If your car’s shocks are starting to wear out, you’ll know it by the jolts you feel when you drive over bumps or potholes in the road. This can be painful and distracting, so it’s important to replace them before they cause any serious damage to your car.
Thankfully, this article and Pedders Australia can help you to know how to spot worn-out shock absorbers and keep your vehicle safe for many miles to come.
What are shock absorbers?
Shock absorbers are designed to help reduce the impact of the ride on your car’s occupants by dampening sudden bumps. They are usually made of a rubber or polyurethane material that is compressed when a bump is hit and then released, helping to prevent the jolt from being transmitted from the axle through the frame and into the car.
Shock absorber failure can be caused by three different things: age, abuse, or damage. Age is a factor because over time shock absorbers can wear down due to use and exposure to extreme weather conditions like rain, snow, sleet, or ice. Abuse or damage can include things like hitting an animal with your car or driving over large holes in the road.
How do they work?
Shock absorbers, or dampers, are found on the front and rear suspension of your car. They work by absorbing the impact that occurs when you drive over a bumpy road surface. They also give back some of the energy you lost during that collision so you can maintain your speed.
Generally, shock absorbers are designed to last for a set number of miles before they will need replacing. However, other factors may cause them to wear out faster than expected. For example, if you have an older car with a worn-down suspension system or defective brakes, it may require more stress on the shocks causing them to wear out more quickly than expected.
When should you change them?
When should you change your shock absorbers? When do they need replacing? The answer is: it all depends. There’s no set time limit or mileage that dictates when a person needs to replace their shock absorbers.
In general, they should be inspected every 10,000 miles or every two years and replaced once they’re older than ten years old. If you’ve never replaced them before, then chances are your car could use a new set of shocks.
How often should you change them?
A lot of people don’t know how often they should change their shock absorbers, but the answer is: it depends. There are a few things you can do to tell when you should change them. First, look at the age of your vehicle, if it’s over five years old, you might need new shock absorbers.
Second, take a close look at the springs and see if there are any signs of wear or damage. Third, check for leaks or fluid seeping onto your garage floor, this could be an indicator that it’s time to replace your shocks. Fourth, feel for bouncing on rough roads or hitting bumps in the road – this could be another sign that it’s time for new shock absorbers.
What are the signs that you need new shock absorbers?
Many signs indicate you need new shock absorbers. One of the most common signs is when your car feels like it’s going over a speed bump when it’s not. Another indicator is that your car doesn’t bounce back as much after hitting a pothole or other bump in the road.
If you notice any of these symptoms, then chances are you need new shock absorbers and should have your mechanic take a look at them.
How much does it cost to replace shock absorbers?
Shock absorber replacement can be expensive and is generally not covered by your warranty. However, there are a few different factors that can help you decide whether or not your shocks need to be replaced. If you feel like your car’s ride is bouncier than normal or if you hear a screeching noise when you go over bumps, it could be time to replace the shock absorbers.
Other things that can affect the price of shock absorber replacement are whether they are front or rear shocks, the size and condition of the old shock, labor costs, and whether diagnostic services are included in the quote.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best way to determine whether or not you need new shock absorbers is by performing a thorough inspection of your vehicle. However, it may be worth considering having a Pedders dealer take a look at your vehicle when you bring it in for routine servicing. This will help identify any potential issues before they become problems.
