Thursday, July 29, 2010

How often should I replace my car's shock absorbers?


They should be checked once a year, usually in conjunction with a wheel alignment. Under normal conditions, shocks wear out gradually and you may not notice incremental losses in ride quality, handling and control. Some signs that your vehicle may have worn shocks include excessive bouncing, rocking back and forth, drifting or nose-diving while braking, swaying, or cupping wear on the tires.

If your driving habits warrant it or you drive a truck or SUV you might consider upgrading to premium shocks. Premium shocks are superior to regular hydraulic shocks because air in the shock is replaced by pressurized nitrogen gas. This prevents bubbles from forming in the hydraulic fluid. These bubbles, called foaming, reduce the ability of shocks to provide resistance and prevent bounce. Gas shocks also quicken the response of a shock's movement, thereby increasing comfort and control.

How often they need to be replaced is determined by how you drive your vehicle, where you drive, and the type of vehicle. Check your owner's manual/or with your mechanic for a recommendation specific to your vehicle.

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