Many people think of shocks and struts simply as a comfort item on their vehicle. Let me say, yes they do provide comfort to the passenger by controlling how much of the road you feel inside the vehicle. However, that does not mean the only problem when they wear out is discomfort when driving. Shocks/struts provide stability for vehicle and struts provide structural support for the vehicles suspension. They keep the tires on the road rather than having them bouncing. When the shocks/struts don’t stay on the road this affects your vehicles handling:
- It can cause abnormal tire wear- cupping (with that comes tire noise)
- Less traction (mainly noticed on wet or snowy roads)
- Braking distance becomes greater (think about it your car nose dives when braking, that’s a lot of extra forward moving weight)
- Wears out your suspension and brake components faster
- The vehicle’s body rolls more when cornering (increased sideways lean when turning or maneuvering)
The auto repair industry has a few different recommendations on when to replace your shocks and/or struts. Some say every 50,000 miles, some say 75,000 miles. Personally we recommend checking them regularly. There is no definite answer of when because every vehicle is different and is driven differently on different roads. Simply being aware of how your vehicle reacts when taking off, braking, turning, and going over bumps can tell you a lot. Also here at Reber Auto Service we visually look at them when your vehicle is here on the rack. We check for signs of damage or leakage. We also look at the springs and other suspension components. But remember they wore out gradually so you may not notice the decrease in performance over time. Call Reber Auto Service if you have questions about your shocks/struts (847)381-4467.