It’s a fact of vehicle ownership that as the miles add up, even with regular maintenance, the various components and operating systems of your car will wear out. Of course, this includes the suspension system—the car struts or shocks, which could also include the car axles! It can be difficult to know exactly how worn the shocks and struts have become until you start to notice issues while driving down the road.
Wondering what happens when car struts go bad? If you are experiencing any one of the issues listed below, it could be time to change your car struts or shocks:
- The steering wheel feels loose or wobbly.
- Car sways from side to side while replacing lanes or going around corners.
- Car keeps bouncing around longer than usual after hitting a bump.
- Tire tread wears unevenly and faster than usual.
- The brakes aren’t functioning correctly, taking longer and further to come to a stop.
- Your car “nose dives” when braking.
- Hydraulic fluid is leaking from the struts or shocks.
- The car axles are becoming weak because of too much pressure.
Along with normal wear and tear, there are two situations that can cause your car shocks or struts to wear out faster than normal:
- Poor road conditions. Driving over speed bumps too fast, driving constantly on bad roads filled with potholes, rocks, or other obstacles.
- Aggressive driving styles. Braking tough and quick and fast accelerating.
Have your car shocks and struts checked frequently, such as at each oil change. Although it may seem costly to change your shocks, don’t put it off! A bad suspension system compromises the safety of your car, affecting braking performance, steering control, and damage to the car axles.
Do you want to know more about what happens when car struts go bad? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about the suspension system, including car axles, and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
