Suspension

Yes, Shocks and Struts are maintenance parts. As they wear, their performance decreases. By 50,000 miles, most gas or hydraulic shocks and struts no longer provide the handling and control that your vehicle is capable of. To restore your vehicle's performance, we recommend this maintenance schedule:

Normal service - replace after 50,000 miles
Severe service - replace at or before 50,000 miles

Worn shocks and struts INCREASE stopping distance. Any shock or strut with 50,000 miles of wear is "worn," and it only takes one worn shock to increase your vehicle's stopping distance. During braking, a worn shock will cause your vehicle's front end to nose-dive. This makes the backend rise and prevents the tires from keeping a firm grip on the road. The result is poor traction and control, which makes the stopping distance longer - a formula for an accident, New, high quality shocks and struts are designed to help your vehicle make quicker, safer stops under all driving conditions.

–Good shocks at 100% efficiency–the Stopping Distance is 104.8 feet.

–Worn shocks at 50% efficiency–the Stopping Distance is 117.1 feet.

RESULT: This is an increased distance to stop of 12.3 feet - 11.7%

A vehicle's suspension involves the shock absorbers, springs, axles and dampers, such as the struts. The suspension system of a vehicle allows the driver to control and steer the car. The suspension system is all tied into a frame that runs beneath the car and into key car parts such as the tires and steering system. A suspension system is important for a smooth, safe ride. It makes the car easy to steer and navigate. The suspension parts allow for the driver to have full control of the car, and for the car to brake, turn, back-up and steer smoothly. The suspension systems also allow a car to tackle bumpy, hilly, curvy or other types of roads that are not straight and flat.

A suspension system that's not properly maintained or repaired will cause for difficult steering and a possibly bumpy and uncomfortable ride. It will also run the risk of creating damage to other car parts such as the tires, when the car is not driving and steering smoothly.

A "completely failed" unit may:

Leak hydraulic fluid
Cause uneven or cupped tire wear
Allow tire bouncing
Make knocking noises or rattles
Create vehicle swaying and require constant steering corrections

Replacing shocks and struts will keep your vehicle riding and handling like new. Restoring performance increases your overall vehicle satisfaction and helps your vehicle last longer saving you money and lowering your total cost of ownership.