What does soft suspension mean?
Like a firm suspension a soft one is exactly what it sounds like, the suspension is softer or less rigid. This gives the vehicle a much smoother ride, even on a bumpy or rough road due to the fact that the suspension system has much more give to it.
Why do soft suspensions have more grip than stiff suspensions?
If a bump appears in the road, the spring allows the tire to move upward, without the vehicle body moving much, again to maintain grip. So why would a soft spring allow for more grip than a stiff spring? The simplest way to understand this is to imagine a car with no suspension at all.
What are the most common signs of suspension problems?
Pulling to One Side While Driving An underinflated tire is a common reason for your car pulling, and a problem easily fixed. Pulling to the left or right is the most common sign of suspension problems. It can also be one of the hardest problems to diagnose without the help of a professional.
What causes a suspension spring to wear out?
If the technician indicates that the tires are wearing more on the inside or outside of the tire, this is commonly caused by a castor or camber suspension alignment issue. One of the common offenders of misaligned front end suspension is a coil spring that is either wearing out or needs to be replaced.
Why do race cars have stiffer suspensions?
Finally, race cars tend to drive on… you guessed it, race tracks. Generally, these are smooth surfaces that allow for stiffer setups. Of course, there are benefits to reducing body lean and roll, but the biggest driving factor for stiff setups on race cars often comes down to aerodynamics.
Why does a car have a soft suspension?
Most cars, light or compact truck, and most SUV’s have a soft suspension, as these vehicles are typically made for transporting people and not for hauling heavy loads or high performance driving. Comfort of the driver and their passengers is the main concern, which is why these types of vehicles utilize this type of suspension.
Pulling to One Side While Driving An underinflated tire is a common reason for your car pulling, and a problem easily fixed. Pulling to the left or right is the most common sign of suspension problems. It can also be one of the hardest problems to diagnose without the help of a professional.
Why are the springs on my suspension so thin?
Road salt has been used for many years, so that’s probably not the reason for an increase. The most likely cause is that with the rise in fuel consciousness, vehicle manufacturers are always looking for ways to make cars and trucks lighter; suspension designs now include thinner springs, because thinner means lighter.
What happens if you have a leak in your air suspension?
If a major leak has developed, you may even hear a hissing sound from the wheel housing area. The whole front or rear of the car will drop down, even when only one of the struts is defective. The car will drop more on one side, typically on the side of the leaking air strut.