Replacing Shocks and Struts

If you visit any auto repair shop regularly there is a good chance you’ve seen ads for replacing shocks and struts.  But is there a way to tell if your shocks and struts need replacing without taking your car to a repair shop? 

One way to evaluate if they need replacing is to look for damage or leaking.  Leaking is easy to see – just look for oil or wetness on the outside of the shock or strut.  Damage is also fairly easy to see – look for a broken mount, or dented housing.

Another way to evaluate your need for new shocks or struts is to consider how your vehicle has been handling and riding.  When you drive on rough roads or hit a bump, does it bounce excessively?  Does the nose dip down when braking?  Does the body roll or sway too much when cornering or driving in crosswinds?  Is it easy to bottom out the suspension when backing out of the driveway or when you’re  hauling extra passengers or cargo?

Because the damping characteristics of shocks and struts deteriorate gradually over time, the decline in ride control often passes unnoticed.  When you begin to notice the signs,  it’s usually way past the point when your shocks or struts need replacing.

Shocks and struts do not require replacing at specific mileage intervals like filters or spark plugs, but they do wear out and eventually need to be replaced.  Monroe engineers, America’s leading brand of shocks and struts, suggest following a 50,000-mile replacement plan just to be safe.  Driving on worn out shocks can be a hazard over time.  Worn out shocks and struts may cause your stopping distance to increase, especially on rough surfaces.  They can have a negative impact on your driving capabilities, especially in adverse conditions.  Worn out shocks and struts can also cause damage to your tires prematurely, meaning you’ll have more expense than is truly necessary.

Express Care is a family owned auto repair shop in the Denver, Colorado area that offers a variety of services, including shock replacement.  Conveniently located at Evans and I-25, we look forward to doing business with you.

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.