🚗 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.
🛞 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.
🛑 2. Safety & Control: Stay in Command
Worn-out shocks or struts affect how your car handles, especially during:
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Sudden stops
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Quick turns
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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.
🔄 3. Save Your Tires & Suspension
When shocks or struts wear out, they can’t hold your tires firmly against the road. That leads to:
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Uneven or rapid tire wear
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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.
🌧️ 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.
⏱️ 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:
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A bouncy or unstable ride
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Nose-diving when you brake
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Uneven tire wear
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Fluid leaking from the shock or strut
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Poor handling around corners
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!
