Can I drive with bad shocks?
As the owner of Kevin's Autos, with decades of experience in car maintenance and repair, I often get asked whether it's safe to drive with bad shocks. While it might seem like a minor issue at first, bad shocks can lead to serious safety concerns and costly repairs if not addressed promptly. In this article, I'll explain what shocks do, the risks of driving with bad shocks, and what you should do if you suspect an issue.
What Are Shocks and Why Are They Important?
Shocks, or shock absorbers, are a critical component of your vehicle's suspension system. Their primary function is to absorb and dampen the impact of road irregularities, ensuring a smooth and stable ride. They also play a key role in maintaining proper tire contact with the road, which is essential for steering, braking, and overall vehicle control.
When shocks are in good condition, they help your car handle properly, reduce wear on other suspension components, and improve passenger comfort. However, when they start to fail, the consequences can be significant.
Risks of Driving with Bad Shocks
Driving with bad shocks can lead to a variety of problems, including:
- Reduced Vehicle Control: Bad shocks can make your car harder to steer and less stable, especially during turns or sudden maneuvers.
- Increased Stopping Distance: Worn shocks can cause your tires to lose contact with the road, increasing the distance it takes to stop your vehicle.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Bad shocks can cause your tires to wear unevenly, leading to reduced tire life and the need for premature replacement.
- Damage to Other Components: Faulty shocks can put extra stress on other parts of your suspension system, leading to more expensive repairs down the line.
- Passenger Discomfort: A bumpy, uncomfortable ride is often the first sign of bad shocks, but it’s also a symptom of a deeper issue that needs attention.
Signs Your Shocks May Be Failing
It’s important to recognize the warning signs of bad shocks early. Here are some common indicators:
- Excessive bouncing after hitting a bump or pothole.
- Leaking fluid around the shocks or struts.
- Uneven tire wear or cupping on the tires.
- Difficulty steering or a feeling of instability while driving.
- Unusual noises, such as clunking or rattling, coming from the suspension.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Bad Shocks?
If you suspect your shocks are failing, it’s crucial to address the issue as soon as possible. Here’s what you should do:
- Inspect Your Vehicle: Look for visible signs of damage, such as leaking fluid or uneven tire wear.
- Test the Bounce: Push down firmly on the hood or trunk of your car. If it bounces more than once or twice, your shocks may be worn out.
- Visit a Professional Mechanic: Bring your car to a trusted auto repair shop, like Kevin's Autos, for a thorough inspection and repair. A professional can confirm the issue and replace the shocks if necessary.
Conclusion
While it might be tempting to put off repairing bad shocks, doing so can compromise your safety and lead to more expensive repairs in the future. If you notice any signs of failing shocks, don’t hesitate to take action. At Kevin's Autos, we’re here to help you keep your car running smoothly and safely. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or repair!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you drive with bad shocks?
- You ``can'' drive with worn shocks/struts. But it can also cause safety issues.
- Bad shocks can cause your car to bounce, and continue bouncing after hitting a bump or dip in the road.
- Worn shocks also causes tires to wear unevenly and prematurely, and may also cost you more in the long run.
- if you can afford it.
How urgent is it to replace shocks?
every 50,000 miles
Whether you have shocks or struts, or both, you should consider replacing them at least every 50,000 miles. You can check the integrity of shocks and struts by simply bouncing your vehicle and monitoring the give. If it doesn't bounce back, you probably need to consider replacing shocks and struts soon.
How to tell if shocks are blown?
Other signs to keep an eye on for our damaged housings and chipped or corroded piston rods.
Can I go on a road trip with bad shocks?
Your vehicle's stopping distance may increase, which can be critical in an emergency braking situation. You're also at increased risk of skidding on wet roads. To avoid risking your safety and the safety of others on the road, don't wait to have your worn shocks or struts inspected.
What do bad shocks sound like?
Bad struts (the shock absorber on unibody cars) can make a knocking sound as you hit bumps. They also may not make any sound at all. Worn shocks and struts will cause the car to bounce when hitting a bump because they cannot stop the spring from ocillating.
How much do shocks cost to replace?
between $450 and $1,100
Shocks and struts replacement costs somewhere between $450 and $1,100. It's possible to remove just the shocks or the struts, but it may produce mixed results performance-wise. Common symptoms of failing shocks and struts include knocking sounds, bumpy rides, cupped tire wear pattern, and more.
How long can you go without replacing shocks?
Generally, shocks and struts wear out every 50,000-100,000 miles. If you're a more aggressive driver and/or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster.
How long can you drive on a broken shock?
Regardless of whether it's a broken coil spring or a broken shock absorber, you cannot drive a vehicle which has any element of the suspension that is broken. This is because driving with a damaged or collapsed coil spring can cause sagging, which could cause more damage to your vehicle in the long-term.
What happens if you don't replace shocks?
Over time, shocks and struts can lose their ability to control weight transfer; this is what causes you to feel like you're not in control of your vehicle. This can be dangerous, especially if your tires lose contact with the pavement, making it difficult to control your vehicle in an emergency situation.
How much does it cost to replace shocks?
between $450 and $1,100
Shocks and struts replacement costs somewhere between $450 and $1,100. It's possible to remove just the shocks or the struts, but it may produce mixed results performance-wise. Common symptoms of failing shocks and struts include knocking sounds, bumpy rides, cupped tire wear pattern, and more.
