If you know the symptoms of shocks and struts in need of repair, you’ll know when to bring your car into Mountain View Automotive in Thornton. Your car’s suspension system helps your car stay in control when you’re on the road. When the suspension system goes bad, the tires wear out more quickly, your car takes longer to stop, and it can lose stability on tight turns, increasing the possibility of a rollover.

Your car’s shocks and struts usually last about 50,000 miles. After that distance, there will usually be wear and tear on the internal components and you will want to replace them. It’s important for you to be able to recognize the warning signs that your shocks and struts may not be working properly.

Let’s take a look at the symptoms of bad shocks and struts. They include:

The tires show cupped or uneven wear

Are your tires wearing unevenly? Your tire treads should wear down at about the same time. Uneven tire wear means the weight is not being distributed right. Several things can cause this, but a bad suspension is a possibility.

The car nose dives when it brakes

Does the car’s front end dip or lurch when you brake? If so,  this could be a sign that the shocks aren’t performing well. Bring your car to Mountain View Automotive to have the suspension checked.

There is  excessive bouncing after  the car hits a bump

Do you notice bouncing when you hit a bump? Here’s how you can tell. Push down on the front and rear of the car with your full weight, and then release it. See if the car body bounces or rocks after you release it. If the bouncing continues more than 2-3 times on either front or rear of the car, the shocks may be worn out.

The ride is harsh, bumpy or shaky

Is your car’s ride becoming increasingly rough? If you start to feel every bump in the road or there’s a bouncing every time you hit a bump or dip, these are signs the shocks or struts are wearing out.

There is fluid leaking out of the shock or strut body

Do you see visible signs of wear on the shocks or struts? Look underneath the vehicle at the shocks. If they appear oily, they are probably leaking fluid. If they look dented or otherwise damaged, they are probably not doing their job well.  Either way, it’s time to bring them to us to have them looked at.

There is drifting or swaying on turns

Do you feel the car drifting during turns, or is there a swaying or rocking motion when the car turns? This often means that the shocks are having trouble stabilizing the vehicle against the centrifugal force of the turn. You may need to have your shocks and struts replaced.

The odometer has  50,000 miles on it

Has your car driven 50,000 miles? Check your owner’s manual to find out what your vehicle manufacturer recommends for suspension service, but most manufacturers say shocks and struts should be replaced every 50,000 miles. Even if  they are not showing signs of significant wear, it’s best to get new ones. This way you assure your will have a safe and comfortable ride.

Other things to look for

Some other things to look for include mounts or bushings that are broken or worn, the shock or strut bodies are dented or damaged, and the steering is stiff and noisy.

Now that you know the symptoms of shocks and struts in need of repair, you can get our Mountain View Automotive ASE-certified technicians in Thornton. We’ll check everything out and if needed, replace them, so that you get back your vehicle’s smooth, safe ride.