Smooth Operator (Shock Absorbers)
March 22, 2026
When you are comfortably headed down the road, you may not realize how many of the imperfections in the driving surface are being smoothed out, so you hardly feel most of them. You can thank your shock absorbers for a lot of that comfort, and it’s important to make sure you keep your shocks in good shape.
Newer vehicles have shock absorbers in the back wheels with another shock absorbing assembly in the front which may also have a spring component as well, called struts.
Shock absorbers not only keep your vehicle traveling smoothly and comfortably, but they also contribute to its stability. Increased stability will help you be able to handle sharp turns and sudden stops more easily. Shocks also prolong the life of your tires because they’ll grip the road more tightly. And a nice side benefit of that is your tires should last longer.
After months hitting a lot of bumps on uneven road surfaces, eventually your shock absorbers will start to wear. You may notice your vehicle begin to sway more when you go around a corner, and it might be more difficult to steer. Your tires can start to wear unevenly, and the tread may show signs of cupping (flat spots).
Other signs your shocks could need replacing is when you hit a hard bump in the road and your vehicle continues bouncing more than you remember. Your shocks may have suffered extreme damage that can causes fluid inside to leak.
If you notice any of these signs, head on over so we can check things out. We also recommend you have your shocks regularly inspected so you can take care of problems before you start feeling some of those symptoms of wear. Your vehicle’s manufacturer usually will include recommendations in your owner’s manual on how frequently you should have shocks inspected.
Charlie's Fast Lube Jackson
1901 E. Jackson Blvd.
Jackson, Missouri 63755
575-243-2226
http://www.charliesfastlubejackson.com
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