Strutting Your Stuff (Shocks and Struts)
June 23, 2024
Ever wonder how your vehicle is able to move over bumps, potholes and other irregularities in the road and you hardly feel a vibration in the cabin? It’s your shocks and struts doing the hard work along with the rest of your suspension and tires. They keep the ride smooth and are important for your vehicle’s safe operation.
So, how do you know when your shocks and struts are wearing out? One way is to look at the surface of your tire (where the rubber meets the road—where the tread is). You might see some little indentations in certain spots, known as tire cupping. If your vehicle takes longer to stop than it used to, takes a dive when you hit the brake pedal or bottoms out (scrapes) on a big bump in the road, that’s another sign, as are loud, odd noises.
You may also notice your vehicle sways more than it used to. Every once in a while, look around at your shocks to see what shape things are in. If you see the rubber cover cracked or worn out or see a fluid outside your shocks, those are signs to bring your vehicle in to us so we can see what’s going on.
Since shocks and struts contribute to the safe operation of your vehicle, this service is important. Shocks and struts are what help your tires stay in close contact with the road and help stabilize your vehicle. They also help electronic safety systems work properly, including anti-lock braking, stability control, and collision avoidance. Bad shocks and struts are just going to get worse with time.
It's best to have regular maintenance done before anything goes wrong with your struts and shocks. Your vehicle’s manufacturer has guidelines for how long those intervals are. If you do start to see some of the warning signs, head on over so we can evaluate any problems. We’ll replace the parts your vehicle needs and have you strutting your stuff once again.
Auto Lab Troy
2790 West Maple Rd.
Troy, Michigan 48084
(248) 643-7690
Need Service?
More articles from Auto Lab Troy
If the Shoe Fits (Brake Shoe Replacement [Rear])
November 30, 2025
When it comes to brakes on your vehicle, we all know how important it is to keep them working well because they are vital safety equipment. After all, if you cant slow down and stop, you cant drive safely. While many vehicles use what are called disc brakes, theres another type of brakes that ... More
Ball Joint Replacement
November 23, 2025
Think about this the next time youre driving. Your front wheels can steer your vehicle and, at the same time, the wheels can move, even with all the irregularities in the road moving them up, down and in different directions. Pretty amazing engineering, wouldnt you say? What allows that are part... More
You Are the Fluid Detective! (Leaking Fluids)
November 16, 2025
When you see some liquid sitting underneath your vehicle, your mind starts churning. Is that normal? Is that something serious, or did I just spill my drink? Heres a quick list of what those fluids look, smell and feel like, as well as what they might be. No, we dont recommend you taste them to ... More