Why Do Shock Absorbers Fail? Tips from Your Car Suspension Mechanic in Selden, NY
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Shock absorbers go bad due to seal leaks, corrosion and dirt, valve wear, and big impacts. Your car’s suspension is more likely to fail as it ages. The average shock absorber has a lifespan of around 40,000 miles to 60,000 miles, but you might get over 100,000 miles if you spend most of your time on the highway.
Ignoring bad shocks can lead to costly repair bills, so knowing the signs of bad shock absorbers is essential. Here’s everything you need to know before you book an appointment for shock absorber repair in Selden.
Five Common Reasons Your Shock Absorbers Might Fail
Shock absorbers take all the impact from daily driving. They are some of the hardest-working components on your vehicle. They’re most likely to fail from:
- Seal Leaks That Develop Over Time: As shock absorbers age, the rubber seals can wear out or turn brittle. This allows fluid to leak, and there’s less resistance to dampen impacts and vibration. You can look for oily residue on your shock absorbers. This is a common symptom of a leak, and it needs immediate attention from a car suspension mechanic in Selden.
- Fluid Degradation: Even without leaks, the fluid in your shock absorbers will degrade over time. Constant temperature changes and contamination from metal components and seals make shock absorbers less effective. The ride will become rough, and you will feel every bump more.
- Road Salt, Corrosion, Dirt, and Grit: During Long Island’s winter, road salt can eat away at the shock absorber body and piston rod. Corrosion tears the seals when the shock moves up and down. You should frequently clean the underside of your car during the winter, or if you frequently drive around coastal areas like the South Shore.
- Valve Wear: Internal valves begin to fail from constant fatigue. They lose their ability to snap shut and open properly, leading to a floaty ride. If traction feels vague or if you feel disconnected from the road, book an inspection to see if you need immediate car suspension repair.
- Big Impacts:
It only takes a single big hit to kill a shock absorber. Driving over a large pothole or curb at speed can bend a piston or blow out a valve. The result is instantaneous.
If you hit a bump and suddenly feel that the ride is rough or spongy,
get your car into an auto shop ASAP.
Telltale Signs That You Need to Book Shock Absorber Repair Immediately
You can follow this simple guide to know when you need a car suspension mechanic near you:
| Shock Absorber Symptom | Why You Need Shock Absorber Repair |
|---|---|
| Your Car Nose Dives When You Brake | Heavy dipping under braking is a sign that your front shocks are ready for repair or replacement. |
| There’s Visible Oil on Your Shocks | Oil means that the shock absorber is leaking. Even if the car feels fine, the shock is ready to fail. |
| Your Car Bounces More Than Once When You Push Down on a Corner Over a Wheel | The shock is faulty if it continues to bounce. It should return in one smooth movement. |
| Uneven Tread on Your Tires | Uneven tread is sometimes an alignment issue, but it’s also a classic symptom of worn shock absorbers. |
Choose a Trusted Team for Shock Absorber Repairs Around Selden
Dee Pat’s Awsomotive is one of the highest-rated auto shops in Selden, NY. We serve nearby areas including Centereach, Coram, Mt. Sinai, and Farmingville. Don’t ignore the symptoms that your shock absorbers are failing. Prompt service with a licensed mechanic will protect your vehicle and ensure a smooth and safe ride. Call us at (631) 538-4441 to schedule an appointment today.
