What is a car's running gear, how it is arranged and what it includes

Anna Tkach

AutoPortal editorial team

449 views 3 min read

Every car owner has at least once encountered the expression "running gear." This concept is often found in auto service centers, during diagnostics and repairs. However, not everyone understands what a car's running gear is, how it is structured, what it is responsible for, and what exactly is included in its composition. In this article, we will take a detailed look at what a car's running gear is, how it works, and which elements need to be regularly checked.

What is a car's running gear?

The running gear is a system of components and mechanisms that ensure the vehicle's movement, stability, smooth ride, as well as comfort and safety on the road. Simply put, it is the running gear that is responsible for how the car behaves while driving - how it responds to turns, bumps, braking, and acceleration. It is not the engine or transmission, although all these units work in close conjunction. The main function of the running gear is to absorb shocks and vibrations from the road, transfer traction from the engine to the wheels, and ensure reliable contact with the road surface.

What is included in the car's running gear

The question "what is included in the car's running gear?" is one of the most common among novice drivers. In fact, the composition of the running gear may vary slightly depending on the body type, suspension, and vehicle design. However, the main elements remain unchanged. In the classic sense, the running gear includes the following components:

Suspension - this is a system of arms, springs, shock absorbers, and stabilizers. It softens impacts from road irregularities and keeps the wheels in the correct position.
Wheels and tires - provide traction with the road and transmit torque.
Hubs and bearings - connect the wheels to the suspension, ensuring their rotation.
Silent blocks - rubber-metal elements that dampen vibrations and shocks.
Steering system - connected to the front suspension and ensures the direction of movement.
Brake system - also closely linked to the running gear, especially through calipers and brake discs.

Thus, when the question arises about what the car's running gear is and what it includes, it should be understood that this is a whole complex of interconnected components, on the condition of which safety and comfort directly depend.

How the car's running gear is designed

Mechanically, the car's running gear is divided into front and rear. In the front part, steering elements, shock absorbers, arms, and stabilizers are usually located. The front suspension can be either independent or dependent. In modern passenger cars, independent suspension is more often used, providing better handling. The rear part can be represented by a simple beam or a complex multi-link design, especially in all-wheel-drive vehicles. Some models are equipped with adaptive suspensions that adjust to road conditions and driving style. Thus, when we talk about how the car's running gear is designed, we mean the coordinated work of dozens of parts, each performing its important function.

How the car's running gear works

The operation of the running gear begins the moment the car starts moving. All impacts from potholes, bumps, and road joints first hit the wheels. Then shock absorbers and springs dampen the oscillations and transfer the load to the body in a smoothed form. Simultaneously, steering rods and stabilizers keep the car on the desired trajectory, and brake elements ensure reliable stopping. That is why, to the question "what is the running gear", one can answer briefly: it is the support-and-motion system of the car, making driving safe and predictable.

When to check the running gear

Any malfunction in the car's running gear directly affects handling and safety. If the car starts pulling to the side, or knocking, squeaking, or vibrations appear in the steering wheel, it is worth undergoing diagnostics. It is recommended to check the running gear every 10-15 thousand kilometers, especially if you drive on poor roads. It is also worth inspecting before long trips or when buying a used car. Now you know what the car's running gear is, what it includes, and how it is designed. It is one of the key systems of the car, without which comfortable and safe movement cannot be ensured. Regular monitoring of its condition will help avoid serious breakdowns and expensive repairs. The running gear is what ensures traction with the road, ride smoothness, and your confidence behind the wheel.