What Causes Coil Springs to Break?

Many cars have four coil springs, one supporting each side of the vehicle. Similar to other car parts, coil springs don’t need any maintenance but they may need to be replaced at some point in time. One of the main reasons for this is due to coil springs breaking, which is a major safety concern if ignored.

When coil springs break, not only is your suspension not working as it should, you are at risk of a coil puncturing a tyre or getting caught in another engine part. Broken coil springs need to be replaced, mechanics may even advise you to replace rusty coil springs as they are more likely to break.

What are coil springs?

Coil springs are designed to absorb vibrations and bumps on the road, aiding a smoother ride. No matter where you’re driving, you’re guaranteed to come across bumps in the road and a coil spring is there to ensure you feel as little of them as possible. Overtime, they begin to lose their elasticity, which is general wear and tear.

What causes coil springs to break?

Corrosion

During the winter months, ice, snow, cold temperatures and salt to the roads can cause accelerated corrosion of a coil spring. A plastic coating is applied to coil springs when they’re manufactured, but contact between the coils as the spring is repeatedly compressed in use can also damage the coating.

Spring coatings

When coil springs are made, a flexible coating is applied to them to help reduce the risk of corrosion. Over time, contact between the coils and stones thrown up by tyres can cause damage to the coating. If the metal becomes exposed, rust will start forming and the spring will be at higher risk of breaking.

Wheel imbalances or blow tyres

Wheel imbalances due to misalignment or damaged tyres can cause uneven wear to your car’s suspension, which can lead to the damage and breakage of coil springs. If your tyre has blown, your car’s suspension and springs are put under immense pressure and if they break, you could also suffer damage to your car’s steering system and brakes.

How much do coil springs cost?

The cost of coil springs will depend on the make, model and age of vehicle you drive. In the UK, you can expect to pay around £50 per piece.

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