering around the dangers on the street. Try not to hit them – it’s hard on your suspension.

Your Toyota is tougher than you think, but it’s not built to withstand the abuse potholes can cause. A good-sized chunk missing from the pavement can bend a tie rod, cause a strut to leak, crack a spring, or put your wheels out of alignment. Here are just a few symptoms of damaged suspension.

The Steering Wheel is Off Center

When you’re driving in a straight line, your steering wheel is meant to be perfectly straight across. If it’s not, there’s a good chance a pothole or curb has caused a change in your alignment or damaged your suspension. It could be a bent strut or steering knuckle, or it might be you need to get an alignment.

There’s a Suspension Rattle

When you go over bumps in the road, do you hear a rattle or knocking noise? Worn or broken suspension parts like sway bar links, springs, or ball joints can cause it. It’s not a good idea to keep driving for a long time with a suspension rattle – it could be a safety issue.

Your Steering Feels Loose

When you’re driving, does your car feel like it’s floating or hard to control? That often happens when there’s a problem in the steering or suspension. You might need an alignment or a component replaced under the front of your car.

Your Car Pulls to One Side

When you let go of the steering wheel while driving on the highway, your car should track in a straight line. If it pulls to the left or right and it’s not because it’s windy, you have a problem. You should have your car inspected to ensure there isn’t damage that could be hazardous to drive with.

Have you hit a big pothole or curb? Does your Toyota have one of the symptoms listed here? Get it checked by the factory-trained Toyota specialists at Jay Wolfe Toyota. We’ll get your car back to its best self in no time so you can get back to avoiding potholes.