How do I know if my shock absorbers are bad?

“Signs of worn-out shock absorbers include your car veering to one side, uneven tyre wear, delayed stopping when braking, excessive bouncing while driving, and leaking fluid,” explains Barend Smit, marketing director of MotorHappy.

Worn or leaking shocks can lead to unsteadiness on the road, like veering to the side or sliding in high winds. You might also hear unusual noises like metal-to-metal and a knocking sound coming from the rear or front wheels.

If the tread on your tyre is uneven it’s an indication that your tyres are not firmly on the road, a sure sign of worn shock absorbers. If you leave this unattended, you have a greater chance of hydroplaning in wet weather and could also more easily get a flat tyre. A slight vibration from the steering wheel and too much bouncing as you drive over a speed bump are both possible sign of worn-out shocks.

The broken seals on the shocks could also result in brake fluid leaks.

“If your shock absorbers need to be replaced, you will find that your car takes longer to come to a stop when braking,” Smit points out. “The braking distance could be increased by up to 20% which could mean the difference between a safe stop and an accident.”

Keep everything in good working order

Keeping your shock absorbers, and all other mechanical parts of your car, in good working order is essential for road safety and the longevity of your car. “As a car owner, it’s important to keep up to date with regular car maintenance. Preventative maintenance saves you money in the long run because it helps identify any issues before other parts of the car are impacted. If one system on your car starts to fail, it usually impacts other systems too.”

A car maintenance plan covers you from unexpected repair and maintenance costs and is far more comprehensive than a standard service plan.

“A maintenance plan includes services, as well as coverage for other major vehicle parts that get damaged or worn out because of wear and tear. These plans often include brake pads, shocks, electrical components, exhaust systems and more, depending on your needs and budget,” he explains.

“Ultimately, a maintenance plan gives you peace of mind, knowing that your car services and vehicle maintenance are taken care of with a fixed, affordable monthly payment plan.”