The “Must Knows” About Your Car’s Shock Absorbers & Struts

Maintaining and Protecting Your Vehicle’s Shock Absorbers and Struts

‘Honoring Our Heroes’ is an event to highlight our Hanover emergency, medical and military workers. And, just as every town needs these unsung heroes to ensure our community runs smoothly; so too does our cars and truck need the unsung heroes of our suspension system to keep our ride on the road running smoothy.

Shock absorbers and struts are some of the most important parts of your vehicle’s suspension system. Because they are responsible for providing a smooth ride and stable ride. That’s why proper maintenance and protection of these parts are key to making sure your driving experience is top notch. So, in this blog, the experts Meineke on Baltimore Street in Hanover offer this comprehensive guide on how to maintain and protect your vehicle’s shock absorbers and struts.

Understanding Shock Absorbers and Struts

Shock Absorbers: These are hydraulic devices that absorb and dampen the shock impulses from the road. And this provides a smoother ride by controlling the rebound of the vehicle’s springs.

Struts: Struts are a structural part of the suspension system that combine the functions of a shock absorber and a coil spring. And this provides support to the vehicle’s chassis while also absorbing shocks.

Signs of Wear and Tear

Before diving into maintenance tips, it’s important to recognize the signs of wear and tear in shock absorbers and struts:

• Bumpy or Unstable Ride: An unusually rough ride or excessive bouncing could signal worn shock absorbers and struts.
• Uneven Tire Wear: This can indicate that your suspension system isn’t working properly.
• Leaking Fluid: Look for visible fluid leaks on the shock absorbers or struts.
• Nose Diving or Squatting: When the front of the vehicle dives sharply during braking or the rear squats during acceleration.
• Steering Issues: Does your vehicle have difficulty in steering or does it pull to one side?

Maintenance Tips

1. Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your shock absorbers and struts for signs of damage or wear. Also, look for leaks, dents, or any other visible issues.
2. Check Tire Pressure: Maintaining the correct tire pressure reduces unnecessary strain on the suspension system, including the shock absorbers and struts.
3. Monitor Tire Wear: Regularly check your tires for uneven wear. Because, this can indicate suspension issues that need addressing.
4. Avoid Overloading: Do not overload your vehicle as excessive weight can put undue stress on the shock absorbers and struts.
5. Clean Regularly: Dirt and grime can accumulate on the shock absorbers and struts. So, clean them periodically to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation.
6. Use Quality Parts: When replacing shock absorbers or struts, use high-quality parts. Because, cheap, low-quality parts can fail prematurely and affect vehicle safety and performance.
7. Lubrication: Ensure that moving parts in the suspension system are well-lubricated to reduce wear and tear.

Protective Measures

1. Install Protective Covers: Use protective covers or boots on the shock absorbers and struts to shield them from dirt, debris, and moisture.
2. Drive Carefully: Avoid potholes, rough roads, and aggressive driving to minimize the impact on your suspension system.
3. Regular Servicing: Have your vehicle’s suspension system serviced regularly by the professional mechanics at Meineke in Hanover to ensure all components are in good working order.
4. Alignment Checks: Regular wheel alignment checks ensure that your vehicle’s suspension system is correctly aligned. Because this reduces wear on shock absorbers and struts.

When to Replace

Even with meticulous maintenance, shock absorbers and struts will eventually wear out. So, generally, they should be replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. But this can vary based on driving conditions and vehicle type. But, if you notice any signs of wear or if your vehicle’s handling deteriorates, consult the ASE certified professionals at Meineke in Hanover for an inspection.

Keep Your Ride on the Road Smooth and Stable by Maintaining Your Shock Absorbers and Struts

Proper maintenance and protection of your vehicle’s shock absorbers and struts are essential for ensuring a smooth ride. And by following these tips and being mindful of the signs of wear, you can keep your suspension system in top shape. But, if you have any issues, Google “car repair near me” to call Meineke on Baltimore Street in Hanover.

If the Meineke on Baltimore Street in Hanover is not a convenient auto repair center for you, Meineke has 14 car repair centers is South Central Pennsylvania: