If your ride has gotten rougher and you feel like you’re bouncing all over the road, guess what? It’s time for new shocks. Most manufacturers recommend replacing your shocks at given intervals, say, after every 50,000 miles. If you stick to smooth pavement, you may find that you can stretch this number. However, if you love a dirt road or drive on poorly maintained highway often, you’ll find that the wear and tear takes its toll on your vehicle sooner. So, how do you tell if your shocks are bad? Here’s what to know.
The Basics
So, how does your suspension system work? Kinda like your core muscles. Just like your abs and back muscles support your spine and keep you upright, your shocks and struts lend stability to your car’s movements. This increases your control whenever you brake, turn, speed up, slow down, or go across bumpy surfaces. Without shocks and struts, you’d have a hard time keeping stable, even contact with the road ahead.
The Warning Signs
The signs of bad shocks can vary, but look for telltale indicators like uneven tire wear, wobbly turns where you feel like your car tips to one side, or a front end that dips when you brake hard. You may also hear a clunking or knocking noise when you go over potholes or take a sharp corner.
When to Come In
If your car feels unbalanced or you have concerns about your vehicle’s suspension system, bring it in right away. Your shocks help support the weight of your vehicle… ignoring them for too long could make it unsafe to drive. Luckily, you have Meineke on your side. Your independently owned and operated center will diagnose the problem and help get back on the road with confidence.