Your Vehicle’s Suspension System

The Importance of Replacing Shocks and Struts

A knowledgeable auto repair shop will tell you shocks and struts are an important part of your car’s suspension system. They help keep your tires planted firmly and evenly on the ground to give you a smooth ride in the driver’s seat, even if you’re traveling over rough Colorado terrain. If you’re driving a vehicle that has worn shocks or struts, it can affect the traction, as well as your ability to steer or stop.  Because the condition of your shocks and struts affects traction, it can also lead to unnecessary wear and tear on your tires.
Most manufacturers recommend replacing these suspension components about every 50,000 miles or so. When you bring your car in to Fisher Auto in Boulder, our trained service staff can check the condition of you shocks and struts and replace them for you if necessary.  It’s important to keep your suspension system in check for your safety and comfort, and so you don’t throw the rest of your vehicle out of whack.

How Are Shocks and Struts Different?

SHOCKS – They sit at the back of the vehicle and absorb the shock from bumps in the road and lessen the vibrations to give you a smoother ride. They keep the tires on the ground when you go over any bumps, to allow for better handling. Without shocks, riding in your car would feel more like riding a bucking bronco!

STRUTS – They are normally at the front of the vehicle and prevent shocks to arms that hold the steering wheel. While shocks work more on the comfort of your ride, struts are much more complex and work more on the safety end of driving and steering. When your vehicle hits a bump, it is the struts that bring the vehicle back into its original position through recoiling of springs. Without struts, your car would be somewhat out of control every time you hit a bump.

Signs Your Shocks and Struts Need Replacing

• Vehicle rolls or sways on turns
• Vehicle bounces or slides sideways on a winding, rough road
• Front end dives when braking
• Asymmetrical wear on tires (high and low spots)
• Rear end squats when accelerating
• Leaks on the housing
• Dents on the shock or strut body
• Worn rubber mounting bushings
• Pitted piston rods
• Thumping or Front End Dipping/Bottoming Out when hitting a bump
• Crushed rubber bumpers from bottoming out

Don’t wait until you’re skidding on a wet surface or bouncing all over the road to get your struts and shocks replaced. Call or come in today for your vehicle service needs. Fisher Auto in Boulder will keep you driving safely and comfortably for miles to come. Fisher Auto has been keeping vehicles safely in motion for over 40 years, proudly serving the areas of Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Erie, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, and beyond.