Most car owners understand the importance of routine vehicle maintenance, including checking batteries, spark plugs, tires, windshield wipers, and fluids. However, crucial components like shock absorbers and struts, hidden beneath the vehicle, often get overlooked.
Weak or worn shocks and struts not only compromise ride comfort and handling, but can also lead to changes in vehicle ride height. This can accelerate wear on other suspension parts, such as tires, ball joints, and springs, potentially causing premature failure and costly repairs. These related components are often more expensive to replace than the shocks and struts themselves.
According to Sherry Allen, product specialist at ACDelco Suspension Systems, “Shocks and struts are vital for minimizing up and down movement in your vehicle.” She emphasizes that “Reducing this movement improves comfort, control, and overall handling. ACDelco offers shocks and struts to fit 95 percent of vehicle models from the 1980s onward.”
Consider this vehicle maintenance quiz to assess your shock absorbers:
Q: Are there obvious signs, like noises or jolts, indicating worn shock absorbers needing replacement?
A: Not always. Shocks typically wear gradually, making the incremental loss of handling, control, or ride performance difficult to perceive. Therefore, regular inspections are essential.
Q: Which of the following suggest your vehicle’s shocks may need replacing?
a) The vehicle bounces excessively after hitting a bump.
b) Stopping distance increases.
c) The vehicle nose-dives during braking.
d) The ride feels shaky or bumpy.
e) The vehicle sways or leans excessively during turns.
A: All of these are symptoms of deteriorating shocks. Drivers often don’t realize the significant improvement new shocks provide until they are installed.
Q: Is there any physical evidence suggesting shock replacement is necessary?
A: Two common signs are: 1) Cupping of the tires – irregular wear patterns around the tire’s circumference; and 2) Oil leaking from the shocks. It’s highly recommended to have a qualified technician, certified by ASE, thoroughly inspect your vehicle’s suspension system during routine service visits.