It does not matter the year of the car or its size; if there is something that each of them has in common is wear, an issue to which you should pay particular attention when it comes to parts that cannot be seen with the naked eye, such as shock absorbers.
Shock absorbers are located very close to the car’s tires and play a vital role in the vehicle’s steering, suspension, and braking, no matter what type of terrain you drive on. Unfortunately, these are wearing parts, so it is essential to know when to change your shock absorbers. When are the shock absorbers changed? Learn these 4 signs.
How do you know when to change shock absorbers?
Tire tread
Under normal conditions, tires wear evenly. However, if you notice deeper wear on the ends of the tire, it may be time for a more in-depth inspection. These questions can help you get out of the doubt: Is the tire pressure correct? When was the last time you aligned the axes? A simple way to identify a tire groove problem is by examining the wear pattern on the surface; If it is irregular, you should go to the technical service for a check.
Irregular movement when driving
Shock absorbers are part of the car’s suspension system, and when they are in good condition, you feel a sense of “smoothness on the pavement” when driving. Now, when do you change the shocks for rough handling? Ask yourself: Do you feel a lot or a slight vibration in the steering wheel? Do you think a sharp hit when the car hits the slightest bump? If you have an affirmative answer to these two questions, it is most likely time to change the shock absorbers.
Lack of stability when cornering
When you drive in curves and feel that you do not have complete control of the driving, the car leans towards the outside of the turn, so you are forced to slow down; it is a way of knowing when to change the shock absorbers. This problem is exacerbated when braking because you feel that the car is moving horizontally from one side to the other, and it takes time to respond.
Excess fuel consumption
Another way of knowing when to change your shocks has to do with fuel consumption. Of course, excessive fuel consumption can have other causes, such as a problem with the air exhaust system, but if the shock absorbers are worn, you will undoubtedly suffer the same consequence.
How often to change shock absorbers?
The average life of a shock absorber is around 60 thousand kilometers, although everything will depend on the way you drive and the roads you travel. We recommend a simple check of the shock absorbers after 20 thousand kilometers of driving. You can take your forecasts to know how often to change shock absorbers and the signs that indicate a malfunction in these vehicle parts.
Finally, when changing the shock absorber, you must do it together (that is, replace the two front or the two rear) because the new shock will damage the old one due to the pressure difference.
