Follow the Bouncing Vehicle (Bad Struts and Shocks)
November 7, 2021
If you hit a bump in the road and your vehicle just keeps bouncing up and down for a lot longer time than it used to, you may have bad struts and shocks. They're the things that help to keep your vehicle's wheels and tires planted to the road surface.
But they don't last forever. With care and depending on where and how you drive, shocks and struts should be replaced at intervals ranging from 50,000 miles/80,000 km to 100,000 miles/160,000 km. If you drive on bumpy roads with a lot of potholes, that interval will likely be shorter. Rough surfaces can take their toll.
But how do you know if your shocks and struts are doing their job properly? The best way is to have your vehicle checked by a technician. He or she can inspect the shock absorbers and struts for leaks, corrosion and damage. Mounts and bushings can also go bad and they should be evaluated as well. A thorough examination by a technician will also include looking at other suspension parts. Some may contribute to making your vehicle behave the same way if they're broken, corroded, worn or bent.
If you need new shocks and struts, your service advisor will make sure that you get those that meet manufacturer's specifications. That's important because they want to make sure you're getting the handling and performance engineers designed your vehicle to have.
Charlie's Fast Lube Poplar Bluff
2020 N. Westwood Blvd
Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901
573-686-5585
http://www.charliesfastlubepoplarbluff.com
Need Service?
More articles from Charlie's Fast Lube Poplar Bluff

A Non-Starter (Alternator Problems in Cold Weather)
September 14, 2025
As the temperatures dip, we all know there could be problems starting our vehicles. After all, batteries can grow old and not hold a charge as well as when they were newer. Or starters can go bad. But there's one more component to keep an especially sharp eye on during winter: your alternator. T... More

Positive Crankcase Ventilation ? PCV Valve Service at Charlie's Fast Lube Poplar Bluff
September 7, 2025
Hello Poplar Bluff! Did you know that the first federally-mandated emissions control device was introduced in the 1960's? The Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve, or PCV valve, has been installed in Missouri vehicles since 1964 and represents the first legislation by the United States government... More

Always on Guard (TMPS)
September 1, 2025
One of the most important things you can do to keep your vehicle running safely is to make sure your tires are properly inflated. If one or more is vastly over- or underinflated, that has the potential to cause major handling problems and may result in a dangerous accident. All vehicles in recen... More