Comfort and Safety First!

There are some very important reasons for maintaining Shocks and Struts: your comfort and safety.

Shocks and Struts help keep your car’s tires in contact with the road. In doing so, they provide a crucial role in your vehicle’s ability to steer properly, stop properly, and maintain a stable ride.

Customers often ask, “What is the difference between shocks and struts?”. The answer is simple. They both do the same basic job – to damp the movement of the spring and stop oscillation and bounce.

Each vehicle is designed differently and although they provide the same role, shocks and struts are not the same parts. They can’t be used interchangeably. Shocks can’t be put on a car made for struts and vice versa. Some cars even have shocks on the rear axle and struts on the front.

The most obvious difference between the two is that a strut is a structural part of the vehicle’s suspension system, whereas the shock is not. A strut is also a necessary part of the steering system, which affects the angles of alignment.

6 Signs that your Shocks & Struts Need Replacing:
Bumpy or wobbly ride. The primary job of shocks and struts is to keep your suspension from having too much movement.
Stiff steering, car leans or sways, or you hear unusual noises when you turn. Poor steering response is usually the first sign that shocks and struts need replacing.
Feeling like a nose-dive or lurch when braking. That is how your vehicle compensates for worn out shocks and struts.
Visible physical damage, fluid leaks, or corrosion on shocks and struts usually go unnoticed but are clear signs to visit your mechanic.
Worn edges around tires in a scalloped pattern indicate serious suspension problems. Not only is this dangerous, but it’s also important to make sure that tires are rotated when shocks and struts are replaced.
Depending on the vehicle and driving conditions, it’s recommended to check shocks and struts at the 50,000 mile point and every 50,000 after replacement.

The benefits of maintaining your Shocks & Struts
Poor shocks and struts are a safety hazard, not to mention a bumpy, wobbly ride that will cost YOU more, in the long run. Well-maintained shocks and struts:
Help reduce the potential wear and tear on your tires and suspension system;
Help maintain consistent handling and braking;
Reduce your vehicle’s bounce, roll and sway;
Control excessive body and tire movement;
Help maintain wheel alignment;
Maintain your safety and save you money on unexpected repairs in the long run.

If you notice reduced steering precision, stopping performance, or vehicle stability, it may be time to consider calling our friendly staff at Mavis Tire of Mahopac (845) 628-2050.