It’s relatively easy for most vehicle owners to determine when their tires, brakes and windshield wipers are worn out. Shocks and struts, on the other hand, aren’t nearly as simple to inspect, in spite of the fact that these safety-critical components are highly susceptible to everyday wear and tear.
Experts recommend replacement of automotive shocks and struts at 120,000 kilometers. Testing has shown that original equipment gas-charged shocks and struts degrade measurably by 120,000kms kilometers*. For many popular-selling vehicles, replacing these worn shocks and struts can improve the vehicle’s handling characteristics and comfort.
*Actual mileage may vary, depending upon driver ability, vehicle type, and the type of driving and road conditions.
STEERING
Worn shocks and struts can allow excessive body roll when turning, which affects the vehicle’s ability to safely steer around objects in the road.
STOPPING
Worn shocks and struts can allow too much weight transfer to the front wheels during braking, which could result in a measurable increase in stopping distance.
STABILITY
Worn shocks and struts can allow excessive roll, sway and bounce while the vehicle is in motion, which reduces the driver’s control.
Like most safety-critical chassis components, shocks and struts do wear out over the course of normal operation. The rate of wear depends on a wide range of variables, such as road and environmental conditions, your driving style and vehicle load.
In general, however, shocks and struts wear so gradually that the negative effects – reduced steering precision, stopping performance and/or vehicle stability – might not be easily recognized in normal driving conditions. In addition to these safety concerns, worn shocks and struts could negatively affect:
- passenger comfort
- rate and pattern of tire wear
- dynamic wheel alignment
- brake life
- durability of other chassis parts
Sils Complete Auto Care wants you to Ride Safe.
The next time you get in your vehicle – check your odometer and also check to see if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above. Are you possibly driving on worn shocks and struts?
