Dangers Of Worn Shock Absorbers

Your steering, stability, handling, ride comfort and brakes all rely on your shock absorbers to function at optimum levels. Shocks and struts are key components of the suspension system. Replacing worn or inadequate shocks and struts and thoroughly inspecting the entire suspension system will help to maintain good vehicle safety and control.

Although the best way to test your shock absorbers is through a workshop and road test by a qualified technician, there are some very distinctive signs of excessive shock absorber wear and tear you can keep an eye out for. Depending on the type of shock absorber fitted to your vehicle, they may need replacing or repairing.  If you experience any of the symptoms below in your car, call your local Repco Authorised Service Centre today. 

• Trouble Stopping
  Worn shock absorbers can add as much as 20% to your stopping distance. That's the sort of fault that can be fatal and requires immediate attention.
  
• Nose-diving & Swerving
  If the bonnet of your car dips when you brake or slow down, or your vehicle swerves under brakes, you may have a shock absorber problem.
  
• Bad Vibes
  Uncomfortable steering wheel vibration could be shock absorbers.
  
• Side Slide
  If your car veers in side winds, particularly when the wind isn't so strong, you could have shock absorber problems.
  
• Shake, Rattle & Roll
  Notice that your car 'rock and rolls' over bumps, railway tracks or uneven surfaces? Not hugging the bends? Time to get those shock absorbers checked then!
  
• Uneven Tyre Wear
  If your tyres are wearing unevenly, particularly if there are bald patches, odds are it's your shock absorbers.
   

The way you drive, where you drive, what you drive, the loads you carry, the weather - many things can impact on shock absorber life - so there is no hard and fast answer to this question. However, leading automotive experts recommend that you have a trained specialist inspect your shock absorbers for signs of wear every 20,000km.