When driving, become familiar with the feel and sound of your car. All changes should be checked. Changes may include: a shudder or rattle developing, the steering movement increasing, turning becoming heavier or the car starting to wander. Seek professional advice if necessary.

STEERING CHECKS

There are some sure signs of a problem with shock absorbers, which directly affects steering.

These include:

• Steering wheel shakes excessively after hitting a bump or pothole
• Car seems unstable on rough or unsealed roads
• Vehicle nosedives excessively when braking
• Car swerves to one side if brakes applied suddenly

Check tyres if you suspect a problem with shock absorbers - uneven wear or bald patches are a sign that something is wrong.

Go to the Steering section on the 5 Point Safety Check page on the VACC website.