Your car’s shocks and struts are integral to ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. They help control the vehicle’s suspension, allowing it to absorb the shocks from the road and keep the tires in contact with the surface. Over time, these components wear out due to normal driving conditions, and knowing when to replace them is essential for maintaining vehicle performance and safety.
At Hendersonville Muffler and Brakes, located at 531 W Main St, Hendersonville, TN, we specialize in suspension and shock/strut repairs. In this article, we’ll cover the signs that indicate your shocks or struts may need replacing.
Why Shocks and Struts Are Important
Shocks and struts are part of your vehicle’s suspension system, which is designed to absorb and reduce the impact of bumps, potholes, and other irregularities on the road. Shocks help to keep your vehicle stable, while struts provide structural support for your vehicle’s suspension system. Both components are vital for ensuring proper handling and ride quality.
Signs Your Shocks or Struts Need Replacing
- Bouncing or Poor Handling
If your car begins to bounce excessively after hitting bumps or feels like it sways in curves, this is often a sign of worn-out shocks or struts. A healthy suspension system should keep your car stable and level, even when navigating rough roads or making sharp turns. When your shocks or struts wear out, they can no longer absorb shocks efficiently, leading to an unstable ride.
- Uneven Tire Wear
Worn shocks and struts can lead to uneven tire wear. The suspension system is responsible for ensuring even tire contact with the road, but when it malfunctions, some tires may wear down more quickly than others. If you notice that your tires are wearing unevenly, it’s a good idea to have your suspension system inspected by a professional.
- Nose Diving When Braking
If your car dips forward when you apply the brakes, this may be a sign that your struts or shocks are worn out. The front-end of the vehicle should not dive forward under braking, and if it does, it could affect the overall braking performance and lead to longer stopping distances. Worn-out shocks and struts reduce the vehicle’s ability to distribute weight evenly during braking.
- Steering Wheel Vibration
If you experience vibrations or shaking in the steering wheel, this could be another indication of worn-out shocks or struts. A faulty suspension system can cause your vehicle to feel unbalanced and unsteady, resulting in vibrations through the steering wheel.
- Leaking Fluid
Shocks and struts contain hydraulic fluid to help with their operation. If you notice fluid leaking from the shocks or struts, it’s a sign that the seals are broken or the components are damaged. Leaking fluid can prevent the shocks or struts from functioning properly, leading to a rough and uncomfortable ride.
- Clunking or Knocking Noises
A common symptom of worn-out shocks or struts is a clunking or knocking noise when driving over bumps. If you hear these sounds coming from your vehicle, it could indicate that the shock absorbers or struts are failing and need to be replaced.
Why Timely Replacement Is Crucial
Ignoring the signs that your shocks or struts need replacing can lead to other issues with your vehicle. In addition to a rougher ride and reduced vehicle performance, worn-out shocks and struts can affect the overall safety of your vehicle. The suspension system plays a vital role in maintaining control over the vehicle, especially during emergency maneuvers or while driving on slippery roads.
Why Choose Hendersonville Muffler and Brakes for Suspension Repairs?
At Hendersonville Muffler and Brakes, we understand the importance of maintaining a smooth, safe ride. Our team of experienced technicians is trained to inspect and replace shocks and struts quickly and efficiently. We use high-quality parts and offer fair pricing on all suspension-related services.
If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Bring your vehicle to Hendersonville Muffler and Brakes for a full inspection of your shocks and struts. We’ll provide you with a detailed assessment and offer recommendations for repair or replacement.
To schedule an appointment, call us at 615-822-1455 or visit our website at Hendersonville Muffler and Brakes. And remember to check out our money-saving coupons for discounts on suspension services.
