How are poor road conditions accelerating wear
The lasting effects of winter weather are making themselves felt this spring. Successive periods of heavy rainfall, repeated freeze-thaw cycles and worsening road degradation have accelerated pothole formation, according to First Line, contributing to more repair work.
With steering and suspension systems bearing the brunt of this damage, First Line believes workshops are seeing an increase in component wear, premature failures and noise/vibration concerns, particularly on EVs and heavier hybrid vehicles where additional weight intensifies impact loads.
With the effect of winter persisting into spring, First Line says it’s crucial that technicians carry out comprehensive inspections. It also argues that quality, OE-matching replacement parts remain essential, citing performance, longevity and maintaining vehicle safety systems that increasingly rely on suspension geometry, stability and correct dynamic feedback.
Versatile Portfolio
First Line Ltd is supporting workshops with an extensive steering and suspension range comprising more than 8,700 references. The portfolio includes suspension arms, tie rod ends, rack ends, stabiliser links, engine mounts, top strut mounts and bushes, covering popular car parc applications, including the continually expanding hybrid and EV segments.
Building on this coverage, the company now offers over 1,700 part numbers specifically for hybrid and EV vehicles, including applications for Tesla, VAG, BMW and Mercedes. In the past year, First Line has added more than 165 new references, including highly requested EV components for BYD and MG models.
The company notes its components undergo a quality approval process to ensure they meet or exceed OE performance characteristics. This includes rigorous dimensional checks, material testing and lifecycle durability assessments.
Certain parts, like trailing arm bushes, require specialist fitting tools to avoid premature failure; therefore, First Line recommends components are installed by trained professionals with the correct equipment. Proper fitting not only extends service life but helps ensure that vital safety systems, such as ADAS, operate correctly following suspension work.
Alongside correct installation, workshops should adopt a “holistic inspection approach”. After replacing steering or suspension components, First Line reports that it’s good practice to check complementary parts for early signs of wear and perform wheel alignment.
Addressing potential issues while the vehicle is already in the workshop saves customers time and reduces future repair costs.
Steering and suspension components are available in both First Line and Borg & Beck brands.
