Shock absorbers or shocks absorb the force from the springs. Without them, your vehicle would bounce and bob more, making driving more difficult, especially when turning, braking, or accelerating. To avoid that, you must ensure your shocks are always in great shape, and one of the best ways to do that is to test them by hand.
If you feel that your vehicle is becoming less stable while driving, there might be something wrong with your shocks. Here’s how to test your car shock absorbers by hand to determine whether it’s time to replace them.
Before testing your shock absorbers, park on a flat and even surface far from other vehicles. Your garage is perfect, but if you have to test your shock absorbers while you’re out on, some distance from the road.
After parking, go to your vehicle’s front and check its overall balance. You can tell something’s wrong with your shock absorbers if your vehicle bends or tilts to one side.
More often than not, the side of the vehicle that’s lower has a faulty shock absorber. If you don’t trust your ability to eyeball it, you use a tape measure to check and compare the two sides.
If you’ve confirmed that your vehicle is unbalanced, place your hands on top of the hood’s sides and press your weight down.
Your vehicle will bounce only once before returning to its former position if its shocks are fully functional. If it bounces several times (thrice or more), your shock absorbers might be faulty.
This video shows exactly what this looks like:
Besides testing your shock absorbers by hand, watch out for the signs that could mean it’s time to replace your shocks.
You can tell when your shock absorbers are leaking if they look wet and oily from hydraulic fluid. It doesn’t necessarily mean that your shock absorbers are broken, but it is a sign that it’s worth inspecting them for damage or issues.
As your vehicle’s shocks wear down, you might find it harder to control your vehicle when driving. Some problems you might experience due to failing shock absorbers include reduced braking, handling, and steering.
Experts recommend replacing shock absorbers every 50,000 miles. Your shocks might need replacement earlier or later than that, depending on their service life. Check your manual’s recommendation to be sure.
If you put off replacing your bad shocks, your tires and suspension system wear out faster. As a result, you might have to deal with the following while driving:
There are two types of shock absorbers: telescopic and spring seat shock absorbers. Struts perform like shocks, but they technically fall under a unique classification.
Telescopic shock absorbers are the most common type used in vehicles. They’re available in different sizes, affordable, and easy to maintain.
Spring seat shock absorbers combine suspension units and damping devices. Unfortunately, this unique specialization comes at a cost because these shocks can’t sustain heavy loads.
These shocks are also sealed units, meaning they’re not repairable. If they take damage, you must replace them.
Although struts aren’t technically shock absorbers, they perform the same function: absorbing the rebound of the springs and suspension system.
They’re built inside the suspension system, making them sealed units that need a complete replacement when they get damaged.
Keep your tires inflated and avoid driving over potholes and bumpy terrain to extend your shock absorbers’ service life. If you one of them fails, replace it and its pair to ensure consistent performance.
Similarly, it’s also a good practice to stick to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. Let licensed mechanics check your ride. They can pinpoint, prevent, and resolve any issues in your shocks.
Yes, bad shocks can cause uneven tire wear. Shock absorbers keep your vehicle from bouncing, so the unnecessary movement caused by bad shocks can cause some tires to wear out faster than others.
Sometimes they do, depending on the terrain and how much damping has been lost as the shocks are wearing out. Worn-out shock absorbers often make heavy clunking noises akin to metal knocking when driving on bumpy terrain. Faulty shocks make those sounds when they fail to absorb impact, causing the shocks to hit the metallic components.
Driving around with damaged shocks is a recipe for disaster. Faulty shock absorbers make your vehicle hard to control, increasing your risk of getting into an accident. For your own safety, you should replace them as soon as possible. Luckily, getting brand-new shock absorbers is fast and easy with CarParts.com.
CarParts.com offers a wide selection of shock absorbers sourced from only the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. With just a few clicks, you can order high-quality shocks that fit your vehicle. Use our vehicle selector to easily browse through all the available parts that are compatible with your ride. If you need any help with your order, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service staff, who provide round-the-clock support.
Don’t wait until your shock absorbers completely fail before replacing them. Check out our catalog of high-quality shock absorbers and strut assemblies at CarParts.com and order one today!
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