The shocks and struts in your car are probably the most important component that you never think about. On the surface, these parts seem to be unbreakable or unwearable. They certainly look the part, as they never degrade on the outside. Unfortunately, these characteristics most often give the driver a false sense of security because they don’t think they’ll ever have to replace their shocks or struts. This could not be further from the truth. The fact is that shocks and struts gradually wear over time. It’s so slow that the driver will never notice a difference in the ride quality. For that reason, only a technician can tell you when you should replace them. You may be wondering why you would need to replace your shocks in the first place. Here are some reasons to replace your shocks and struts.

Lift Kits

 Shocks for trucks with lift kits are a must for your vehicle! If you’ve put a lift kit on your truck, you’ll probably replace the shocks and struts to reflect the height difference the lift kit causes. In general, these shocks serve the purpose of taking up the space between the top and bottom mounting points on the chassis and suspension. The good news is that these shocks and struts are usually provided if you purchase a lift kit.

Maintenance

No matter where you drive—whether it’s on paved roads or dirt roads—your shocks and struts are going to take a beating. On average, they move up and down 1,700 times per mile. This can lead to gradual wear that most motorists will not notice. In order to combat this, it is suggested you have a mechanic assess your shocks and struts every 50,000 miles to ensure they’re still operable.

Doesn’t Perform Well With Your Vehicle

After a lot of wear, you may notice your vehicle needs constant corrections to drive in a straight line. It may even cause uneven tire wear, leading to more drifting. Also, even before 50,000 miles, your shocks may not perform well with your vehicle. This is most common in heavier vehicles or if you use your truck to haul heavy objects frequently.

Whether because of your new lift kit or because your car is starting to drift, getting new shocks and struts is essential to the health of your car. They can improve the ride and stability and will provide more longevity to your tires. If this article on the reasons to replace your shocks and struts has interested you, feel free to browse our website for more information on lift kits, shocks, and other automotive accessories!