Jack Williams

Signs that Your Shock Absorbers Need Replacing

"Shock absorbers" are really "dampers" and work by controlling the amount of bouncing created when the springs in your vehicle's suspension, which absorb bumps, rebound.

Several warning signs can tell you when shock absorbers need replacing :

· Your car bottoms out over railroad tracks, speed bumps or dips in the road.

· The car keeps bouncing well after you have crossed a bump.

· You hear unusual noises over bumps.

· The body of the car leans excessively in turns.

· The front end of the car dives sharply in hard braking.

Because shocks wear out gradually, you might get used to a looser, bouncier ride, much like you get used to longer stopping distances as brake pads wear out.

Despite advice to replace shocks at specific intervals (often from those who sell replacements), such as every 50,000 miles, when you need to do it can vary by vehicle and how and where you drive. Have a qualified mechanic check your shock absorbers when your car is on a lift, such as when you have tires rotated.

Jack Williams Tire and Auto Service Centers specialize in all of your vehicle's service needs. Whether your vehicle needs factory scheduled maintenance, state inspections or mission inspections, Jack Williams' ASE certified professionals know just how to help you. Visit any of our 29 locations to meet with Jack Williams' team of experts for alignments, brakes, shocks, struts, exhausts, batteries, fluid services, oil changes, filters, belts, hoses, diagnostics and more! Jack Williams Tire is proud to employ ASE certified technicians.