Suspension problems can show themselves in several ways. You might notice knocking or clunking noises, a bouncy or uncomfortable ride, unusual handling, uneven tyre wear or the vehicle sitting lower on one side.

If your car suddenly feels or sounds different, it's worth having it inspected.

Knocking or clunking over bumps can come from a number of suspension or steering components.

Bushes, joints, links, springs and other components can all wear over time, so a noise alone isn't enough to identify exactly which part is causing the problem.

The suspension is designed to control the movement of the vehicle as you travel over bumps and uneven road surfaces.

If the car continues bouncing excessively after a bump or feels less controlled than normal, there may be an issue with the suspension that needs investigating.

A car pulling or drifting to one side can have several possible causes, including tyres, wheel alignment, brakes, steering or suspension components.

Because there isn't one single cause, we'd recommend having the vehicle inspected rather than assuming it simply needs wheel alignment. 

Yes. Suspension components are inspected as part of an MOT.

Excessive wear, damage or insecure components can result in MOT defects depending on their condition and severity.

Remember, an MOT is a test of the vehicle at that point in time - it isn't a replacement for ongoing maintenance. 

There isn't a fixed lifespan that applies to every vehicle.

Wear depends on factors including mileage, vehicle type, road conditions, driving style and the individual component.

That's why we prefer to assess the actual condition of the suspension rather than recommend replacement based purely on mileage.

They work together but have different jobs.

The springs support the vehicle and allow the suspension to move over changes in the road surface, while the shock absorbers help control the movement.

Both are important parts of the suspension system.