Poor handling is one of the most common problems drivers encounter. Whether your car pulls to one side, vibrates when in motion, or feels sloppy in turns, handling problems often indicate deeper issues that shouldn’t go unaddressed.
When your vehicle handles badly in corners and on straightaways, several causes may be at play. Here are some of the most common handling problems we see at keith schulz garage.
Tires
Tires are, quite literally, where the rubber meets the road—and they play a big role in vehicle handling. If you have low-profile tires on a sports car, for instance, you’ll get less traction than with the high-profile tires found on regular cars. Not only do these tires offer less grip, but they also wear out sooner. As tires wear out, handling naturally declines.
Brakes
Vehicles have hundreds of moving parts, but brakes bring them all to a stop when needed. They’re one of a car’s most crucial systems, and brake problems can seriously affect handling quality. In most cases, the rotors are at the root of these issues. Brake rotors are discs attached to a vehicle’s wheels, and brake pads clamp down on them to bring them to a stop. If there are problems with your rotors, braking performance and handling will suffer. Don’t put yourself at risk; call today for brake and handling service.
Suspension and Wheel Alignment
Your vehicle’s suspension plays a crucial role in handling performance. A well-tuned suspension offers a smooth ride while absorbing small bumps and minimizing body damage. Conversely, a malfunctioning suspension will yield a bumpy ride that increases the risk of dents and dings. If your car’s suspension needs work, it may feel as if it’s harder to drive than it normally would be. Wheel misalignment is common, especially when suspension parts aren’t in good condition. Contact us to schedule wheel alignment and suspension work.
The Roads You Drive On
Another factor in vehicle handling safety and quality is the condition of the roads you drive on. For instance, if you typically stick to smooth, pothole-free roads, your car will handle much better than on roads with dips, bumps, and ruts. Why do road conditions play such a vital role? The answer is simple. When the roads you drive on have fewer bumps, you’re not moving to avoid them—and you’re more likely to maintain control. On the other hand, bumpy, hole-filled roads leave your tires with little time to recover from the impact. A jarring ride isn’t just uncomfortable; it makes cars harder to handle and increases the risk of suspension and wheel damage.
Are There Other Factors to Consider?
While the factors listed here are the most important, other things affect vehicle handling, including:
- Tire pressure. Check your tire pressure regularly; in most cases, it should be 35 to 40 pounds per square inch. While underinflated tires may give a spongy ride, overinflated tires may make your vehicle feel less stable.
- Steering wheel placement. If you’re too close to or too far away from the wheel, handling may be negatively affected. Front-to-rear weight distribution. When a car is too front- or back-heavy, it’s harder to handle.
- Aerodynamics. Boxy, large vehicles handle rougher than low, sleek ones.
No matter what (or how) you drive, you can count on our team to keep your vehicle handling the way it should. Call or click to schedule a service appointment.
Why Vehicle Handling Matters
When racing drivers talk about their cars, handling characteristics are a common topic of discussion. It’s possible to drive a car with sloppy handling, but it’s not fun—and it can be dangerous. Here are a few reasons to bring your car in when it’s not handling as well as it should. Control at high speeds. Good handling allows you to drive more safely at high speeds, whether in a turn or on a straightaway. You’ll save time. The faster you get to your destination, the more time you’ll have to do other things—and better handling will help you get there sooner without speeding.
- More control. When a car handles well and its suspension is properly adjusted, it’s easier to control in every scenario.
- Safety. A car with good handling keeps its driver and passengers safer on and off the road. Effective handling helps you maintain control at high speeds, reducing the risk of collisions and accidents.
- Easier operation. When cars handle well, they’re easier to drive. With increased responsiveness, there’s no need to fight the wheel or feather the throttle when driving.
- Longer-lasting tires. Your tires will benefit from improved handling, and their tread will last longer.
- Money saved on repairs and maintenance. A car is a sizable investment. Not only will you put down a big chunk of money to get it, but you’ll also pay for registration, insurance, maintenance, and repairs. While it won’t help with the first two items on the list, good handling will reduce wear and tear on your car—which cuts repair bills.
Most importantly, better handling makes cars more fun to drive. Imagine heading into a sharp corner in your sports car, tackling tough terrain in your truck, or cruising down the highway in your SUV—all possible with responsive, light handling. When these characteristics are as they should be, driving is more fun. Contact our team to learn how we can help you get the most out of every mile.
Get Your Handling Right and Everything Else Will Follow
The problems listed at the beginning of this guide are just a few of the issues our customers experience. If your car, truck, minivan, or sport utility vehicle isn’t handling well, prompt action will keep a minor inconvenience from becoming a major problem. With a vehicle that handles properly, you’ll experience all these benefits—and many more.
No matter what you drive or how you drive it, we want to help you keep it on the road. Use our online form to request additional information or call to schedule a visit.