Regardless of whether your vehicle has car struts or shocks, they are part of the suspension system that keeps your vehicle connected to the road. Maintaining the condition of your car struts or shocks is crucial for safe driving. That said, you may wonder just how often should car shocks be replaced? The best resource for this answer is to check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific vehicle.
But how often should car shocks be replaced, you ask? Generally, car struts or shocks should be replaced about every 50,000-100,000 miles. Of course, shocks and struts wear down under normal conditions as the miles add up. But if you drive frequently on bad roads, they will wear out even faster.
Here are a few warning signs that are fairly obvious that it is time to replace your car struts and/or shocks:
- Bumpy, rough ride – If you’re bouncing all over the road, it is obvious that your shocks are going bad.
- Leaking fluid – Hydraulic fluid absorbs the impact from bumps in the road. If it is leaking out, your shocks will lose their flexibility.
- Uneven tread wear – Cupping (scalloped, wavy dips on the tire tread) is caused by the tires bouncing up and down on the road as you drive. This shortens the lifespan of your tires and diminishes handling and stopping power.
- Instability when braking or turning – If your car takes a “nosedive” when you step on the brakes, or it sways excessively when turning, it means the shocks and struts aren’t able to adjust with your vehicle’s weight distribution. You may also notice that it is taking longer than usual to come to a stop.
There are varying factors that really determine how fast or how slow the car struts or shocks actually wear, such as the type of vehicle you drive, how you drive, and the condition of the roads you drive. Another issue is exceeding the load capacity of your vehicle, adding extra stress to the suspension system, especially as your car ages.
Tip to Remember: Be sure to have your mechanic check the condition of your car struts or shocks fairly frequently as sometimes you may not know they are going bad until you start to have problems.
Do you need to more about how often should car shocks be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about the suspension system and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
Regardless of whether your vehicle has car struts or shocks, they are part of the suspension system that keeps your vehicle connected to the road. Maintaining the condition of your car struts or shocks is crucial for safe driving. That said, you may wonder just how often should car shocks be replaced? The best resource for this answer is to check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific vehicle.
But how often should car shocks be replaced, you ask? Generally, car struts or shocks should be replaced about every 50,000-100,000 miles. Of course, shocks and struts wear down under normal conditions as the miles add up. But if you drive frequently on bad roads, they will wear out even faster.
Here are a few warning signs that are fairly obvious that it is time to replace your car struts and/or shocks:
- Bumpy, rough ride – If you’re bouncing all over the road, it is obvious that your shocks are going bad.
- Leaking fluid – Hydraulic fluid absorbs the impact from bumps in the road. If it is leaking out, your shocks will lose their flexibility.
- Uneven tread wear – Cupping (scalloped, wavy dips on the tire tread) is caused by the tires bouncing up and down on the road as you drive. This shortens the lifespan of your tires and diminishes handling and stopping power.
- Instability when braking or turning – If your car takes a “nosedive” when you step on the brakes, or it sways excessively when turning, it means the shocks and struts aren’t able to adjust with your vehicle’s weight distribution. You may also notice that it is taking longer than usual to come to a stop.
There are varying factors that really determine how fast or how slow the car struts or shocks actually wear, such as the type of vehicle you drive, how you drive, and the condition of the roads you drive. Another issue is exceeding the load capacity of your vehicle, adding extra stress to the suspension system, especially as your car ages.
Tip to Remember: Be sure to have your mechanic check the condition of your car struts or shocks fairly frequently as sometimes you may not know they are going bad until you start to have problems.
Do you need to more about how often should car shocks be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about the suspension system and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
