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Did you notice a bumpy ride when you went to the shopping mall last time?
Are you losing control at a sharp turn and wondering why?
If the oil leaks and the car doesn’t stop bouncing like a ‘toy boat in the bath’ then it is time to change the shock absorbers. The initial strength of shock plays an important role but it is generally recommended to change the shock absorbers in your vehicle, once it completes 50000 miles. However, reaching 50,000 miles does not necessarily mean your electrical shock needs replacing.
Unfortunately, there can never be an absolute answer to the duration of shock absorbers. Service lifespan of shock absorbers influenced by a wide variety of factors including your car type.
How Long Do Shocks Last?
Depending on the driving conditions and how long you drive, replacing shocks varies. Carrying heavy loads, driving off-road and unpaved roads are the primary reasons for your struts and shocks wearing off.
With such heavy usage, you can expect the shocks to last up to 50000 miles. However, if you are driving under normal circumstances, you can expect your shocks to stay up to 90,000 miles.
Why do the Struts and Shocks Wear Off?
As the internal hydraulic fluid starts losing its viscosity, it starts impacting the vehicle’s ability to dissipate the impact of the road. The shock absorbers component is made up of plastic, metal, and rubber, which degrades due to extreme due adverse weather conditions or extreme heat.
What are the Signs of Nasty Shocks?
Most drivers are not aware that driving with nasty shocks and struts leads to safety threats. The wear and tear affecting the vehicle’s suspension system are not much noticeable until it damages the suspension components.
Here are 8 Signs of Nasty Shocks:
- If you notice the leaking fluid down on the shocks and struts, it indicates that the seals are broken. This internal fluid plays a crucial role in the engine’s proper functioning and other components.
- If the vehicle loses stability at highway speed, it is another indicator of worn shocks. If the vehicle is constantly bumping up and down and no stability is experienced while driving on the highway, it’s time to move to new shocks.
- When the vehicle starts tipping to one side while driving off-ramp or taking a sharp turn, it is another indicator that the shock absorbers are turned bad. If you feel that the vehicle is wobbling or leaning to the outside of the turn, you should replace the struts and shocks.
- If you notice an unusual tire tread wear in a wavy manner, this is due to some issue with the suspension system leading to the tires’ inability to hold the vehicle firmly over the road.
- When you notice the excessive dipping of the front end while applying the hard braking, it is a clear indicator that the shocks and struts of your car are worn out.
- If the tires are bumping excessively along with a clunking noise when your vehicle hits the bump, this excessive bouncing of the tyre indicates you should look into the car’s suspension system to check out the status of shocks.
- If you notice the rear end squats during hard acceleration and the front end of your vehicle rises, it indicates that you should change the shocks and struts of your car.
- If you find it difficult to turn your steering wheel or exhibit any strange noises while riding, it signifies that there is some problem with your vehicle’s shock absorbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often should Shocks be Replaced?
Once the vehicle completes about 50,000 miles, you should take note of the various signs of bad shocks such as leaking fluid, bumping of your car, unusual tread wear, etc. If any of such signs are visible, you need to change the shocks.
How Do I know When my Shocks need to be Replaced?
Test your vehicle’s shock absorbers and suspension by pulling hard into every angle. If a car bounces back when you stop the car, you may have a shock that needs replacement.
Can Shocks Last 15 Years?
It is not uncommon for the shock to last 10 years before needing a replacement for vehicles that have lived on smooth roads. Many shock absorber manufacturers recommend replacing them after 50,000 miles if running on rough roads.
Conclusion
Shocks or struts play a crucial role in the well-being of your vehicle’s suspension system. Check the owner’s manual and get your vehicle inspected timely to figure out any issue with car suspension. If yes, find out the reliable new shocks and replace them soon.
My Name is Christopher Angels, and I am a postgraduate in mechanical engineering. Cars have always excited me as a child, and soon I decided to dive into the world of cars by pursuing mechanical engineering. I also worked as a Mechanic for over 3 years to understand Cars’ anatomy and how each part contributes to its working.
My Name is Christopher Angels, and I am a postgraduate in mechanical engineering. Cars have always excited me as a child, and soon I decided to dive into the world of cars by pursuing mechanical engineering. I also worked as a Mechanic for over 3 years to understand Cars' anatomy and how each part contributes to its working.
