• Home
  • Denver Auto Repair Services
    • Full Service Oil Change
    • Expert Mechanics
      • Expert Honda Mechanics
      • Expert Toyota Mechanics
      • Expert Subaru Mechanics
    • Automatic Transmission
    • Fuel System Cleaning
    • Radiator Flush Service
    • Wiper Blades
    • Air Filter
    • Cabin Air Filter
    • Gearbox Service
    • Brake Repair
    • Clutch Repair
    • CV Boots
    • Tune-Up
    • Steering & Suspension
    • Tires
  • Auto Diagnostic
  • Contact Us
    • About Us
  • Shop Specials
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • 303-691-2760

Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

  • Brake Service
  • Car Maintenance
    • Heating-Air Conditioning
    • Suspension
    • Transmission
    • Engine
    • Tires
  • Oil Change
  • Tips & Tricks

When To Replace Shocks and Struts

November 28, 2012 by Denver Express Car Care Leave a Comment

Although “winter” driving hasn’t been an issue for us yet.   There are plenty of construction zones in the city, where our cars shocks and struts are put to the test.  Knowing when to replace the shocks and/or struts on our vehicles doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little bit of knowledge the decision can almost be made for you.

The first thing to know is that not all vehicles have both shocks and struts.  Some vehicles have only struts and some have only shocks.  Shocks are usually a single cylinder in the open and a strut is normally surrounded by the coil spring , creating a  suspension assembly, but both shocks and struts serve the same purpose.  Their main function is to keep your vehicle from bouncing.  Each vehicle has front and rear springs that help to cushion it over rough road conditions.  Shocks and struts are designed to help keep the tires on the road.

Shocks are normally used in the rear suspension on a vehicle, whereas struts are on the front.  Some trucks have shocks on both the front and the rear, but they both achieve the same thing.  They control the action of the spring to resist bottoming out, ( like when you hit a pothole), and keep the movement of the springs under control as they rebound.  Because of all the road construction in our area,  rough roads and potholes are everywhere.  If your car continues to bounce long after you hit a pothole, it might be time to replace the shocks and struts.

Worn out, damaged or leaking shocks and struts need to be replaced.  Leaking is easy to see by looking for oil or wetness on the outside of the shock or strut.  Damage is also pretty easy to see – look for a broken mount, badly dented housing, etc.  Shocks and struts that may be worn out are more difficult to judge, so preventative checkups are the key to avoiding them.  Have your technician check them every time you have an oil change.  Because the damping characteristics of shocks and struts deteriorate gradually over time, if you begin to notice the need for them, it’s usually way past the point when they should have been replaced.  Other signs of when to replace worn shocks and struts.

  • When stopping quickly, does your car rock back and forth several times?
  • When applying your brakes firmly at higher speeds, does your vehicle have a tendency to drift to the left or right?
  • When changing lanes quickly does your car rock or sway from side to side?

A “bounce test” is still a valid way of knowing when to replace shocks and struts.  If the suspension continues to bounce more than one or two times after rocking and releasing the bumper or body, your shocks or struts are worn and need to be replaced.

 

Filed Under: Car Maintenance, Suspension Tagged With: When To Replace Shocks And Stuts

When To Replace Shocks and Struts

January 4, 2012 by Denver Express Car Care Leave a Comment

During the winter, as we are driving around on roads that may or may not have had the snow or ice from the prior day removed by a snowplow.  While we are bouncing and bumping along, we might wonder if all the movement we are experiencing is actually caused by the road conditions or is it time for us to replace the shocks and struts on our car.  If you have found yourself asking that question anytime recently,  I invite you to click on the link below for one of our earlier blogs and see if the information there helps you determine the answer. Shocks and Struts-How Do You Know When They Need Replacing?

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

Filed Under: Car Maintenance, Denver Auto Repair, Suspension Tagged With: When To Replace Shocks And Stuts

Express Car Care
4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO (map)
Phone: (303) 691-2760
Located just southeast of the Colorado Light Rail station

Follow Us Today!

  • Facebook
  • RSS

Shop Hours

Monday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Tuesday: 8:00AM – 5:o0PM
Wednesday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Thursday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Friday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Saturday: Closed – A note from the owner
Sunday: Closed

Last car oil change time  – 5:00PM

Click for the BBB Business Review of this Auto Repair & Service in Denver CO

Recent Articles

Warning Signs Your Brakes Need Immediate Attention

Warning Signs Your Brakes Need Immediate Attention

The humdrum of the daily drive. You sit at more stop lights than you can count. You slam on your brakes a time or two as the traffic turns into chaos. And hills - you might have a few of them thrown … [Read More...]

  • Finding a Family-Owned Auto Shop You Can Trust in Denver
  • The Most Common Car Repairs in Denver—And How to Avoid Them
  • The Top 5 Reasons Cars Fail Emissions Tests in Denver
  • Check These 6 Fluids Regularly to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly
  • How to Know If Your Vehicle Needs a Cooling System Check

Search Our Site

Brakes Service

Warning Signs Your Brakes Need Immediate Attention

Affordable Brake Pad Replacement in Denver: What You Need to Know

How to Prevent and Fix Uneven Brake Pad Wear

Oil Change

Oil Change Specials in Denver: Save Money and Keep Your Car Running Right

Why Regular Oil Changes Are Crucial for Denver Drivers

The Benefits of Using High-Quality Motor Oil for Your Engine

Suspension

How to Know If Your Car Needs Suspension Repair in Denver’s Bumpy Roads

A Guide To Understanding Bushings on a Car

Tips for Preventing Wear and Tear on Your Car’s Suspension

Transmision Service

Transmission Trouble? Common Signs and When to Visit Our Denver Shop

How to Prevent Common Issues with Automatic Transmissions

Understanding the Signs of Transmission Problems and How to Fix Them

Engine Service

Is Your Car Hesitating During Acceleration?

How to Troubleshoot a Rough Idling Engine

Signs Your Car’s Water Pump Might Be Failing

Auto Tips & Tricks

Check Engine Light On? Here’s What Denver Drivers Need to Know

The Importance of Regular Wheel Alignment for Tire Longevity

The Benefits of a Well-Maintained Suspension System

"Denvers Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube" - Copyright © 2025 - 4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO 303-691-2760