Car Springs
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The car coil spring is a key part of your vehicle's suspension system, linking each wheel to the body. Together with the shock absorbers, car springs even out bumps, ensuring a smooth ride for yourself and your passengers.
What are coil springs?
Look under your car and you'll see that each wheel has a front and rear spring. They are made from hardened steel, machine-coiled to impart elasticity. Like any coiled spring, they compress when weight bears down and spring back when the force is removed. By keeping the car at an even height as it travels along an uneven road, car springs help you glide over bumps.
How can you tell when car springs need replacing?
Each car suspension spring in your car is under relentless pressure, expanding and contracting repeatedly during every journey. This naturally places great strain on the steel and it starts to stiffen over time. Carry a lot of weight in the vehicle or speed over potholes and you're likely to accelerate the wear and tear on springs.
Symptoms you'll notice when driving with a worn-out or broken coil spring include:
- The car sitting at an angle. This can cause damage to other components because they're in unnatural positions and rub against each other.
- Banging noises while driving on uneven surfaces.
- Once-smooth journeys becoming bumpier than before.
Replacing car springs
How often should you replace car springs? That varies from model to model so it's best to check the manufacturer's handbook, as well as watching out for signs of wear. It also depends on how much mileage you do and how carefully you drive.
We recommend always replacing springs in pairs. This will help to keep your vehicle as stable as possible.
Which springs to choose
If you're unsure which springs (or any other parts) are right for your car, it's easy to find out right here. Simply enter your registration number into our search tool and the correct component will appear. You can choose to have the parts delivered if that's convenient. Alternatively, use our click-and-collect service and pick them up at your local Halfords store.
Other suspension and steering car parts you may also need
Online and in-store, we stock a comprehensive range of car parts and accessories at Halfords. As well as car springs, this includes all the different suspension and steering system components you're likely to require. The leading brands are all available, and our prices are always competitive. Simply visit your local Halfords or type in your registration and we'll show you the parts you need.
Anti-roll bars and components
Anti-roll bars are also known as torsion bars. Modern cars are designed to allow a degree of body roll. These U-shaped steel bars help to redistribute the strain this can cause, so it doesn't overstress one side of the suspension. If anti-roll bars need replacing, symptoms include clunks or rattling noises, a loose steering wheel, or poor handling on corners.
Car shock absorbers
Shock absorbers soak up the massive jolts you'd otherwise feel every time the car hits a bump or pothole. They take a lot of punishment, especially given the current state of UK roads, so it's advisable to check them annually. They need to be replaced after 50,000 miles—or sooner if the ride is getting bumpier, you hear banging noises, or stopping distances get longer.
Car suspension arms and joints
Suspension arms and joints play a vital role in stabilising the car, keeping the wheels aligned with the body, and connecting the wheels to the steering system. If the steering wheel starts to vibrate or the vehicle is pulling to one side, a worn suspension arm or joint may be the problem. A clunking noise when driving on uneven surfaces may mean the bushings (ball joints connecting the suspension arm to the steering) have worked loose.
Wheel bearings and wheel hubs
Wheel bearings are tiny steel balls enclosed by a metal ring that sits within the wheel hub on the axle shaft. Their role is to keep the car's weight balanced when turning. Depending on the vehicle, wheel bearings usually need replacing after 85,000 to 100,000 miles. Signs that bearings need replacing can include a humming sound, squealing or growling from the wheels, pulling to one side or steering wheel vibration.
Car spring FAQs
If you decide to modify your car with a sportier look and feel, you can do this by replacing the standard coil springs with lowering springs. They're shorter and stiffer, so the result of the switch is a lower ride height and a firmer ride, with improved handling and stability.
Costs vary depending on your make and model. The simplest way to get a precise cost for any replacement part is to enter your car's registration into our search tool. Try it now.
The two springs at each wheel have to work together to keep your car stable. Unless each pair is fitted at the same time, they are likely to have different heights and spring rates. This can lead to a bumpier driving experience and potentially compromise your safety.
This varies from car to car, so always consult your manufacturer's handbook for advice specific to your model. As a rule of thumb, a typical coil spring lasts between 60,000 and 90,000 miles before needing replacement. If your car pulls to one side, gets noisy, or the steering shows signs of impairment, you should get the suspension checked immediately by the expert team at your local Halfords.