Coil spring failures are an increasing problem these days, reports suggest. There are a number of factors that seem to be responsible for this and combating it may be a tricky proposition. The main factor in coil spring failures seems to be corrosion and a process called hydrogen embrittlement caused by salt from gritting during the winter months. Recent harsh winters have exacerbated this and it’s never been more important to regularly clean the underside of your car.
Another factor is the trend towards lightness in modern cars. As manufacturers push towards better fuel efficiency, weight saving is applied to all aspects of the cars design. Thinner coil springs may save weight but there durability is also compromised. With the UK’s roads in increasingly bad condition, this compromise on strength is proving problematic. Another upshot of modern car design is the trend towards larger, wider tyres which brings the tyres much closer to the coil springs and increases the likelihood of damage to the tyre in the event of a spring failure. With limited options for prevention available to the motorist, the rise in failed coil springs loos set to stay.