We all know the feeling: you’re driving, but something’s a little off. The road seems a bit bumpier than normal. Your car’s acceleration isn’t as even as it normally is. It’s unsettling to have your car surprise you like that. Here are the four most common reasons auto repair shops find for why cars don’t drive smoothly.

Tire Issues

Tires carry huge amounts of force and spend the most time in contact with the pavement, so they’re likely culprits for a bumpy ride. Check your tire pressure, traction, and alignment. These problems may be little more than annoying in the short-term, but they should be resolved at an auto repair shop before they cause larger issues.

Brake Issues

The item on the auto maintenance checklist should be your brakes. If you hear strange sounds as you drive — especially if they’re high-pitched — pay extra attention to your brake sensitivity and slow down a little bit. Any crunchy feeling or change in stopping distance should be reported to an auto repair shop immediately.

Suspension Issues

It doesn’t take long to notice a problem with your suspension. This system is meant to keep the car driving evenly, for the sake of your safety and your vehicle’s. If anything feels off balance, such as a slight lean or forward or backward bias, that’s a strong sign of a suspension issue. You should also seek out an auto mechanic if you notice bouncing or harsh impacts.

Transmission Issues

The last thing on your auto maintenance checklist? The transmission. It’s responsible for more bumpiness than one may think. Pay attention to when your car switches gears: if you feel a bump in the car or an odd “chugging” sensation, you might have a transmission issue. Take your car to an auto repair shop sooner rather than later: the longer you sit on a transmission issue, the more expensive the repair will end up.

Tariffville Auto Sales & Repairs has handled Hartford’s large and small-scale auto repairs for over 25 years. Their ASE-certified technicians get their customers the best deals in Hartford County. See for yourself by calling them at (860) 325-5977 or visiting their website.