Do you know the signs of bad shocks and struts? As critical parts of your vehicle’s suspension system, bad shocks and struts tend to demonstrate or cause the following:
- Unusual tire wear
- Rear-end squats when you accelerate
- Instability when driving at high speeds
- Vehicle leans or tips to one side when turning.
- Tires bouncing excessively
- A diving front end when braking
- Fluid leaking on the outside of the shocks and struts.
If you notice any of the previous signs, it’s of the highest importance that your shocks and struts are inspected as soon as possible at EG Auto Center in Dayton, NJ. Failure to do so could place you, your loved ones, and everyone else on the road directly in harm’s way.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the top dangers of driving around on bad shocks and struts.
Bad Shocks and Struts Can Make You
Bad shocks and struts can reduce your ability to maneuver your vehicle as you drive over dips and bumps in the road. Specifically, bad shocks and struts can cause your wheels to vibrate violently, which can cause you to lose control.
Bad struts and shocks can also cause your vehicle to feel as if it’s floating or flying over speed bumps—even when you’re driving at safe speeds.
Bad Struts and Shocks Can Complicate Cornering
Your vehicle’s shocks and struts enable your car to grip the road effectively. On the other hand, faulty shocks and struts will reduce your ability to maintain traction when you steer around curves. While this alone may not be as dangerous, the reduced traction often causes drivers to oversteer or understeer, leading to an accident.
Faulty Shocks and Struts Can Cause Malfunctioning Anti-Lock Brakes
Did you know that the performance of your anti-lock braking system (ABS), shocks, and struts are directly related? Your ABS will not work as effectively when you drive on worn-out shocks and struts.
This means if you’re traveling on very bumpy or rough roads and have to brake suddenly, your vehicle may not stop as quickly as you would like. This can cause you to lose control and/or overestimate/underestimate stopping distance, leading to an accident.
Damaged Shocks and Struts Can Cause Damage to Other Parts of Your Vehicle
As core components of your vehicle’s suspension system, several other parts rely on your vehicle’s shocks and struts. When your shocks and struts begin malfunctioning, they tend to place additional stress on other components, such as the ball joints, control arms, and more.
If this problem is left unattended for any time, it can cause more costly mechanical breakdowns and failures. Even worse, it could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and get into an accident.
Contact EG Auto Center in Dayton, NJ for Shocks and Struts Service
Don’t chance it! You have too much riding around in your vehicle to risk driving with bad shocks and struts. If your shocks and struts demonstrate signs of wear, failure, or damage, it’s imperative to schedule an inspection with the mechanics at EG Auto Center in Dayton, NJ.
Contact us at EG Auto Center in Dayton, NJ today.
