shocks & struts

Shocks and struts do more than just quality of ride. Did you know if you have a bad shock or strut, you can actually lose control of your vehicle? When your tire hits a pothole or bump in the road it can cause the vehicle to swerve right or left, which obviously can cause you to wreck. Shocks and struts go through a rough time when you’re driving. Bad road conditions combined with general wear and tear shorten the life of your shocks and struts The workers at Elkhart Mechanics can put your vehicle on the lift and check a for wear and possible damage. You don’t want to find out after the accident that you could have Elkhart Mechanics check it out and fix it, which would have save you thousands.

As with so many parts, when your car’s shocks and struts are working properly, you don’t notice them. Faulty shocks and struts can actually cause a wide variety of symptoms. If you think to look at your shocks or struts, they might appear dented, or you might see fluid leaking from them. The mounts and bushings might appear broken, corroded, damaged, or worn. The pattern of wear on your tires might also appear cupped or uneven. Most of the time, though, the symptoms of bad shocks or struts are more subtle. You might hear a noise when you turn your steering wheel, or the steering may feel stiffer than usual. You might also feel your car bouncing or shaking, or it might lean or sway when you change lanes or make a turn. In general, a car with bad shocks offers a bumpier ride than one with good struts. When you brake, your car may visibly lean forward; is usually not easy to see, and someone outside the car should observe it for you.

Most of the time, you can drive 50,000 miles or more without replacing your shocks or struts. If you drive on unpaved roads or roads with uneven pavement, your shocks and struts may need more frequent maintenance. Many of the symptoms of worn-out shocks or struts may sound more like minor annoyances than serious problems, but the more the shocks and struts get worn out, the harder it is to control the car when driving or braking. In fact, a car with new shocks or struts can stop about ten feet sooner when braking than a car that has been using its shocks or struts for 50,000 miles. At Elkhart Mechanics, we can replace your shocks or struts and get you back to driving safely and smoothly.