Like most hard-working parts on your vehicle, shocks and struts will eventually wear out over time. Once the wear starts compromising your vehicle’s performance, it’s important to replace those worn parts to restore your car’s handling and riding comfort. If you choose to wait to inspect worn shocks and struts, you jeopardize your ability to stop, steer and maintain stability. There are a variety of consequences when driving with worn shocks or struts that range from annoying to critical safety issues:
- Reduced braking efficiency. Worn shocks and struts can have an adverse effect on the performance of your brakes. Your vehicle’s stopping distance may increase, which can be critical in an emergency braking situation. You’re also at increased risk of skidding on wet roads. To avoid risking your safety and the safety of others on the road, don’t wait to have your worn shocks or struts inspected.
- Tire wear. You may think that the tread wear on tires is normal, but it could be the result of worn shocks and struts. Take a close look at your tires; if they show signs of cupping or accelerated wear your shocks or struts may have reduced ability to help maintain tire-to-road contact. This can become a safety issue, especially on wet roads, with the increased risk of hydroplaning. Don’t just replace your excessively worn tires. That’s only fixing the symptom rather than taking care of the problem. Have your trusted mechanic inspect your steering and suspension system, including shocks and struts for the source of the issue.
- Loss of handling and control. Driving with failing shocks or struts has a direct impact on your ability to control your vehicle. You may notice that your vehicle bounces excessively, rolls or sways abruptly when making a turn, or that you feel out of control when hit by a cross wind. Over time, shocks and struts can lose their ability to control weight transfer; this is what causes feeling like you have no control of your vehicle. This can be dangerous, especially if your tires lose contact with the pavement, making it difficult to control your vehicle in an emergency situation.
- Increased wear on other suspension parts. Worn shocks and struts can have a negative effect on related steering, braking, and suspension components. As the shocks or struts wear, they allow more suspension movement, meaning that other steering, braking and suspension parts can suffer the same effects. This additional wear and tear can cause these related parts to wear out quicker. This can also add up to additional repair expenses.
If you think your vehicle has worn shocks or struts, it’s time to make an appointment with a trusted, experienced automotive expert. Like Green Valley Automotive. We have the best- trained and most knowledgeable ASE-certified technicians in the area. Using the newest generation of technology and computer-enhanced diagnostics, we can handle tune-ups, repairs and maintenance across every make and model of passenger car, SUV or light truck.
Stop into Green Valley Automotive or call us at (520) 625-2500 for an appointment. We offer complimentary shuttle service to residents of Green Valley. You can also visit us at www.greenvalleyautomotive.com. Remember, at Green Valley Automotive: “We’ll treat you right!”
