8 September 2025
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Speak to one of our experts.
11 September 2025
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Advice Blog
If your car feels sloppy in the corners, knocks over bumps, or your tyres are wearing unevenly, chances are your suspension bushes are on their way out. It’s a common problem – but did you know that on some modern vehicles, rubber bushes are failing in as little as 3–6 months?
And if your car is no longer under warranty, that’s a costly repair you’ll be paying for again and again.
So why don’t rubber bushes last like they used to – and what can you do about it?
Traditionally, rubber bushes would last years, often a decade or more, especially on older cars. They provided a good balance of comfort and control, isolating vibration while keeping your suspension geometry in check.
But things have changed. Modern rubber simply isn’t what it used to be.
Back in the day, rubber was a brilliant material – strong, flexible, and durable.
Today’s rubber, however, has been weakened by regulations that removed many of the additives and chemicals that gave it strength and resilience.
The result? Bushes on modern cars are failing earlier than ever. It’s not unusual for factory-fitted rubber bushes to start splitting and perishing after only 3–5 years. In extreme cases, particularly on heavier or high-powered vehicles, we’ve seen failures within 3–6 months of replacement.
There are three main reasons modern rubber bushes don’t last:
Weaker materials – modern rubber lacks the resilience of older compounds.
Heavier vehicles – today’s cars, SUVs and vans weigh more than ever before.
Higher stresses – more power, more torque, bigger wheels, and poor road conditions all put extra strain on suspension components.
This combination means that rubber simply isn’t up to the task anymore.
Polybushes are made from high-performance polyurethane, engineered to resist the very things that kill rubber:
Oil and fuel contamination
Road salt, grit, and grime
Heat and cold cycles
Constant flexing under load
Because of this, Polybushes routinely outlast rubber by 4–5 times – and in some cases, especially on classics, we’ve seen them last up to 20 times longer.
That means fewer replacements, less labour cost, and no nasty surprises when the MOT comes around.
It’s not just about durability – Polybush transforms the way your car drives:
Sharper handling – no more vague steering or sloppy cornering.
Better stability – especially under heavy braking or towing.
Reduced wear – tyres, suspension arms, and even brakes last longer because everything stays in alignment.
Comfort where you want it – Polybushes are carefully tuned to suit your vehicle, so you don’t end up with a bone-shaking ride.
Replacing rubber bushes every few years might sound manageable, but when some are failing in just months, the costs quickly add up – especially when you’re out of warranty.
By fitting Polybush once, you:
Avoid repeat labour bills.
Stop wasting money on short-lived rubber.
Keep your car driving like it should, for longer.
Rubber bushes were great once – but times have moved on. With weaker compounds, heavier cars, and higher demands, they’re no longer fit for purpose.
If you want a long-lasting, better-performing solution, Polybush is the clear choice. Fit them once, and you may never need to worry about your bushes again.
