How To Check Your Shocks And Struts?

Of all the parts a car has, tires are the only parts that maintain constant contact with the ground, but what keeps this contact? Shock absorbers are responsible for tires touching the road, so they are vitally important.

Shock absorbers are responsible for controlling suspension oscillations, smoothing terrain irregularities and ensuring tires are in constant contact with the ground. This helps in better cornering grip, reduced braking distance and a better experience for vehicle passengers.

Struts are other components of modern independent suspension systems and in most front-wheel drive vehicles. They differ from the shock absorbers (they are two very different things) because these, the struts ones, apart from performing the same functions as the shock absorbers, also support the weight of the vehicle.

If your car bounces a lot when it goes through a pothole and starts to get harder to drive, it's very likely that your vehicle's shock absorbers or points are damaged. That is why checking the shock absorbers and the struts is very important to decide whether it is time to replace them or not. But don't worry, checking them is very simple, you don't even need tools.

5 Cases Showing Wear Of Shock Absorbers Or Struts:

1. The car bounces a lot: if when going through potholes or a terrain with irregularities you feel a lot of shocks and that it seems that you are about to lose control of the car, most likely it is because of the shock absorbers or the punctual ones.
2. The vehicle swings or tilts: it may be that when you are turning or changing lanes, you may feel the car tilt, and not only that, but the steering wheel may be stiff.
3. Braking is a problem: the tank becomes very unstable, and more so when it is braking. The car wobbles or feels it plummeting when braking, a feeling not at all pleasant.
4. Unusual wear patterns: Tires may experience unusual wear, so they will look different from each other, which is a serious problem.
5. The distance travelled: having traveled about 50,000 miles or 80,400 kilometers, the lifespan of the shock absorbers and points usually ends.

Check The Shock Absorbers And Struts.

There are two very simple but effective tests to make sure the problem comes from shock absorbers and struts.

The first is the rebound test. It consists of leaning on the front of your vehicle, which may be the bumper, but taking care not to damage your vehicle, as it will push your vehicle down with your own, to immediately move away from the vehicle and observe. If the vehicle bounces once and returns to its original position, that means the suspension system is in perfect condition. However, if the vehicle bounces continuously, it means it's time to take your car to the meccanice to replace the shock absorbers or struts.

The second test is a visual inspection. Locate where the shock absorbers or spotters are located, and verify that the shock absorbers are dent-free, fold-free, and oil-free. If not, your suspension system is compromised.

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Another test you can do is by checking the condition of your tires, as mentioned above. If you have strange patterns, bald or protruding areas on the tire, you not only need to change the tires, but also check the shock absorbers and the struts.