A car’s suspension is designed to keep the tyres in contact with the road, while at the same time absorbing all the lumps and bumps created by driving over uneven surfaces. It also allows the car to accelerate, brake and corner safely.

The suspension system is made up of a number of parts, with the most important being springs and dampers (also known as shock absorbers). When a car goes over a bump, the springs compress and expand to absorb any vertical movement, while the dampers get rid of any motion left in the spring, which stops the car from bouncing.

Another part is an anti-roll bar, which forces each side of the car to lower or rise to similar heights, as it drives over uneven surfaces. It also helps to reduce the amount that a car tilts in sharp corners. All this so you can have a smoother ride

A car’s suspension is designed to keep the tyres in contact with the road, while at the same time absorbing all the bumps created by driving over uneven surfaces.

Suspension

A limited slip differential (LSD) is a device on a car that limits the amount that a wheel spins, for example, when a car loses grip on the road. In this situation, the LSD redistributes the engine power to other wheels that have more grip, either through a mechanical system, an electronic system, or a combination of both.

LSDs tend to be found on sports cars and SUVs.

A limited slip differential (LSD) is a device on a car that limits the amount that a wheel spins, for example, when a car loses grip on the road.

Limited Slip Differential

Handling describes the way a car reacts on the road to what a driver does, using the steering wheel and pedals. So, for example, a car that handles well will feel more stable on the road when cornering, speeding up or braking. Go steady though.

Handling describes the way a car reacts on the road to what a driver does, using the steering wheel and pedals.

Handling

The wheelbase of a car is the distance between the centre of the front wheel and the centre of the rear wheel. It's a good guide to how much space there is inside the car.

The wheelbase of a car is the distance between the centre of the front wheel and the centre of the rear wheel.

Wheelbase

SUV stands for sport utility vehicle, a type of car that was originally a rugged machine, fitted with four-wheel drive and built for use off-road.  However, a growing trend for this type of vehicle – which is often thought to be safer, as the passenger compartment sits higher off the ground, giving the driver a better view of the road – means that SUVs are now available in a variety of sizes. And, as many of them are not required to go off-road, they tend not to be fitted with four-wheel drive.

Sport utility vehicle - or SUV - a type of car fitted with four-wheel drive, which was built for use off-road.

Sports Utility Vehicle

Ride quality refers to a how comfortable a car is to travel in. The main factor that determines ride quality is the set-up of the suspension system, which is a compromise between handling and ride quality. A set-up that offers a softer, more forgiving ride quality means the car’s handling is less sharp. Conversely, a car set up to handle more sportily requires a firmer ride quality.

Ride quality refers to a how comfortable a car is to travel in.

Ride

Dampers, also known as shock absorbers, are part of a vehicle's suspension system designed to control and reduce the impact of bumps in the road. 

They enhance ride comfort and stability by managing the movement of the springs while preventing excessive bouncing on uneven road surfaces.

Dampers (suspension dampers)

What are dampers?

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