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You might not see them, but the shock absorbers in your car are likely your best friend. If you don't believe that statement, just try going over a bumpy road without properly working shock absorbers. Your back would almost certainly be screaming at you for days after that. Because of this, you will want to make sure you replace these essential parts when they have exceeded their life expectancy. With that in mind, you might be wondering how long shock absorbers are designed to last in the first place.
The Answer
Several factors determine how long your shock absorbers will last. It depends on how often you drive, over what type of terrain, and the quality of the parts that you have installed in the first place. This is why a mechanic would be hard-pressed to tell you exactly how long your shock absorbers will last you.
If you keep your shock absorbers adequately maintained and ensure that fluid does not leak out of them, most manufacturers estimate that they will last you for roughly 50,000 miles. This is why many service centers will recommend that you get them inspected starting at the 40,000-mile mark and then every 12 months or so after that.
How Do You Know When They Need To Be Replaced?
Instead of waiting for an inspection to determine when to replace your shock absorbers, there are some signs that you can be looking out for. If you notice that your car is bottoming out when going over even slight elevations in the road, such a railroad tracks, then that is your first indication. You may also notice that your vehicle continues bouncing when going over bumps in the road.
There are some other indicators that you should replace your shocks. Some people will notice unusual noises coming from their car when going over a bump. Your vehicle may lean when you turn. You may also notice fluid leaking from your shock absorbers. All of these factors should lead you to get a replacement set of shock absorbers.
If you find that your vehicle in need of a shock absorber replacement, bring it down to our auto repair shop at your earliest convenience so we can help you.