Some people believe that the only purpose of their shocks is to make the ride smoother. Something seemingly impossible on many of our area roads. However, they do more than just make your car ride more smoothly, they also help you control your vehicle. So, just how do you know it’s time for new shocks. Here are five signs to watch for that may indicate you need new shock absorbers.
1. Uneven Tread Wear
Although uneven wearing tread can be a sign of poor alignment or that it’s time for a tire rotation, it also can signal that it’s time for new shocks. If your shocks are worn, your tires don’t stay on the road and you end up with uneven tread which increases the chance for hydroplaning, something that’s all too common in our area.
2. Unsteadiness on a Windy Day
Unless it’s a hurricane you shouldn’t feel like your car is being blown around during a windy drive. Of course, high profile vehicles and driving over the Sunshine Skyway are other exceptions, but generally this isn’t something you should experience. It can indicate many problems, one of which is worn shocks.
3. Issues When Stopping
There are two signs of shock absorber issues when you apply your brakes. If you hit your breaks relatively hard and the nose of your car dives down, you likely have an issue. Secondly, if your stopping distance increases over the norm. Of course, this can also signal an issue with your breaks or tires but it is a sign of worn shocks.
4. Vibrating Steering Wheel
It’s true that you may feel the road vibrations in your steering wheel when you’re going over an unpaved surface but you shouldn’t always feel it. If you ever feel vibrations while driving on the highway, get your shocks checked immediately. You may not be able to control your car if the vibrations are too intense.
5. Feeling Every Bump
Yes, there are a lot of potholes around but you shouldn’t feel every one. Your shocks are essentially springs for your car and they should absorb all but the largest of bumps in the road. A good way to test this is an issue for you is to press down on the hood while your car is parked and let go. If it bounces more than a few times, you should contact your local auto repair shop for a professional assessment.
If you don’t have a local auto repair shop you trust for new shocks, call Oldsmar Automotive at (727) 784-3501 for an appointment. We’re conveniently located at 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar and can assess and replace your shocks as well as perform other routine service or auto repair necessary.
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