If you’ve done any driving around Conyers this spring, you’ve probably hit a pothole or two. Maybe more than a few. Between winter rain, fluctuating temperatures, and ongoing roadwork around Rockdale County, potholes are everywhere this time of year—and your car’s suspension feels every single one.
You might not think much of it when your car bounces hard or makes a new noise after hitting a rough patch of road, but over time those bumps can add up to real damage. Your suspension and steering systems take the hit so you don’t have to—but that doesn’t mean they don’t wear down.
At Gibbs Automotive in Conyers, we’ve seen how spring road conditions can take a toll. If you’re starting to notice strange noises, a rougher ride, or your vehicle pulling to one side, it’s time to get your suspension and steering inspected before things get worse.
What Does the Suspension System Actually Do?
Your suspension system is what keeps your ride smooth and your wheels in proper contact with the road. It includes parts like shocks, struts, springs, control arms, and ball joints. When everything is working right, it helps absorb bumps, maintain stability, and keep your tires planted during turns or braking.
The steering system, on the other hand, is what connects your input at the wheel to how the car responds. Together, these two systems control how your car feels on the road—and how safe it is when the road gets rough.
Why Spring Is Hard on Suspension in Georgia
Even though our winters aren’t harsh like up north, Georgia’s rainy spring weather, temperature swings, and road repairs create ideal conditions for potholes. Once those form, it’s easy to hit one before you even see it—especially after a rainstorm.
Every pothole you hit can knock components out of alignment, compress your shocks and struts, or wear down bushings and ball joints. The effects might be subtle at first, but they stack up fast.
And if your car was already overdue for suspension maintenance, spring is usually when problems start showing up.
Common Signs Your Suspension or Steering Needs Service
You don’t need to be a mechanic to notice when something feels off. These are the signs we recommend watching for this time of year:
Your car pulls to one side while driving You feel every bump more than usual The steering wheel vibrates or feels loose There’s a clunking noise when going over bumps Your tires are wearing unevenly or prematurely The car dips or lurches during stops You notice a bounce after driving over potholes or speed bumps
Even if it doesn’t feel like a big deal right now, these symptoms often mean something is beginning to wear out. Catching it early can save you from more expensive suspension repairs down the road.
What Happens During a Suspension and Steering Inspection
At Gibbs Automotive, we do a full hands-on and digital inspection of your suspension and steering components. Here’s what that includes:
Visual check of shocks and struts for leaks or damage Inspection of control arms, sway bars, and bushings Checking tie rods and ball joints for wear or looseness Examining your steering rack and fluid levels Road test to feel for vibrations, pulling, or bounce Alignment check if needed
We’ll walk you through exactly what we find and explain how it affects your driving. If something needs attention, you’ll get a clear recommendation and an honest quote with no pressure.
How Often Should You Have Your Suspension Inspected?
It depends on how and where you drive. For most Conyers-area drivers, we recommend a suspension check at least once a year or anytime you notice changes in handling or ride comfort.
If you do a lot of highway driving, hit a major pothole, or your vehicle has over 75,000 miles, it’s a good idea to have everything looked at sooner rather than later.
Suspension components wear out gradually, which makes it easy to ignore. But the longer you wait, the more likely you are to have tire wear issues, alignment problems, or even steering safety concerns.
Why Suspension Issues Affect More Than Just Comfort
A bad suspension system doesn’t just make the ride bumpier—it affects braking distance, cornering stability, and how well your tires grip the road. That can be a serious problem during Georgia’s spring rainstorms when hydroplaning is already a risk.
Worn shocks and struts can also cause damage to other parts of your vehicle, including tires, wheel bearings, and axles. Addressing small problems early keeps the rest of your vehicle in better shape.
Get It Checked at Gibbs Automotive in Conyers
We know Georgia roads, we know Georgia drivers, and we know how quickly a smooth ride can turn into a headache. That’s why we offer full suspension and steering inspections to make sure your vehicle stays safe and comfortable all year long.
Whether it’s part of your spring maintenance checklist or you’re feeling something’s off while driving, we’re here to help. Most inspections are quick, and if something needs fixing, we’ll get you back on the road fast—with no surprises.
Final Thoughts
Conyers roads don’t always go easy on your vehicle. But regular inspections and small repairs can keep your suspension system running smoothly and protect you from major issues down the line.
If your car’s been bouncing, pulling, or making noises, don’t wait until it gets worse. Bring it to Gibbs Automotive, and we’ll take care of it before your spring and summer driving plans take a hit.
