Even though city streets and roads are bumpy and filled with potholes this time of year, it seems your vehicle’s “ride” is getting worse faster than it should. You may wonder if the car axles are going bad, or if it’s bad shocks or struts. Do you know how the entire suspension system, including the car axles, can be affected by bad shocks?

Are you asking, “How often should I replace shocks and struts?” It is normal that shocks wear out as your vehicle accumulates mileage. However, they will wear out even more quickly when it is necessary to drive over bumpy streets that need repair. When shocks go bad, the results can be dangerous, as it impacts the steering and stopping performance of your vehicle. Replacing the shocks, or struts will improve stopping performance as well as increased vehicle stability and driver control.

Consider these common symptoms of bad shocks:

  1. Excessive Bouncing when hitting a bump or pothole.
  2. Vehicle nose “dives” or “squats” when braking or accelerating.
  3. Tire "Cupping" as the rubber wears off the tire each time it hits the ground.
  4. Leaking hydraulic fluid from inside the shock.

Any of the above signs look familiar? You don’t have to put up with these issues any longer than it takes to get your vehicle to an auto service center.

Wondering if the stability of your car axles is being compromised by bad shocks? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about car shock or struts and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

Many drivers ask, “How often should I replace shocks and struts?” If you are having issues, call your auto mechanic to schedule an inspection of the car axles.

Even though city streets and roads are bumpy and filled with potholes this time of year, it seems your vehicle’s “ride” is getting worse faster than it should. You may wonder if the car axles are going bad, or if it’s bad shocks or struts. Do you know how the entire suspension system, including the car axles, can be affected by bad shocks?

Are you asking, “How often should I replace shocks and struts?” It is normal that shocks wear out as your vehicle accumulates mileage. However, they will wear out even more quickly when it is necessary to drive over bumpy streets that need repair. When shocks go bad, the results can be dangerous, as it impacts the steering and stopping performance of your vehicle. Replacing the shocks, or struts will improve stopping performance as well as increased vehicle stability and driver control.

Consider these common symptoms of bad shocks:

  1. Excessive Bouncing when hitting a bump or pothole.
  2. Vehicle nose “dives” or “squats” when braking or accelerating.
  3. Tire "Cupping" as the rubber wears off the tire each time it hits the ground.
  4. Leaking hydraulic fluid from inside the shock.

Any of the above signs look familiar? You don’t have to put up with these issues any longer than it takes to get your vehicle to an auto service center.

Wondering if the stability of your car axles is being compromised by bad shocks? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about car shock or struts and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

Steve Clausen