The average car is expected to last for up to 200,000 miles, though this can vary significantly.
If you want to get the most out of your vehicle, you need to look after it properly. This includes repairing and replacing parts when they fail.
Things like brake repair and shock replacement don’t just maximize the lifespan of your car, but they also keep it safe. It’s important to know how to deal with the issues that can arise.
In this auto maintenance guide, we’ll cover the shock absorber replacement process so you can see what it involves. Keep reading for more.
How to Tell if Shock Absorbers Are Worn Out
There are different problems that can occur with shock absorbers, and most are related to fluid or gas leaks. This tends to happen once the seals wear out, but it can also happen if small particles wear down the valves, reducing damping effectiveness.
It can be hard to know what the issue is, so it’s best to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop. A professional mechanic will be able to inspect your car and determine the exact issue.
Common Signs of Shock Absorber Failure
The most common sign that shock absorbers are worn out is that the suspension feels off. The shock absorbers won’t be as effective so they won’t slow the movement of the springs properly. This is more noticeable when driving over speed bumps or other uneven surfaces and if the front absorbers are worn it may cause a light shudder through the steering wheel.
Another key indicator is uneven tire wear. Worn shocks can alter the tire contact patch, which results in uneven wear (also known as scalloping).
If you notice either of these, you’ll want to take your car to an auto repair shop. Leaving the issue will only make it get worse, so you should have your car looked at as soon as you can.
Replacing Your Shock Absorbers
In most cases, all four shock absorbers in a vehicle will experience the same conditions causing them to wear evenly. It’s possible for one to wear down faster than the others, however.
It’s typically recommended to replace all four at the same time. If this isn’t ideal, then you should at least replace them in pairs, doing the front pair or back pair together.
The exact process varies between different vehicle models. It’s typically not the most complicated part of a car to replace, but it’s easy to make mistakes if you’re not experienced. It’s best to turn to a company that provides professional car repair services instead as they’ll be able to get everything done right so you can have peace of mind.
Professional Shock Replacement
If you notice any issues with your shocks, you may need to replace them. It’s best to get a professional mechanic to do this to ensure the job is done correctly.
Chrome Auto Repair is a professional auto repair shop based in Madison Heights, VA. On top of shock replacement, we can handle various other tasks such as brake service, oil change, car suspension work, and more.
Our team has over 50 years of experience and has served over 2,000 happy customers. Take a look at our services page for more information on what we do.