Sway bars reduce the tendency of a car to sway or roll, according to the website Autospeed. A sway bar connects the right and left wheels at one end---a feature that can significantly improve handling.
Excessive roll or sway decreases the ability of the tires to stay balanced. As the car corners, the outside tires bear most of the weight, while the inside tires lose their grip. A sway bar helps these forces counter each other, according to the website autoMedia.
A sway bar attaches to both the chassis and the suspension on each side. The bar helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle and also makes the ride more stable and comfortable.
Sway bars have become standard equipment on most cars as of 2010 and require little maintenance. However, the rubber bushings or liners on either end may eventually break down, resulting in creaking when cornering or even clattering when driving on uneven road surfaces, according to autoMedia.
