The best magazine
If you have recently wondered "Do I need New Shocks?" to yourself then it is time to take action and learn the necessary skills to answer that question.
The word 'shocks' is actually the slang expression for a vehicle's 'shock absorbers'.
Testing the shocks on any small to large size passenger vehicle can be performed in a very simple way that provides a realistic indication of their condition.
If you do not have any technical equipment you can still perform this task by reading the following methods and words of warning on checking your shocks.
Firstly, go to any corner of your car, van, or truck and position your body directly above and facing a wheel.
It is best to perform this on the front of the vehicle as the hood is usually lower to the ground than the trunk therefore you do not have to elevate yourself too much to perform this task.
Place both your palms flat down onto the hood or bumper and firmly push down so that you create a bouncing motion.
You should do this pushing motion repeatedly until you see your car bounce up and down by itself about two to three times.
During this point in time you need to carefully assess the situation by observing how your car reacts.
If the bouncing ceases with just one bounce and then completely stops then the shocks are in good to new condition.
However, if you notice that your car is continually bouncing repeatedly then this is a good indication that you need to replace them soon as they are beginning to wear out.
To double check this matter you will need to examine the shock more carefully by looking at it with a flashlight.
In order to do this, you may need to turn the wheel outwards so that it exposes the shock.
This is easier for people who have not lowered their vehicle via aftermarket means.
Square down and point your flashlight into the wheel well where the shock is and search for any leaks or liquids coming from the shocks.
Of course, make sure that you do not do this after you have washed the vehicle or driven it in the rain to make sure that the liquid really from the shocks or not.
If you do see liquid than it is a sure sign that hydraulic fluid is leaking through a faulty seal.
In this case, it is absolutely imperative that you have it replaced as soon as possible.
Other simple ways to determine whether you to need to change shocks is the comfort of your ride, how much mileage is on your vehicle, how old your vehicle is and how often you actually drive the vehicle.
If your ride is really bouncy, your mileage is high, your car is very old and you rarely ever drive your car, these are all signs that you may need to check them as there is a high potential that they need to be changed.
If you do decide to change your shocks then you need to take heed to the following advice.
Make sure to not cheap out and only replace one shock.
They always need to be replaced in pairs to maintain balance in the vehicle's suspension system.
So if one in the front or back needs to be changed then both either in the front or back need to be changed.
Also, when you are finalizing the inspection of your shocks never attempt to utilize a jack by itself as there is the danger that it may collapse when you are crawling under your vehicle to do a more thorough inspection.
If you have to then place at least 2 jack stands underneath the frame to prevent accidents.
Determining when to change shocks is not rocket science but knowing the simple techniques will go a long way.
Everyone should know when to replace shocks since the comfort and safety of their car or truck depends on it.
Now stop asking yourself "Do I need new shocks?" and take this advice so that you can find out for sure yourself.
Source: ...