Shocks how many miles

It is best to start inspecting these parts regularly after around 40, miles or if the vehicle starts to bounce, sag, have increased braking distance or other suspension problems.

It is important to immediately have your vehicle inspected or repaired if you feel the shocks or struts could be bad. Both shocks and struts can create hazardous conditions such as bouncing or poor braking that can lead to accidents. Unlike shocks, front struts are an integral part of the steering system and if they fail it could dangerously affect the steering.

If these parts completely collapse, the vehicle will most likely not be drivable. Have more questions about the purpose of automotive shocks? Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI , and surrounding area. Ben Marjamaa. Prev Next. Today: Closed On Saturday. How long do they last? Most manufacturers recommend that shocks and struts be replaced every 50, to 75, miles, but shocks and struts can last longer or shorter depending on driving purpose, location, and road conditions.

Driving Purpose: Why the vehicle is driven can affect the life of the struts. If the vehicle is taken off-roading often and experiences rough terrain, or if it frequently carries heavy loads, the struts could wear out faster. Road Conditions: Rough and bumpy roads, potholes, poor to no pavement, or road debris like road salt can also wear out struts faster through more wear and tear.

Location: Apart from where the vehicle is being driven, such as off-roading in the desert, the elements of the region where the vehicle is frequently driven also matters.

If the vehicle mostly drives in New England, for example, and experiences adverse weather such as snow and debris like road salt, the struts may corrode faster. To ensure a safe and more comfortable drive, some manufacturers recommend replacing the struts and shocks every 50, to 75, miles.

It is recommended to at least inspect the struts at this interval or annually for dents and leaks. To determine their strength, perform a bounce test at the front and rear of the vehicle. Alternately, when you back out of a driveway and the rear wheel hits the dip at the curb, does the rear of the car bottom out? Does it scrape the pavement? These are signs the rear shocks have met the end of their useful life.

If you get a flashlight, you can take a look at your shocks and struts. Do you see fluid usually brown in color leaking down onto the bottom part of the shock or strut? While you might have a leak elsewhere that is splashing on the shock, this has a different look to it. This fluid leak should come straight down and not have a splash of fluid on one side only.

Ask them to clean it off with a rag and drive home. If it is leaking, you will see it again within a few miles. One way to check is to push or stand on the bumper and bounce up and down a few times, then hop off be careful not to fall! The car should bounce once more then stop.