With so many components to a car, it’s hard to know what parts need replacing and when. Even if you keep up with your normal maintenance tasks like oil changes or tire rotations, certain parts of your vehicle will need repair or replacing. Often times, people don’t know what needs fixing until their vehicle gives them a physical sign like a check engine light or concerning vibrations while driving. One part of the vehicle that doesn’t get talked about as much: shocks and struts.
Shocks, or shock absorbers, have the job of absorbing impact on uneven or rough roads and keeping your tires in contact with the road. Without shocks, your car would bounce down the road instead of driving smoothly down it. Struts are a major part of the vehicle’s suspension and perform a similar function as shock absorbers, but they also support the suspension and help keep the tires in alignment.
Shocks and struts can typically last quite a long time, typically around 60,000 miles, so they aren’t something that needs replacement often. But, if your vehicle has well over 60,000 miles on it and you have never had the shocks or struts replaced, be aware of the following warning signs that tell you they’re going bad.
- The tires bounce excessively after hitting a bump, or you hear a clanking noise.
- There’s uneven tire wear due to tires not being in solid contact with the road at all times.
- Your vehicle doesn’t feel stable when moving at high speeds and is moving up and down.
- Your vehicle feels wobbly when taking sharp turns or even tips to one side.
- The front end of the vehicle “dives” more when hiding the brakes suddenly.
- There are fluid leaks on the shocks or struts, a sign that the fluids needed for them to function properly are leaking out.
When you feel or see any of these signs, take your vehicle to a mechanic to have them inspect the shocks and struts. If you haven’t had them replaced or checked out in over 60,000 miles, it’s a good idea to just ask to have them looked at when you’re in the shop for regular car maintenance.
Auto Works has the expertise to replace the shocks or struts on your vehicle, whether it’s foreign or domestic. We’ve been serving the Twin Cities area since 1993!
