Are you experiencing a rough ride every time you drive your car? Manufacturers design their vehicles to drive smoothly along the road with little to no resistance, so any other experience spells trouble. However, getting to the source of this issue isn't always simple, as several scenarios can cause a car to operate in this fashion.
Tires
A common culprit behind a rough ride is an issue with the tires. Tires help balance a car, keep it in motion, and ensure the smoothest ride possible. When your tires are worn, they develop rough areas that can be felt as you ride in the car, especially if the tires are also out of alignment.
The best way to resolve the issue is to regularly inspect your tires and to replace them whenever the tread is low. In terms of alignment, have the condition of the tires checked each time you have the oil changed.
Brakes
At its core, a brake system operates largely based on the function of two metal pieces known as brake pads. When you press the brake pedal to stop the car, both these metals pieces must contract into each other. Over time, brake pads wear, and the wear shows up in the form of uneven spots along the pads.
In this state, when the pads contract, friction builds up along the uneven areas and causes a grinding sensation. This level of wear is a common sign of brake pads that are in need of repair and replacing the pads will typically resolve the issue. If you fail to replace the pads, the problem won't go away, and it might even become harder to stop your car, which is a severe safety issue.
Transmission
The transmission is also responsible for a smooth ride. However, to determine if a transmission issue is to blame, you need to be mindful of when you experience the rough ride. If you only experience the roughness when you shift gears, it's likely you're dealing with a transmission problem. Too little transmission fluid and gear locking are just a couple, common culprits.
If you only experience the issue when you shift to a specific gear, such as in reverse, the problem might be isolated. However, if you experience the concern when you shift, no matter the gear, it could signal a larger problem. An issue with your transmission is not to be ignored, as it will only progress and become more complicated and costlier to repair.
If you are experiencing a rough ride, take your vehicle in for an inspection and diagnosis. Whatever is wrong with your car is not likely to resolve itself, but a qualified technician can get to the source of the problem.
For more information, reach out to companies like Suburban Driveline Inc.