What keeps your vehicle balanced and connected to the road? It’s the car struts or shocks! The components of the steering and suspension systems all work together to keep your ride smooth and safe. But they do wear out over time and as the miles accumulate on your vehicle.

Like most of the other automobile parts and systems, shocks and car struts have a specific maintenance schedule. Generally, most mechanics advise that they should be replaced between every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. The life span of shocks and struts will depend a great deal on how and where you drive. If you consistently travel over bumpy streets and adverse road conditions, then these parts will need to be replaced more often than if you drive just short distances every day.

So how do you know if need new shocks?

  • Poor steering response.
  • Your car sways or leans when turning and changing lanes.
  • Your vehicle bounces excessively when driving.
  • Braking performance is unstable.
  • Vehicle nose “dives” or “squats” when braking or accelerating.
  • Tire "Cupping" as the rubber wears off the tire each time it hits the ground.
  • Leaking hydraulic fluid from inside the shock.

If you notice that there’s something not quite right about how your vehicle handles on the road, check out the shocks or car struts. When shocks go bad, the impact can be dangerous. It may be time to have them replaced for improved stopping performance, increased vehicle stability, and driver control.

Wondering how do you know if you need new shocks? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about car struts and shocks and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.

Wondering how do you know if you need new shocks? If you’re having steering and suspension issues, ask auto experts for advice about suspension systems.

What keeps your vehicle balanced and connected to the road? It’s the car struts or shocks! The components of the steering and suspension systems all work together to keep your ride smooth and safe. But they do wear out over time and as the miles accumulate on your vehicle.

Like most of the other automobile parts and systems, shocks and car struts have a specific maintenance schedule. Generally, most mechanics advise that they should be replaced between every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. The life span of shocks and struts will depend a great deal on how and where you drive. If you consistently travel over bumpy streets and adverse road conditions, then these parts will need to be replaced more often than if you drive just short distances every day.

So how do you know if need new shocks?

  • Poor steering response.
  • Your car sways or leans when turning and changing lanes.
  • Your vehicle bounces excessively when driving.
  • Braking performance is unstable.
  • Vehicle nose “dives” or “squats” when braking or accelerating.
  • Tire "Cupping" as the rubber wears off the tire each time it hits the ground.
  • Leaking hydraulic fluid from inside the shock.

If you notice that there’s something not quite right about how your vehicle handles on the road, check out the shocks or car struts. When shocks go bad, the impact can be dangerous. It may be time to have them replaced for improved stopping performance, increased vehicle stability, and driver control.

Wondering how do you know if you need new shocks? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about car struts and shocks and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.

Kerry Bannister