4 Ways To Tell That Your Car Shocks Are Worn Out

When your car shocks are in excellent condition, you won't have trouble swerving sharp corners or coming to a sudden stop, as they promote stability while accelerating. Additionally, they ensure you have a comfortable ride because they absorb the bumpiness from uneven road surfaces. That said, you should know shocks aren't responsible for supporting the vehicle's weight, as many car owners believe. Instead, springs perform this task. However, when the car shocks wear out, they put too much strain on important suspension parts, causing your vehicle not to operate efficiently. Check out the key indicators of auto shock damage below.

You Notice Uneven Wear of your Car Tire

When you notice that your car tire has worn out unevenly, it is likely faulty shocks are to blame. Remember that when the shocks wear out, the tire constantly lifts off the ground when the car bounces, losing touch with the road. If you continue driving your vehicle in this state, you'll notice uneven wear patterns on the tire. Eventually, your wheel will misalign, and the tire may blow out.

Your Vehicle Takes a Steep Downward Plunge While Braking

If the front side of your car dips quickly toward the ground after applying brakes, visit an auto repair shop for a shock inspection. Note that such vehicle performance is referred to as nose drive and mostly happens when the car shocks lose their ability to stop the car effectively. More importantly, if you don't seek quick action on the first sign of this problem, you may find yourself in a serious accident, especially during inclement weather.

Your Vehicle Bounces Excessively on Uneven Surface

Your vehicle's spring absorbs the impact when driving on uneven surfaces. On the other hand, the role of the shocks is to ensure that bounce is minimized. This means your car needs to rise and fall when it goes over the bump and stabilize soon after. However, if your car bounces excessively, visit an auto repair professional to check whether the shocks are causing this problem.

Loss of Fluid from The Shocks

If you regularly drive in rough terrain, always inspect for fluid leaks around the shock absorber. This is because debris from such terrains can cause damage to the piston seal. As a result, damaged seals will cause fluid leaks, which then cause the shocks to lose their ability to control your vehicle. Ultimately, if there's leakage from the seal, the oil from the area will have a thick coat of dirt and grime.

Car shocks are essential in ensuring that your vehicle is stable while on the road. So, if you notice any of the abovementioned issues, seek timely auto repair services from a knowledgeable technician. For more information on car shock repair, contact a company near you.

Share