Warning Signs That You Need to Replace Your Vehicle’s Shocks.

There is no certain mileage after which shock absorbers should be replaced. Therefore, it is important to understand how to identify the warning signs linked to faulty shocks. Shocks tend to wear off over time, and the effects of failure are fatal. A functional shock provides increased car stability and provides better driver control. Here are warning signs that show the necessity to change your vehicle’s shock absorber.

Excessive Bouncing At Stops
Shock absorbers are made to give your vehicle flexibility over road surface irregularities, but they are also made to limit the amount of movement the vehicle experiences from the spring motion. When shocks need replacing, you may notice more “bounce” than usual in the vehicle. This excessive movement can occur when driving on uneven pavement or during normal vehicle operations.

Nosediving During Stops
That small extra dip in the front of the car when you make a stop could be telling you that it’s time to have your shock absorbers inspected. Shocks in good condition will limit the amount your car moves when performing normal stops.

Excessive Leaning During Turns
When shock absorbers are in good condition, a deep turn will not produce excessive motion or lean in the interior of the vehicle. Excessive leaning means the shock absorber is no longer able to keep the vehicle stable.

Rear-End Squats During Acceleration
If you experience a dragging sensation in the rear of the vehicle when you accelerate, it’s likely that your shock absorbers are no longer functioning at full capacity. This action can make it harder to get to the desired speed and can cost you more money in gasoline. Have a mechanic look at your car as soon as possible to determine if new shock absorbers are required.

Thumping or Bottoming Out on Bumps
One of the most common signs of damaged shock absorbers is the sound of thumping or a feeling of hitting bottom when you drive over speed bumps or other uneven areas on pavement. This sensation can tell you that the spring in the shock absorber has broken and can no longer do its job.

Cupping or Scalloping of Tire Surfaces
Because damaged shock absorbers cause the vehicle to move in an irregular manner, they can cause uneven wear on the tires. This problem can show as “cupping,” or rounded spots on the tire surface. Your tires will wear out much faster with this type of uneven wear.

Unevenness in Vehicle Seating
If you get a feeling of sitting higher or lower in the different areas of the vehicle’s interior, it could be because the shock absorbers are damaged and need replacement.

Fluid Leaks From Shocks
If you detect small leaks coming from the shock absorbers, you should have them checked immediately to determine if replacement is necessary. You may have hit a pothole damaged by Toledo OH winter so hard that it broke a shock absorber, causing the internal oil to leak.
If you experience any of these warning signs, have your vehicle checked immediately by a Autofactorng Mechanic for shock absorber issues. You can keep your vehicle running well with this simple maintenance check.