As everyday car owners, it’s easy to overlook certain components of your vehicle—especially those hidden under the hood or undercarriage. One critical part that deserves attention is the lower control arms. This essential component plays a significant role in your vehicle’s handling, safety, and overall performance.

Lower control arms connect your vehicle’s suspension to the chassis, allowing controlled movement of the wheels and maintaining proper alignment. However, fast driving, heavy braking, and rough highways in our area lead to faster wear on suspension bushings and related components. At Driven Auto Care, we see these conditions affecting the control system more than expected, making regular inspection essential for safe driving.

Signs of Wear

How can you tell if your control arms need attention? Watch out for these key signs:

• Wobbling Steering Wheel: A wobbling wheel can indicate misalignment as components struggle to keep your wheels in place.
• Diving Front End During Braking: If your vehicle dives excessively when braking, it may signal worn parts in the suspension.
• Loose Steering at High Speeds: Reduced steering responsiveness can mean that the front assembly is not providing the support your vehicle needs.

Typically, lower control arms last between 80,000 and 120,000 miles, but local road conditions and driving habits can impact their lifespan. Recognizing these signs early and scheduling a Confidence Inspection at Driven Auto Care can prevent further issues and keep your vehicle performing at its best.

The Cost of Neglect

Deferring replacement of worn suspension parts can lead to serious issues down the road. While it might seem costly at first, addressing this repair can prevent accelerated wear on other components like struts, brakes, and tires. Over time, this proactive approach saves you money and keeps your vehicle safe.

At Driven Auto Care, we inspect these bushings as part of our Confidence Inspection, performed on every vehicle in our care. Different levels of wear require specific responses—surface cracking may not need an immediate replacement while tearing certainly does. Additionally, we inspect ball joints within the assembly, recommending replacement when necessary to ensure vehicle safety and handling.

Take Action for Your Safety

Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you suspect wear in the control system, it’s time to take action. Schedule a Confidence Inspection today at either our Fremont or Campbell locations.

Visit drivenautocare.com to book your appointment and keep your vehicle safe and responsive on the road.

Visit us at one of our convenient locations:

Fremont, CA Location: 40931 Albrae St., Fremont, CA 94538 – (510) 659-9718

Campbell, CA Location: 335 E McGlincy Ln #3, Campbell, CA 95008 – (408) 377-8124

Stay safe and confident in your ride!