Shocks and struts are responsible for helping stabilize your vehicle while driving. Letting these important parts become worn out will not only make your ride bumpier, but it may also endanger you! The ability to notice when your shocks and struts have run their course is essential; keep reading to find out how to identify if you need to replace your shocks or struts.
What are Shocks and Struts, And How Do They Work?
Most vehicles have either shocks or struts, but some cars use both parts working in tandem to stabilize your car while moving to keep your tires on the ground to prevent constant bouncing up and down.
Shocks are an independent component of your vehicle, while a strut is a shock in combination with other features that are a single structural unit.
How Long Do Shocks And Struts Last?
Under normal driving conditions, you will get around 75,000-90,000 miles of use. If you use your vehicle on unpaved roads or tow frequently, you may see a reduced mileage of approximately 40,000 or 50,000.
The Top Signs of Worn Shocks or Struts:
- Car Veering or Sliding. If your car is sliding all over the road during normal driving conditions and you need to correct it manually to drive straight, it is time to get your shocks checked.
- Uneven Wear on Tires.When your shocks and struts are wearing, they will cause your tires to not sit flat on the road causing uneven tread wear. Checking tire wear is an easy way to look for worn shocks and struts.
- Constant Vibration. It is not unusual for your vehicle to vibrate or shake on unpaved or bumpy roads. However, if this happens on well-paved roads, it is most likely due to worn shocks or struts.
- Delayed Brake Time. If your car takes longer to brake, it may not be the brakes themselves; it could be worn shocks or struts, which can cause an increase in braking distance up to 20%; make sure you check for both problems.
- Rear-end Squat During Acceleration. If your vehicle's front end seems to rise while the rear goes down when accelerating, it may have worn shocks.
- Leaking Fluid From Shocks And Struts. If you can see there is some fluid leakage when inspecting your shocks and struts, it is time for repair or replacement because they will no longer function 100% to keep you safe.
If your vehicle shows any of these signs of shock or strut wear, we invite you to bring your vehicle into Sunny Sunoco today! Your safety is our team's priority.