Can Cold Weather Affect Your Suspension?

Winter driving is no fun unless you live in a climate that only experiences warmth and sunshine. For the rest of us, cold weather means preparing our vehicles for the dangers of freezing temperatures: ice and snow. Slippery roads aren’t the only concern; your vehicle’s performance may drop, just like the outdoor temperatures.

Getting ready for driving in cold weather will ensure you know what to expect and how to handle it. Your car’s suspension system can falter in the winter, so we’ll discuss how cold weather affects this system and what you can do about it.

Why Suspension Matters

Your vehicle’s suspension system consists of the following parts:

• Shock absorbers
• Chassis
• Springs
• Anti-sway bars
• Struts

These components help you control your vehicle and give you a smoother ride by distributing the energy and weight of your car or truck across its four wheels.

Road conditions are always changing, and in the winter, they can be downright treacherous. The suspension system assists with handling when you’re driving.

How Cold Weather Affects the Suspension

Have you ever noticed how bad the road conditions get in the winter after snow falls and ice forms? You’ll see more potholes, cracks, and bumps since the freezing temps aggravate the surface of asphalt and concrete. These dangerous roads send the suspension system into overdrive.

The suspension is located in the undercarriage, so it gets the brunt of any hazards on the road. The following is a list of how cold weather affects the suspension system:

• The oil flow slows and won’t reach the shock absorbers quickly.
• The springs harden and become brittle.
• Rubber brushings harden, making it tough to control the vehicle when you hit bumps.

All of these issues can lead to an unpleasant ride in a vehicle that feels hard to control.

Protect Your Vehicle’s Suspension

Thankfully, you don’t have to cave to Old Man Winter and make your car take it. Instead, take the following steps to protect your vehicle and its suspension when it’s cold outside.

Clean Your Car

With salt, snow, slush, and other debris on the road, it’s essential to keep your car extra clean in the winter. Paying close attention to the undercarriage. All that wintery stuff can get stuck and freeze. Cleaning the underside of your car gives the suspension system a fighting chance in the winter.

Make Repairs

Don’t drive in cold temperatures with an already failing suspension system! See your auto mechanic for shocks and struts replacement if it’s been over 50,000 miles since the last replacement or if your mechanic recommends it. Additionally, a mechanic can spot issues you aren’t aware of. Then, they can help you fix any problems and get your car ready to fight the cold and snow.

Advanced Vehicle Technology Services is here to help you prepare your vehicle for winter and protect your car’s suspension in cold weather. Contact us for all your cold-weather car concerns and repairs.