My car has about 80,000 kilometers and lately I've been feeling that the steering is smoother than normal, almost like it has play in it. A mechanic told me that it's probably the suspension bushings, but I'm not sure if I really need to replace them now or if I can wait longer.
The bushings are already calling for a change on most cars, so your mechanic is right. That play in the steering that you're feeling is exactly what happens when they wear out: the bushings lose their ability to absorb movement and the components start to have more slack. The dangerous part is that it's not just a comfort issue - it directly affects how your car responds in curves and braking. If you put it off too long, the wear spreads to other suspension parts, and you end up paying a lot more.
My advice is to get it done relatively soon; it's not something you can put off indefinitely. It's not an emergency if the car still drives okay, but the longer you wait, the worse it gets. Plus, worn bushings can speed up tire wear, so do the math: by changing the bushings now you avoid replacing tires prematurely. If your trusted mechanic recommended it, he probably saw that they're really worn, not just a bit tired.
At 80,000 kilometers and with that feeling of play in the steering, the bushings are probably already worn out and it's worth replacing them now rather than waiting. If you leave them like that, the problem is going to get worse and it can affect uneven tire wear, plus it'll make driving less safe. Bushings don't last forever, especially if you drive a lot on highways, so if you're already noticing the difference it's time to take your car to the mechanic and have them confirm exactly which ones are bad. It's not something you can leave indefinitely without risk.
If you're already feeling play in the steering, that's the classic sign that the bushings need replacing - it's not something you can ignore because it affects safety and you'll end up paying more if you damage other suspension parts.
What's happening is your bushings are already loose, but it's not necessarily an emergency if you're just starting to notice it now. The thing is, that play in the steering is going to get worse pretty quick once it starts, so if your mechanic confirmed it, better not wait too much longer. Worn bushings affect steering precision and can damage other suspension components if you leave them sitting for too long, so I'd say get them replaced at your next service or whenever you can in the next few weeks. It's not a problem that's going to wreck your car today, but it's also not something you can just ignore forever.
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