Shocks and struts wear out so slowly that most people never notice the change. One day you ride in a friend’s newer car and realize how smooth it feels, and then you wonder why yours bounces over every dip on Hillsboro Road.
Shocks and struts are the parts that keep your car steady after it hits a bump. Your springs hold the car up, and the shocks and struts control how much it bounces. Without them working properly, the car would keep bouncing up and down like a pogo stick after every bump.
There are some easy signs to watch for. The car keeps bouncing after you go over a bump or a dip. The front end dips forward when you brake. The car leans or sways more than it used to when you go around a corner. You feel every little imperfection in the road. You might also see oily fluid leaking down the side of a shock, or notice your tires wearing in an uneven, scalloped pattern.
Worn shocks and struts are about more than comfort. They help keep your tires pressed firmly against the road. When they’re worn, your tires can lose grip for a split second over bumps, which makes stopping distances longer and handling less predictable, especially on wet fall roads.
Many manufacturers suggest having them inspected somewhere around 50,000 miles, though the right time depends on how and where you drive. Rough roads and heavy loads wear them out faster.
We’ll take a look at your shocks, struts and the rest of your suspension and give you an honest answer about whether anything needs attention now, later or not at all. As a family-owned shop that’s been part of Franklin since 1999, we’d rather earn your trust than sell you something you don’t need.
Call Franklin Automotive at (615) 472-8052 or stop by 307 5th Ave N in downtown Franklin, Monday through Friday from 7 to 5.
