What causes car shocks to go bad?
There is no singular cause of damaged or compromised shocks. Shocks will degrade under normal conditions but rough driving and damage from hazards can also ravage their quality. Since shocks work by absorbing impacts that would otherwise ripple throughout your car, it makes sense that they need regular maintenance. Lastly, while shocks are individual components of the suspension, struts connect the suspension and chassis.
Common Explanations for What Causes Car Shocks to Go Bad
- Normal Use: While most shocks only last 50,000-100,000 miles, you’re driving and maintenance habits can influence this range. The better your shocks, the safer your ride will be.
- Hazardous Roads: Regularly drive over stretches of road with gravel, potholes, uneven pavement or "surprise" speed bumps, and expect all those hazards to eat into your shocks' lifespan.
- Leaks: Shocks rely on hydraulic fluid that can trickle past degraded seals. Less fluid means you will feel impacts more severely.
- Heavy Hauling: Forcing your car to transport heavy loads will greatly tax your suspension, even if your car features solid car axles.
- Corrosion/Rust: Moisture, salted roads, and harsh weather can degrade your shocks and their fluid retention seals.
- Worn Parts: A suspension system involves springs, bearings, and other components. When you ignore their maintenance, it has a knock-on effect on shocks.
- Aggressive Driving: Sudden stops, sudden acceleration, and driving across dangerous surfaces at high speed all eat away at the shocks around your car axles.
Bad Shock Checklist
Noticing any of these symptoms is cause for some shock maintenance.
- Lots of bouncing after clearing a bump
- Rough, unpleasant riding
- Some tires are more worn out than others
- "Nose diving" when braking
- Drunken swaying when turning
- Inadequate handling and reliability
Wondering about what causes car shocks to go bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about car axles and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
About the Author
There is no singular cause of damaged or compromised shocks. Shocks will degrade under normal conditions but rough driving and damage from hazards can also ravage their quality. Since shocks work by absorbing impacts that would otherwise ripple throughout your car, it makes sense that they need regular maintenance. Lastly, while shocks are individual components of the suspension, struts connect the suspension and chassis.
Common Explanations for What Causes Car Shocks to Go Bad
- Normal Use: While most shocks only last 50,000-100,000 miles, you’re driving and maintenance habits can influence this range. The better your shocks, the safer your ride will be.
- Hazardous Roads: Regularly drive over stretches of road with gravel, potholes, uneven pavement or "surprise" speed bumps, and expect all those hazards to eat into your shocks' lifespan.
- Leaks: Shocks rely on hydraulic fluid that can trickle past degraded seals. Less fluid means you will feel impacts more severely.
- Heavy Hauling: Forcing your car to transport heavy loads will greatly tax your suspension, even if your car features solid car axles.
- Corrosion/Rust: Moisture, salted roads, and harsh weather can degrade your shocks and their fluid retention seals.
- Worn Parts: A suspension system involves springs, bearings, and other components. When you ignore their maintenance, it has a knock-on effect on shocks.
- Aggressive Driving: Sudden stops, sudden acceleration, and driving across dangerous surfaces at high speed all eat away at the shocks around your car axles.
Bad Shock Checklist
Noticing any of these symptoms is cause for some shock maintenance.
- Lots of bouncing after clearing a bump
- Rough, unpleasant riding
- Some tires are more worn out than others
- "Nose diving" when braking
- Drunken swaying when turning
- Inadequate handling and reliability
Wondering about what causes car shocks to go bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about car axles and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
About the Author
