Here’s a bit of bad news. Those shocks or struts that give your vehicle such a smooth ride will eventually wear out. It’s inevitable; after holding up thousands of pounds of metal day after day, year after year, the shocks can only last so long.
The thing is, when they do wear out, it’s going to affect more than just the comfortable ride—it’s going to affect your car’s safety as well. When your vehicle’s suspension system goes bad, your tires wear out more quickly, your car takes longer to stop, and you can lose stability on tight turns, increasing your chances of a rollover. How can you tell when the shocks are going bad? Look for these signs.
-
Rough ride
One obvious way to tell the suspension needs work is if the vehicle is riding with increasing roughness. If you start to feel every bump in the road or notice a bouncing motion every time you hit a bump, these are signs the shocks or struts are wearing out.
-
The “nose dive”
You may notice the front end of the car dipping or lurching when you put on the brakes. This is a sure sign that the shocks aren’t “holding up their end” the way they should. Time to take the car in to have the suspension checked.
-
Drifting or swaying when turning
Do you feel the car drifting a bit during turns, or do you feel a stronger swaying or rocking motion when turning? This usually means the shocks are having trouble stabilizing the vehicle against the centrifugal force of the turn—a sign they are wearing out.
-
Visible damage or leaking
You can often see visible signs of wear on the shocks or struts themselves. Look underneath the vehicle at the shocks; if they are oily, they’re probably leaking fluid. If they appear dented or otherwise damaged, they’re likely not doing their job well. Either way, it’s time to have them looked at.
-
Uneven tire wear
In normal conditions, the tread on your tires should wear down at about the same rate. Uneven tire wear means the weight is not being distributed properly. Several things can cause this, but bad suspension is a common culprit.
-
Bouncing the car
One quick way to check your shocks is with the “bounce test.” Push down on the front and rear of the car with your full weight, then release and watch how the car body bounces or rocks on the shocks. If the bouncing continues more than 2-3 times on either front or rear of the car, the shocks are likely wearing out.
Expertly Installing New Shocks or Struts
For quality expert auto repair in Mukilteo, Classic Motorsports is ValueStar certified and we specialize in servicing German and British makes with a special emphasis on BMW service and Mercedes repair, For expert advice on whether it’s time for new shocks or struts, contact us today.
New Shocks or Struts in Mukilteo
Passionately serving Auto repair & Automotive maintenance needs for residents in Mukilteo, Edmonds, Everett, Lake Stevens, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mill Creek & Snohomish
Posted on May 25, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business