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11/08/2022
Shock absorbers are not meant to last forever! Thus, the oil pros at Marland Enterprises in Cazenovia share their take on improving the shock absorbers' maintenance. Read on to get all the scoop!

If you want to improve specific aspects of vehicle upkeep, the professionals at Marland Enterprises in Cazenovia can help! Call (315) 727-4645 to determine the best formula for your car's needs. Visit their website if you need to learn more.

When Is the Right Time to Replace Shock Absorbers?

The car's shock absorbers are an integral part of the suspension system. This mechanism is crucial for the correct handling and safety of the vehicle. Yet, they are rarely given the attention that they deserve. So, in this article, Marland Enterprises focuses on two things:
  • When should you change the shock absorbers of your car
  • The signs to determine if they are in good condition.

Consider Road Conditions

As a general rule, you must change car shock absorbers when hitting 35 thousand miles or every five years, whichever comes first. But, it would be best to consider the road conditions of your daily commute. For instance, if you have to drive on rocky roads or mountains, change them a little earlier or after hitting the 24 thousand miles mark. This measure will help to avoid possible damage. Also, cold weather and salt can affect the shock absorbers. So, you have to be careful when traveling in beachy areas. Depending on the type of shock, some suffer more wear in cold, humid, or beachy climates. This is due to excessive salinity, sand, or dirt; these elements wear down joints and dry out lubrication.

Unusual Upkeep Ahead

Shock absorbers don't usually have regular maintenance, per se. Yet, it's worth noting that some specialized places know how to treat this component. Treating this area will improve the vehicle's maintenance in these aspects:
  • Oil change
  • Lubrication
  • Gasket
  • Rubber renewal, and in some cases, even changing the suspension spring.
It may be challenging to come across this type of workshop. So, this treatment it's usually done in old or collectible vehicles when it's difficult to find spare parts. Also, inspecting the car's suspension system every 12 thousand miles is advisable. In case of detecting an anomaly during the shock absorbers' maintenance, go to your mechanic to get it checked.

Keep your vehicle running strong by choosing the correct brake fluid. If you're struggling to find the correct formulas for your car, Marland Enterprises in Cazenovia will help you. Call (315) 727-4645 or visit AMSOIL's website to learn more!

Examining the Shock Absorbers

Many people think that a car's shock absorbers will last the vehicle's life, but this is not the case. Its wear is so progressive that the changes are too subtle. So much so that on many occasions, the owner won't even notice its deterioration. There's an effortless way to test the condition of the shock absorbers. At the tire's height, rest your weight on both hands and give a slight push down. Pay attention to how your vehicle reacts. If the shock absorbers return to their initial position without rebounds, they're in good condition. But, if you notice bounces, you should have them changed by a professional mechanic.

Keep an Eye Out for Anomalies

The number of rebounds after testing the vehicle will determine the shock absorbers' wear level. If that concerns you, you can take the car to a mechanical workshop with the equipment to check on the shock absorbers.

On these occasions, you can take the opportunity to inspect and fix:
  • Any leaks
  • Broken tires
  • Rust on the joints
  • Other similar details in the vehicle.

Utility and Purpose

Shock absorbers are crucial for proper vehicle operation. They ensure adherence to the ground and absorb road irregularities. So with the latter in mind, these devices are essential to support the car's weight and provide you stability inside the cabin. For that reason, you must acknowledge their role in balancing the vehicle. The stability depends on the shock absorbers, for the most part! If their resistance begins to decrease, the vehicle's lift will drop. Also, the correct shock absorbers' maintenance and operation will reflect on the tires' wear.

In Conclusion,

The change of shock absorbers entails specific specialized skills. Thus it's best to go to a mechanical workshop to do it. Remember to align and balance the shock absorbers to keep the vehicle stable.

If you're looking for more accessible options to service your car, contact the friendly oil pros at Marland Enterprises in Cazenovia and learn to optimize your car's maintenance with synthetic oil! Call (315) 727-4645 to order AMSOIL's Shock Therapy® Suspension Fluid #10 Medium to boost the suspension's service life.