How Potholes and Speed Bumps Can Wreck Your Suspension

If you’ve ever cruised down I-215 or cut through a Salt Lake City neighborhood, you know the feeling. One second everything’s fine. The next—bang. You hit a pothole you didn’t see coming or take a speed bump a little too fast. Your car jolts, your stomach drops, and one thought hits harder than the bump itself: Did I just break something?

Here’s the truth. Those jolts aren’t harmless. On their own, they feel small. Over time, though, they quietly beat up your suspension. Before you know it, your smooth ride feels rough, your steering feels off, and repairs start getting expensive. The good news? Once you know what’s happening underneath your car, it all makes a lot more sense.

What Your Suspension Really Does

Your suspension doesn’t get much credit, but it works overtime—especially on Salt Lake City roads. It keeps your tires planted, your ride comfortable, and your car stable when the pavement isn’t doing you any favors.

Here’s what’s doing the heavy lifting:

• Shocks and struts absorb impacts and keep the ride from feeling harsh
  
  
• Springs support the vehicle’s weight and control bounce
  
  
• Control arms and bushings let your wheels move while staying connected
  
  
• Ball joints and sway bars help everything stay aligned and steady
  
  

When even one of these parts starts wearing out, your car tells you. Maybe the ride feels rougher. Maybe it doesn’t handle quite the same. That “normal” bumpiness? It’s often your suspension asking for attention.

Why Potholes Are So Brutal

Around here, potholes are basically a seasonal tradition. Winter freezes. Roads crack. Spring shows up, and suddenly potholes appear overnight like they’ve always been there.

Hitting one—even at a reasonable speed—can bend a rim, knock your alignment out, damage shocks, or chew through your tires faster than you expect. The sneaky part is the delay. Sometimes everything feels fine… until weeks later, when the damage finally shows itself.

That little “thunk” you shrugged off? It may have shortened your suspension’s lifespan more than you realize.

Speed Bumps Aren’t Innocent Either

Speed bumps mean well, but they still take a toll. Hit them too fast in your neighborhood, school zone, or parking lot, and your suspension pays the price.

If you’re driving daily routes—school drop-offs, work commutes, fleet vehicles—you’re hitting these bumps again and again. All those small impacts stack up. Over time, shocks wear out, bushings crack, and springs lose their strength.

It’s death by a thousand bumps.

Signs Your Suspension Is Crying for Help

Suspension problems don’t usually shout. They whisper. Pay attention if you notice:

• Clunking or knocking over bumps
  
  
• A ride that feels bouncy or oddly “floaty”
  
  
• Your car pulling to one side
  
  
• Tires wearing unevenly or faster than usual
  
  
• Handling that feels loose or braking that takes longer
  
  

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time for a check. Waiting only lets the damage spread—and the repair bill grow.

Why You Can’t Just Power Through It

We get it. Life’s busy. Ignoring a noise feels easier than dealing with repairs. But a worn suspension doesn’t just make driving uncomfortable. It puts extra strain on your tires, steering, and brakes.

That means more wear, more repairs, and less control when you need it most. Catching suspension issues early is cheaper, safer, and way less stressful than waiting for something to fail.

How to Go Easier on Your Suspension

You can’t avoid every pothole, but a few smart habits help:

• Slow down over bumps—even when someone’s riding your bumper
  
  
• Keep your tires properly inflated so they absorb impact
  
  
• Schedule suspension checks, especially after winter
  
  
• Don’t ignore new noises or handling changes
  
  

Your car talks to you. Listening early makes all the difference.

Get Help Without the Headache

Not sure if your suspension’s still in good shape? That’s where a professional inspection comes in. A trained mechanic can spot worn parts, fix alignment issues, and get your ride feeling smooth again.

For Salt Lake City drivers, there’s an even better option. SLC Fleet Pro Mobile Mechanic comes to you. No shop visits. No waiting rooms. Just straightforward service at your home or workplace.

Don’t Let One Bump Turn Into a Big Problem

Potholes and speed bumps are part of life in Salt Lake City. Suspension damage doesn’t have to be. With help from SLC Fleet Pro Mobile Mechanic, you can stay ahead of problems and keep your car riding safely and smoothly.

Whether it’s your daily driver or a fleet vehicle, their mobile service makes protecting your suspension simple. Don’t wait for that small clunk to become a major repair—reach out today and keep your car ready for the road ahead.