How Iowa Weather Affects Your Car’s Suspension and Steering

David Orr
Oct 7
2 min read

Living in Iowa means dealing with hot summers, freezing winters, and everything in between—and all those temperature swings, potholes, and road salt take a serious toll on your vehicle’s suspension and steering systems.

At Dave’s Complete Auto Service, we see firsthand how Iowa weather beats up even well-maintained vehicles. Here’s what you should know about how our local conditions affect your ride—and what you can do to prevent costly repairs.

🌧 1. Potholes and Rough Roads: Your Suspension’s Worst Enemy

When temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing, water seeps into cracks in the pavement, expands as it freezes, and breaks up the road surface. The result? Potholes.

Hitting potholes can:

Knock your wheels out of alignment
Bend or damage control arms, tie rods, and ball joints
Cause uneven tire wear
Make your vehicle pull or drift while driving

Even small impacts can slowly wear down suspension components over time, especially if left unchecked.

❄️ 2. Winter Salt and Corrosion

Iowa’s road salt may keep the streets safer, but it’s brutal on your car’s metal components. Suspension and steering parts—especially control arms, sway bars, and bolts—can rust and weaken.

Once corrosion starts, parts can seize, break, or make noise. Preventive maintenance, inspections, and rust-protective coatings can help extend your suspension’s life.

🌡 3. Extreme Temperature Swings

The shift from cold winters to humid summers causes rubber bushings and seals in your suspension and steering system to expand and contract repeatedly. Over time, this leads to cracking, drying, or softening—making your ride less smooth and responsive.

Signs you may notice:

A clunking or rattling noise over bumps
Vibration in the steering wheel
A loose or wandering steering feel

🧭 4. Why Regular Inspections Matter

Most drivers don’t notice suspension wear until it’s causing big problems—like poor handling, uneven tires, or unsafe braking. That’s why we recommend a steering and suspension inspection at least once a year, or anytime you notice changes in ride quality.

At Dave’s Complete Auto Service, our technicians will:

Inspect shocks, struts, ball joints, and bushings
Check for rust and corrosion damage
Verify steering components and alignment
Make recommendations that fit your needs and budget

✅ Final Word

Iowa’s weather doesn’t go easy on your vehicle—but staying ahead of suspension and steering wear can save you money and keep your car safe year-round.

If your car’s ride feels rough, bouncy, or unstable, don’t wait. Stop by Dave’s Complete Auto Service in Council Bluffs for a thorough inspection and expert repairs done right the first time.