Many drivers don’t realize it, but doing a yearly inspection of your vehicle’s shocks should be a routine preventative maintenance item; they are a vital component to vehicle safety.  Tires are made up of predominately rubber, and if you have ever taken one off a car you know how bouncy they can be.  Now just imagine how your car would drive if it didn’t have something to keep the tires firmly planted on the road.  This is where shocks come in; their primary role is to keep the tires in constant contact with the road along with helping to provide maximum grip during cornering and braking.

Shocks, as with any vehicle component, will wear out over time and will eventually need to be replaced.  A driver might not realize that their shocks are deteriorating as it is a gradual process, and over time they unknowingly adjust their own driving to compensate for the vehicle’s lack of control and stability.  So, how can you tell if your vehicle is ready for new shocks?

If you notice any of the following conditions, you should take your vehicle in to an auto repair shop and have your shocks inspected as it is a good bet they need to be replaced.

• Excessive vehicle bounce after hitting a bump
• Excessive nose dive or instability when braking
• Poor steering response or noise when steering
• Your vehicle sways or leans on turns and when changing lanes
• You notice fluid leaking from the shock or strut body
• Your shock or strut is dented or damaged
• You notice any broken, damaged, corroded bushings or mounts
• You notice cupped or uneven tire wear

Replacing your shocks is a relatively inexpensive auto repair cost, but the cost of not replacing them could be detrimental; drivers can lose control of their vehicle much easier if their shocks are bad which can lead to a serious accident.  It is also recommend by our auto technicians to replace your shocks in pairs.  It isn’t always necessary to replace all four shocks, but definitely replace them in pairs as it keeps the ride quality balanced and you aren’t putting undue wear and tear on your tires or other suspension components.