Winter in Wisconsin can be brutal, and while you’re focused on staying warm and getting where you need to go, your car’s suspension is taking a serious beating. The freezing temperatures, icy roads, potholes, and road salt all contribute to wear and tear that can lead to costly repairs down the line. Ignoring suspension issues can make your ride rougher, cause uneven tire wear, and even impact your vehicle’s safety.

At Wisco Automotive, we see a spike in suspension-related auto repair Burlington WI drivers need every year as winter fades and spring brings new driving challenges. If you suspect your suspension has suffered this winter, it’s best to get it inspected and fixed before small problems turn into big ones.

Signs of Suspension Damage After a Harsh Winter

1. Potholes Can Damage Your Shocks and Struts

Potholes are an unavoidable part of winter driving in Wisconsin. As moisture seeps into cracks in the pavement and freezes, it expands, causing chunks of the road to break apart. When you hit a pothole, your car’s shocks and struts absorb the impact, but repeated hits can wear them out prematurely.

Symptoms of pothole damage include excessive bouncing, uneven tire wear, and a rough ride. If your car dips forward when braking or sways when turning, your shocks and struts may need replacement. At Wisco Automotive, our technicians can inspect your suspension system, replace worn components, and get you back on the road with a smooth ride.

2. Cold Temperatures Stiffen Suspension Components

Frigid winter temperatures can cause rubber suspension bushings and seals to become brittle. These components help absorb vibrations and cushion your ride, but when they stiffen, they’re more likely to crack or break. This can lead to clunking noises, poor handling, and even damage to other suspension components.

If your ride feels harsher after a cold winter, it’s time for a suspension inspection. Wisco Automotive offers full suspension diagnostics and replacements to ensure your vehicle handles properly and rides smoothly.

3. Road Salt Leads to Corrosion

The salt and de-icing chemicals used on winter roads can wreak havoc on the metal parts of your vehicle, including your suspension. Over time, salt causes rust and corrosion, which weakens important components like control arms, ball joints, and shocks.

The best way to prevent salt damage is by washing your car—especially the undercarriage—regularly throughout winter. If you notice rust, strange noises, or trouble steering, bring your vehicle to Wisco Automotive for a thorough inspection. We’ll check for corrosion-related issues and replace any damaged components before they cause bigger problems.

4. Ice and Snow Build-Up Overworks Your Suspension

Driving through slushy, icy conditions adds stress to your suspension system. If your wheel wells get packed with snow and ice, your suspension will work harder to maintain control. This added strain can accelerate wear and tear, causing misalignment and even damage to your wheel bearings.

To minimize this issue, clean out excess snow and ice from your wheel wells after driving in heavy winter conditions. If your car feels misaligned or wobbles over bumps, it’s time for an inspection. Wisco Automotive provides top-tier suspension repairs as part of its expert auto repair Burlington WI services.

5. Spring Brings More Potholes and Rough Roads

Just because the snow is melting doesn’t mean your suspension problems are over. Spring often brings even more potholes and road hazards, further straining worn suspension components. If your vehicle didn’t already suffer damage during winter, early spring driving could push it to the tipping point.

To avoid unexpected breakdowns, schedule a suspension check-up at Wisco Automotive. Our team will make sure your shocks, struts, and bushings are in good shape so you can enjoy smooth and safe driving all year long.

How to Fix Winter Suspension Damage Before Spring

Get a Professional Suspension Inspection

If you’ve noticed any signs of suspension damage—like excessive bouncing, uneven tire wear, or unusual noises—it’s important to get a thorough inspection. At Wisco Automotive, our expert mechanics will assess your entire suspension system, checking for worn shocks, struts, control arms, and other critical components.

Replace Worn Shocks and Struts

Shocks and struts don’t last forever, and if they’ve taken a beating over the winter, replacing them will improve your vehicle’s ride quality and handling. Our team at Wisco Automotive can replace damaged components with high-quality parts to restore your car’s comfort and safety.

Check for Rust and Corrosion

Don’t let rust weaken your suspension system. If you suspect corrosion, we’ll inspect your vehicle and replace any rusted parts before they become a bigger problem. Keeping up with routine car washes can also help prevent corrosion from forming in the first place.

Schedule an Alignment

Winter driving conditions can knock your wheels out of alignment, leading to uneven tire wear and poor handling. If your vehicle pulls to one side or your steering wheel is off-center, it may be time for a wheel alignment. Wisco Automotive offers precision alignments to extend the life of your tires and improve your car’s stability.

Invest in Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is key to keeping your car’s suspension in top shape. Regularly checking your shocks, struts, and alignment will help you catch issues early before they turn into costly repairs. At Wisco Automotive, we provide professional suspension maintenance as part of our commitment to quality auto repair Burlington WI drivers can trust.

Don’t Wait—Fix Suspension Issues Now

Ignoring suspension problems can result in more expensive repairs and even put your safety at risk. If you want a smooth and safe ride this spring, bring your vehicle to Wisco Automotive for a full suspension check and repair service.

Trust Wisco Automotive for Expert Auto Repair in Burlington, WI

Winter can be tough on your car, but taking care of suspension issues now will save you headaches later. Wisco Automotive specializes in comprehensive auto repair Burlington WI drivers rely on, including suspension repairs, wheel alignments, and more. Whether you need to replace worn shocks, check for rust, or realign your wheels, our team has you covered.

Located at 496 S. Pine St., Burlington, WI, Wisco Automotive is your go-to shop for reliable auto repairs and maintenance. We serve both individual vehicle owners and fleet services, ensuring cars and trucks stay in peak condition year-round. Call us today at 262-716-0062 or visit wiscoautomotive.com to schedule your suspension inspection and get your car ready for spring!