What Is a Coil Spring (and Why They Break)?
Springs carry the whole car — and they snap more often than people think. A Cranbourne West specialist explains.
What it is & what it does
Coil springs hold the car at ride height and absorb bumps, working with the shock absorber that damps their bounce. They flex millions of times, protected by an anti-corrosion coating — and that coating is the story.
Once a stone chips it, corrosion starts a crack, and Australian roads finish the job.
Signs of trouble & how we help
Springs usually break at the bottom coil — a bang or clunk, then the car sits lower on that corner, sometimes with a broken end threatening the tyre. Rust-weakened springs also sag gradually, dropping ride height and geometry. Either way they’re replaced in pairs so the car sits level.
We inspect springs at services and after any big pothole hit — a cracked coil rarely announces itself politely.
Questions about your car? Just ask.
Understanding what’s under the bonnet makes servicing decisions easier — and we’re always happy to explain what your car needs and why, in plain English.
Book a service or a check with a Cranbourne West specialist online in 60 seconds, or call 03 8782 0711.
What Is a Coil Spring (and Why They Break)? — FAQ
Stone-chipped coating lets corrosion start a crack — the spring then snaps, usually at the bottom coil.
A bang, then that corner sits low — sometimes with a clunk over bumps. Get it seen before it cuts the tyre.
A new spring against an old sagging one leaves the car uneven — pairs keep it level and predictable.
Yes — gradual sag lowers ride height and upsets geometry and tyre wear.
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