What type of inspection should be conducted regularly on suspension components?

Regular inspections of suspension components are crucial for ensuring the safety and functionality of a vehicle. Conducting both visual and tactile inspections allows for a thorough assessment of these components.

Visual inspections enable the inspector to identify any obvious signs of wear, damage, or corrosion on the suspension system's parts, including springs, shocks, struts, and linkages. These components can weaken over time or suffer from failure due to potholes, rough driving surfaces, or poor maintenance. Visual cues can often indicate potential issues that need further investigation.

Tactile inspections complement visual assessments by allowing the inspector to feel for abnormalities, such as unusual play, binding, or stiffness in the suspension components. This hands-on approach can reveal problems that may not be immediately visible, such as internal wear or failure of bushings and joints.

Regularly performing both types of inspections ensures that any potential issues can be addressed proactively, thus maintaining the vehicle's performance and safety. In comparison to the other methods presented, relying solely on visual inspections, specialized equipment, or limiting inspections to only after use would not provide a comprehensive understanding of the suspension's condition.