7 Warning Signs of Car Suspension Failure in Colorado Springs

August 2025

Noticing a rougher ride lately? Steering not as steady as it used to be? Your suspension could be the cause. It’s one of those systems you don’t think about, until something starts to feel off. What begins as a slight pull, extra bounce, or uneven wear can quickly turn into a major issue that affects your control, comfort, and even safety on the road.

For drivers in Colorado Springs, where roads are often cracked, sloped, or weather-worn, your suspension takes a beating every day. That makes it even more important to spot the early signs of trouble before they lead to more costly repairs. Whether you’re commuting across town or heading into the mountains, your vehicle needs a suspension system that’s ready for it all.

Here are seven warning signs from the experts at Express Auto Repair that you should never ignore.

Under the Surface: The Role of Your Suspension System

Most people think of suspension as something that just makes the ride feel smoother. That’s part of it, but it’s not the whole story.

Your car suspension system is responsible for:

Keeping your tires firmly in contact with the road
Supporting vehicle weight and absorbing shock
Ensuring your car stays level during turns, acceleration, and braking
Helping maintain steering alignment and stability

In a place like Colorado Springs, where your vehicle faces elevation changes, road salt, and rough surfaces regularly, the suspension system is under constant stress. That’s why understanding these warning signs is so important.

1. Your Ride Feels Bouncy or Unstable

A little bounce after hitting a pothole is normal, but if your car keeps bouncing well after you’ve passed the bump, something’s off. Worn-out shocks or struts are often the reason.

How to tell:
Try this simple bounce test:

Push down firmly on your car’s front end and release.
If it bounces more than 2-3 times before settling, your shocks may be worn.

Driving through Colorado Springs’ roads with bad shocks isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s unsafe. If your vehicle feels unstable or bounces excessively, it’s time to get your suspension checked.

2. Your Car Leans or Swings During Turns

When taking a curve or turning a corner, your suspension should keep your car balanced. But when components like stabilizer bars or springs wear down, you’ll feel your car leaning more dramatically during turns. It’s not just unsettling, it’s risky.

You might also notice:

A loss of control when cornering
A need to slow down much more than usual during turns
The vehicle feels “top-heavy” or unstable

This isn’t a place to gamble. Especially with steep turns and quick merges across Colorado Springs, leaning during turns can lead to loss of traction or rollover risks.

Get back to a smooth, safe ride. Schedule your suspension inspection with Express Auto Repair today.

3. Uneven Tire Wear That Doesn’t Make Sense

Tire wear is often the result of suspension and alignment issues, not just how long you’ve had your tires. If one tire is wearing out faster than the others, or there’s abnormal wear on the inside or outside edges, your suspension might be failing to evenly distribute weight.

What to look for:

Feathering or scalloping of tread
One tire is significantly bald than the others
No recent alignment or tire rotation history

This kind of wear shortens your tire life and affects traction. It also means your suspension may be allowing the tires to bounce or angle incorrectly during motion.

4. Your Steering Feels Loose

Loose steering can sneak up on you. One day your vehicle feels solid, and the next, it seems to drift or wander in its lane. It might not be the steering components themselves as worn suspension parts like bushings, tie rods, or ball joints can be the hidden cause.

This becomes more noticeable on highways like I-25 or long stretches of Powers Boulevard. If you find yourself constantly correcting the wheel to stay in your lane, you could be dealing with a suspension-related steering issue.

5. The Front End Dives When Braking

Braking should feel smooth and balanced. But if the front of your car dips aggressively when you stop, that’s a sign your suspension is no longer absorbing that forward momentum.

You may also notice:

Increased stopping distance
A noticeable “lurch” when coming to a stop
The vehicle feels unbalanced under braking

This symptom often means your shocks are worn and can’t counter the forward force generated during braking. In emergency stops or slick road conditions, it can be dangerous.

6. Strange Noises Over Bumps or While Turning

Suspension components like control arms, sway bar links, and bushings can wear out or loosen over time. When they do, you’ll often hear them complain.

Common sounds to listen for:

Clunks or thuds when driving over bumps
Squeaks or groans when turning the wheel
Rattling or clicking sounds at low speeds

These aren’t just annoying—they’re signs that parts are loose or nearing failure. Driving on them longer can accelerate damage and increase your repair bill.

7. Your Vehicle Looks Uneven or Lower on One Side

If your car appears to be sagging on one side, even just slightly, there’s a good chance a spring or strut has failed. You may notice it when parked or walking up to your vehicle.

This kind of issue affects balance and steering and can even put extra stress on your tires and suspension on the opposite side.

In Colorado Springs, where driveways can be steep and uneven, a sagging suspension can lead to scraping, bottoming out, or even frame damage if left unchecked.

Catch Issues Early With a Self-Check

If you suspect something’s wrong but aren’t sure, take five minutes to perform these simple checks:

Bounce test: Push down on each corner of the car. Excessive bouncing = bad shocks.
Visual check: Look for uneven tire wear or sagging on one side.
Listen closely: Drive over a speed bump with your windows down and radio off. Strange sounds? Time for a closer look.

While these checks are helpful, they’re not a replacement for a proper inspection. When in doubt, get an expert opinion.

Book your suspension check today and feel the difference on your next drive.

Local Factors That Impact Your Suspension

Colorado Springs drivers are no strangers to potholes, salted winter roads, steep inclines, and gravel trails. These real-world conditions take a toll on your car’s undercarriage, especially the suspension.

That’s why worn shocks, cracked bushings, or misaligned parts can happen sooner here than in flatter, more predictable climates. Getting your suspension inspected even once a year can help catch problems before they turn into costly repairs.

Colorado Springs' Trusted Name in Suspension Repair

At Express Auto Repair, suspension inspections and repairs are part of what we do every single day. Our team is ASE Blue Seal Certified, one of the highest levels of technician certification in the industry, and both of our shops are AAA-approved repair facilities.

We use digital vehicle inspections to show you exactly what’s going on under your car with photos, video, and detailed explanations, so there’s no guesswork or surprises.

Why Choose Us?

Over 20 years of experience serving Colorado Springs drivers
Certified suspension diagnostics and repairs
Easy, no-credit financing options
Same-day appointments available for many services
Backed by a 36-month/36,000-mile NAPA nationwide warranty

Learn more about our full suspension and steering services and how we keep your ride safe, smooth, and road-ready. Explore our Steering & Suspension Services

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have my suspension inspected in Colorado Springs?

Given the mix of rugged terrain, seasonal weather changes, and frequent elevation shifts in Colorado Springs, we recommend a suspension inspection at least once a year, or every 12,000–15,000 miles. However, if you frequently drive on unpaved roads or carry heavy loads, more frequent checks are a smart preventive step.

Can bad suspension affect fuel efficiency?

Yes. A worn suspension can cause improper alignment and uneven tire wear, both of which increase rolling resistance. When your vehicle isn’t rolling smoothly, your engine works harder, which can lower your fuel efficiency by up to 10%.

Is suspension damage covered by warranty or insurance?

In most cases, suspension repairs aren’t covered by standard insurance policies unless the damage is caused by a covered event, such as a collision or hitting a major road hazard. However, some extended warranties or vehicle protection plans may include coverage for suspension components like shocks, struts, or control arms. It’s always a good idea to review your coverage details or speak with your warranty provider to see what’s included.

Can I drive with a damaged suspension if the car still moves?

While your car may technically still be drivable, it’s not recommended. A damaged suspension compromises your control, braking, and stability, especially in emergencies or rough road conditions. Driving with bad suspension can also lead to further damage and much higher repair costs.

Fix It Before It Fails: Act on Suspension Issues Early

A rough ride, drifting in turns, or squeaking over bumps may seem minor, but they’re clear signs your suspension needs attention. Ignoring them now can cost you later in comfort, in safety, and repair bills. Trust the team at Express Auto Repair to restore the smooth, steady performance your vehicle was built for. With transparent pricing, certified service, and flexible financing, we’re ready when you are.

Choose the Location Closest to You:

Montebello Lane
5360 Montebello Ln., Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Call: (719) 358-9109

Galley Road
3655 Galley Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Call: (719) 630-8729

Schedule Your Suspension Service.