Toyota of Orlando’s guide on vehicle suspension

We take a lot of different parts of our Orlando Toyota vehicles for granted. When was the last time you thanked your tires, power steering system, or your brakes? One part of your vehicle that you’ve probably not given much thought to is your vehicle suspension. It keeps your tires on the road, powers your vehicle through turns, and lessens the impact from bumps and defects in the road. If you’re interested in knowing more about this essential component, check out this guide on vehicle suspension from us at Toyota of Orlando!

What is vehicle suspension?

This essential part of your Orlando Toyota vehicle is used for several different purposes, like:

1. Absorbing impact and vibrations from the road to give you a smooth driving experience. Depending on the suspension type you’re using in your vehicle, drivers typically experience varying degrees of comfort or discomfort from the road.
2. Keeping your car’s tires on the road by using spring technology. This keeps your tires from going airborne when turning.

Your vehicle suspension consists of a variety of parts, including:

• Springs (can be coil, leaf, or torsion)
• Air springs
• Dampers
• Shock absorbers
• Suspension struts
• Anti-sway bars

Types of suspension

Vehicle suspension comes in several different types, each with their own set of benefits for your Orlando Toyota vehicle.

• Dependent front: This type of Orlando Toyota vehicle suspension uses a series of stiff bars to connect the front wheels and shock absorbers for support. Dependent front suspension can usually be found in trucks.
• Independent front: Independent front suspension allows the front wheels to move independently of one another.
• MacPherson Strut: One of the most commonly used vehicle suspension types, MacPherson Strut suspension uses a shock absorber and coil spring combination and is mostly used in front wheel drive Orlando Toyota vehicles.
• Double wishbone: This type of suspension uses a series of connecting “wishbone” struts that connect to the wheel and Orlando Toyota vehicle’s frame. It uses a coil spring and shock absorber and provides better steering consistency and feel.
• Trailing arm: Suspension arms are connected right to the chassis and it behaves similarly to double wishbone suspension.

Troubleshooting your suspension

Like any other part of your car, your suspension system may run into issues as this part ages or gets damaged from accidents or road hazards. Thankfully, because your Orlando Toyota car’s suspension system is such a large part of the undercarriage, spotting an issue is pretty easy. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to take your vehicle in to one of our auto service techs at Toyota of Orlando:

• Knocking or clanking sounds when turning.
• Steering is significantly harder.
• Your car drifts or pulls to one side while driving.
• You can feel bumps and dips in the road more easily.
• Your steering wheel shakes or vibrates while on the road.

If you’re experiencing issues with your vehicle’s suspension or want to know more about this important vehicle part, then come visit us at Toyota of Orlando! We’re open seven days a week and located at 3575 Vineland Road!