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United Tire and Service News

Do I Need to Replace My Shocks and Struts?

2/14/2023 3:08:00 PM | (1478) View Count | Return
Every driver knows they need to take good care of their vehicle’s engine, check their brakes, change their oil regularly, and ensure their tires are up to snuff. However, they might never get around to considering that same vehicle’s suspension system, and they really should.
 
When your suspension system is in solid working order, you won’t think about it very much, because the experience of riding along in your car will feel smooth and comfortable. It’s when things start getting bumpy and jarring that you start wondering whether something might be wrong.
 
Developing a better understanding of your shocks and struts — two critical aspects of your vehicle’s suspension system — can help you avoid this. Here’s what you need to know, including how to tell when to replace shocks and struts.
 

What Are Shocks and Struts?vehicle shock

Your car’s suspension is responsible for absorbing and distributing energy as your car drives in such a way that your ride remains smooth, even, and comfortable every step of the way. It also helps ensure your tires stay in proper contact with the road underneath your car.
 
Shocks and struts are individual components of this suspension system, and both are shock absorbers. Both also help to support the bulk and weight of your car. However, shocks are shock absorbers and nothing else, while struts also affect the alignment of your car’s tires, as they’re part of the actual structure of the car’s suspension in addition to being shock absorbers.
 
Depending on your vehicle type, you may have any combination of these two things going on. For example, some cars only have shocks, others only have struts, and some have both.
 

How to Know It’s Time for a Shocks and Struts Replacement

Like many vehicle parts, shocks and struts aren’t indestructible. The older a vehicle is and the more it’s driven, the more wear and tear various parts will accumulate. They can also sustain damage, making shocks and struts replacement necessary. Here are a few signs you might need one.
 

Riding in your car is a bumpy experience

One of the surest signs that you’re dealing with bad or failing shocks and struts is that you can feel every bump and dip your car drives over when you’re on the move. If the issue is bad enough, you may also sometimes have the impression that you’re about to lose control of the car after driving over a bump, small pothole, or other minor obstacle.
 
 

Your tires are wearing unevenly

A pending need to replace shocks and struts isn’t necessarily the only reason a set of tires might show strange wear patterns, but it’s definitely one of the possibilities. So if you suspect a suspension issue, take a closer look at your tires. Uneven wear or wear patterns that seem strange should send you straight to your local United Tire with your vehicle.
 

You have trouble braking or steering

Shocks and struts that are going bad or otherwise need to be serviced result in more than just riding discomfort. They can actually make your car hard to handle in ways that are quite dangerous. For example, you might feel like it’s hard to turn or like your steering mechanism is going stiff on you. Alternatively, you may notice your car lurching, diving, or otherwise feeling unstable when you brake.
 

shock absorber on vehicle

You’ve noticed potential fluid leaks

If you have enough automotive knowledge to know where your struts are, you may be able to tell at a glance whether they’re showing wear. But if not, one of the more apparent signs that something’s off with your shocks and struts is a fluid leak, especially if you’ve also noticed one or more of the other signs on this list.
 

Schedule Maintenance with United Tire 

Another sign that you’re about due for a shocks and struts replacement is that it’s been a while since your last one. Although manufacturers’ recommendations vary from vehicle to vehicle, most cars need a new set of shocks and struts every 50,000 miles or so.
So if it’s been about that long (or you can’t remember when your last check was), schedule one with your local United Tire location to be on the safe side. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so you should always bring your ride in for an evaluation anytime anything doesn’t seem right. You could wind up glad you did. Call your nearest location or schedule online to set up your next appointment. 
 
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At United Tire & Service, our staff is here to serve customers throughout Pennsylvania. We offer top-quality auto repair services done by expert technicians. From an oil change or brake repair to auto air conditioning repair, muffler repair, engine diagnostics, wheel alignment, car batteries, fleet repair, tire repair, suspension repair and Pennsylvania state vehicle inspections, we do it all. We also stock a wide selection of tires from all the top brands in the industry including Goodyear Tires, Dunlop Tires, Kelly Tires, and many more. Schedule an appointment with us today at one of our locations in Concordville, Downingtown, Emmaus, Feasterville, Phoenixville, Southampton, Paoli, West Chester or Willow Grove, PA. We are your number one source for top quality, affordable auto repair and tires!