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How do I know if my struts and shocks are bad in Marshville, NC? Close up image of shocks and struts on vehicle.

How Do I Know If My Shocks and Struts Are Bad?

Your car’s performance, comfort, and safety rely heavily on the condition of your shocks and struts. These essential components provide stability, support, and cushioning for your vehicle, ensuring a smooth driving experience. However, they don’t last forever, and you’ll need to replace them at various points throughout your car’s lifespan.

As your auto repair technician in Marshville, NC, we can inform you if your shocks and struts need replacement based on their recommended service life. Sometimes, though, they may wear out sooner than expected. In such cases, you’ll likely observe one or more of the following indicators, signaling the need for suspension repair and maintenance.

Harsh, Bumpy Ride

A harsh, bumpy ride is usually the first sign that your shocks and struts are wearing out. When in good condition, these parts work with the springs to absorb impacts, vibrations, and other jolts as you drive down the road.

As they wear out, their ability to transform kinetic energy into thermal energy significantly declines, leaving you with a genuinely uncomfortable ride. The shock mounts, bump stops, and other cushioning parts can wear out, too, making the problem that much worse.

Poor Handling

The springs and your car’s struts and shocks work together to enhance your vehicle’s stability, both on straight roads and around curves. As these components wear out, you’ll likely experience a decline in handling.

Some common signs include your car swaying from side to side during turns, wheels bouncing while cornering, or feeling less confident while driving. Also, the front of your car dips significantly when braking or lowers when you speed up.

Steering Difficulties

A decline in your car’s handling can also affect its steering. At first, the steering wheel is somewhat resistant when turning. Over time, it might become increasingly challenging to keep your car on course without constantly adjusting the wheel, which can be tiring and frustrating.

Fortunately, replacing your shocks and struts often resolves this issue. It’s a good idea to have your auto repair team inspect the entire steering and suspension system to identify and address any additional problems that may be present.

Uneven Tread Wear

Uneven tire tread wear, when observed with other symptoms, is a strong indicator of worn shocks and struts. Worn suspension components can cause misalignment, leading to irregular wear patterns like cupping.

Addressing the issue early by replacing the worn parts can help prevent the need for additional tire replacement and associated costs. Therefore, acting promptly is essential when you notice potential signs of suspension problems.

Need to Book Your Shocks and Struts Replacement Visit?

If you’ve observed any of the mentioned symptoms, schedule an appointment for shocks and struts replacement services at Whitley Automotive. Our skilled auto repair team in Marshville, NC, will thoroughly inspect your vehicle’s suspension and steering system using a digital vehicle inspection. This enables us to provide detailed notes, images, and videos to help you make informed decisions about your car’s maintenance.

To book an appointment, call us at (704) 624-6616 or drop by our shop at 7006 East Marshville Blvd, Marshville, NC 28103, to experience our services firsthand. We’re committed to ensuring your safety and comfort on the road, so please don’t hesitate to contact us.

KEEP YOUR VEHICLE ON THE ROAD WITH THE HELP OF

WHITLEY AUTOMOTIVE

Our team at Whitley Automotive always awaits the chance to keep your vehicle running strong for
years to come. We encourage you to contact our team in Locust or Marshville, NC, whenever you
need auto repairs or maintenance services.