When Should I Replace My Shocks or Struts?

 

🚗 Why It’s Important to Replace Your Shocks or Struts

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, shocks and struts often get overlooked. They don’t scream for attention like squeaky brakes or a dead battery—but they’re just as critical to your car’s safety and performance.

So, why exactly is it important to replace your shocks or struts when they start to wear out? Let’s break it down.

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🛞 1. Ride Comfort: Keep It Smooth

Your shocks and struts are designed to absorb road impact and keep your ride smooth. Hit a pothole with worn shocks? You’ll feel it more than you should. If you’re noticing that your car feels bouncier or more jarring than usual, your suspension may be telling you something.

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🛑 2. Safety & Control: Stay in Command

Worn-out shocks or struts affect how your car handles, especially during:

• Sudden stops

• Quick turns

• Rough or uneven roads

This can lead to longer stopping distances, poor stability during emergency maneuvers, and even increased risk of rollovers in some vehicles. Basically, bad suspension = bad control.

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🔄 3. Save Your Tires & Suspension

When shocks or struts wear out, they can’t hold your tires firmly against the road. That leads to:

• Uneven or rapid tire wear

• Extra strain on other suspension components (like ball joints and bushings)

Replacing your shocks or struts on time can actually save you money by preventing premature wear on other, often more expensive, parts.

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🌧️ 4. Wet Weather? No Problem (With Good Suspension)

In rain or on slippery roads, good shocks and struts help keep your tires in contact with the pavement. If they’re worn, your tires may bounce and lose traction—bad news for anyone trying to stop quickly or avoid a slick curve.

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⏱️ When Should You Replace Them?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a general rule is every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. That depends on how and where you drive. Signs you might need new shocks or struts include:

• A bouncy or unstable ride

• Nose-diving when you brake

• Uneven tire wear

• Fluid leaking from the shock or strut

• Poor handling around corners

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Final Thoughts

Your suspension system is essential for comfort—but more importantly, it keeps you safe. Replacing worn shocks or struts might not be the most glamorous car repair, but it’s one of the smartest.

If your vehicle’s been acting a little off lately, don’t ignore the signs. Your ride (and your safety) will thank you.

Contact My Auto Works to see if your shocks or struts are performing the way they should be!

 Why is my Check Engine Light On?

First, is the light blinking or persistently on? A blinking check engine light typically indicates a serious issue, such as an engine misfire, which can lead to significant damage if not addressed immediately. If the light then becomes steady, it means the problem is still present but may not be as urgent. Here’s what each means:

Blinking Check Engine Light:

• Serious Problem: Often indicates a misfire or other critical issue.

• Immediate Attention Needed: You should stop driving as soon as it’s safe and have the vehicle checked.

Steady Check Engine Light:

• Persistent Issue: Indicates a problem that needs to be diagnosed but is not immediately threatening.

• Schedule a Check-Up: It’s important to have a professional diagnose the issue to prevent further damage.

In both cases, having a professional assess the vehicle is essential to ensure it runs safely and efficiently.

Strut Safety

How important is it to replace worn-out struts?

Replacing struts on your vehicle is crucial for several reasons:

1. Safety: Struts are a key part of your vehicle's suspension system. How worn they are impacts your ability to control the vehicle. This is especially true during sudden maneuvers or emergency situations.

2. Comfort: Struts help absorb shocks and vibrations from the road. This gives a smoother ride for you and your passengers. When struts wear out, increased bouncing, jolting, or noise while driving is common.

3. Prevent Further Damage: If worn-out struts are not taken care of, it can lead to damage to the vehicle's springs, mounts, and tires. Prompt replacement of struts can help prevent costly repairs down the road.

Watch the video to see a vehicle in dire need of struts!

https://youtu.be/OWPcpxXkfKg

If you want an honest assessment of your struts, give My Auto Works a call at 360-887-4410 or visit our website:

https://www.myautoworks.com/ridgefield#RequestAppointment

Why are my Brakes Grinding?

 Why are my Brakes Grinding?

There are several reasons why your brakes might be making a grinding noise. Here are some possible causes:

Worn brake pads: One of the most common reasons for grinding noise is worn brake pads. Brake pads have a metal indicator that makes a grinding sound when it comes into contact with the brake rotor. This noise serves as a warning that the brake pads need replacement.

Damaged brake rotors. If the brake pads wear down completely, the metal backing plate can come into contact with the brake rotor, causing a grinding noise. Additionally, uneven wear or rust on the rotors can also lead to a grinding sound.

Contaminated brake pads or rotors. Brake pads or rotors can become contaminated with dirt, debris, or brake fluid. These contaminants can cause grinding noises when the brakes are applied.

Loose brake components. Loose or improperly installed brake parts, such as calipers, pads, or hardware, can result in grinding noises when using the brakes.

Brake caliper issues. A brake caliper that is not working can cause the brake pads to drag against the rotor, leading to grinding noises. This can occur due to a stuck caliper piston or a seized caliper slide.

Worn-out brake hardware. The brake hardware, including clips, shims, and springs, is essential for proper brake pad movement and noise reduction. If these components wear out or become damaged, it can cause grinding sounds.

Foreign objects or debris. Rocks, pebbles, or other debris can get lodged between the brake pads and rotors, resulting in grinding noises. This can also cause damage to the brake components if not addressed promptly.

Moisture or rust. If a vehicle hasn't been driven for a while or exposed to excessive moisture, the brake rotors can develop surface rust. When you start driving, the rust can cause a grinding noise until it wears off.

Low-quality brake pads. Poor quality brake pads may be more likely to making grinding noises due to their composition or design.

If you're experiencing grinding noises from your brakes, it's crucial to have them inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. The team at My Auto Works will be happy to help with any brake issues your vehicle may have. Visit us to find out more! https://www.myautoworks.com/ridgefield

What Oil to Use?

 

Why is it important to use the correct oil in your car?

Using the correct oil in your car is important. It helps ensure the best performance for your engine and makes your engine last longer. The oil works as a lubricant. It keeps the moving parts of the engine from grinding against each other and causing damage.

Different engines need different types of oil depending on their design, size, and use. Using the wrong type of oil or an oil with incorrect viscosity (thickness) can lead to engine damage and reduced performance. Using an oil that is too thick may cause the engine to work harder and reduce fuel efficiency. Using an oil that is too thin may not provide adequate lubrication and protection.

Using the wrong oil may also void your car's warranty. Manufacturers require specific oil types and viscosities for their engines.

In summary, using the correct oil in your car is important for several reasons. Optimal engine performance, longevity, fuel efficiency, and avoiding potential warranty issues are some of the main reasons.

See this video about a BMW that was using the incorrect oil!

 https://youtu.be/cT2gfYsQrTY

How Often Should I Change the Oil on my Car?

 

You may be wondering: How often should I change my car's oil? The frequency can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the type of engine oil used. It's best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations listed in the owner's manual.

Before, everyone knew to change the oil every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever came first. The technology in Engine oil has advanced. Better engine have been designed and produced. Both of these have resulted in longer oil change intervals.

Most automakers now recommend oil changes between 7,500 to 10,000 miles, or every 6 to 12 months. That is for normal driving conditions. If you drive in extreme heat or cold, or in dusty areas, or frequent short trips, you may need to change your oil more often. Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every 3 to 6 months, as recommended by many manufacturers.

Synthetic oil may allow for longer oil change intervals than conventional oil. Synthetic oil generally lasts longer and provides better engine protection. It is best to consult your vehicle's manual for the recommended oil change interval for your specific make and model. It's important to check your oil level and top it off as needed, regardless of the oil change interval. Maintaining your vehicle's oil can help ensure its longevity and performance.

The team at My Auto Works can help you determine how often your vehicle's oil needs changed. Click here to learn or or make an appointment!

https://www.myautoworks.com/

Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake?

Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake?

• The most common reason for a car to shake is because of tires.  If the tires are out of balance, then the steering wheel can shake.

  

• Sometimes brake rotors can be the cause of shaking, caused by brake rotors being "out of round." 

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  Another problem that can cause shaking is when a brake caliper sticks on.  The vibrating will get very bad the faster you go, and you will also smell a burning odor when you stop.
  
  

  

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