To further simplify the reasons to replace:
1. UPGRADE
Vehicles are generally designed to handle a broad range of needs: Passenger ride comfort on one side, load and terrain capabilities on the other. When your typical use of a vehicle sometimes or always include heavy loads, top heavy weight distribution, towing or off-road conditions, you may want to consider replacing your shocks with units that exceed original equipment capabilities. KYB offers many higher-performing “Monotube” shocks for this purpose.
2. MAINTENANCE
Even on well paved roads, the shocks can move up or down 1,500 to 1,900 times every mile. In 50,000 miles that can exceed 75 million cycles. Over time, performance tends to decrease gradually, and the motorist usually doesn’t realize how much handling and control is lost. Replacing shocks and struts after 50,000 miles can keep the vehicle performing as well as it was designed and extend its life expectancy.
3. DOESN’T PERFORM WITHIN VEHICLE DESIGN
Worn shocks and struts eventually causes ride control conditions to worsen to a degree that impairs the drivers ability to control the vehicle. Road testing and vehicle inspections by a qualified technician every 12,000 miles is recommended to identify and keep the motorist informed about these conditions.
4. REPLACE FAILED SHOCKS
Shock or strut failures are a driving safety hazard. If you can’t control your vehicle, then it controls you. Evidence of failures includes things like excessive bounce, units leaking to the point of fluid dripping, tires that are cupping and component damage that can be seen during inspection.
A “COMPLETELY FAILED” SHOCK OR STRUT MAY:
- Leak hydraulic fluid.
- Cause uneven or cupped tire wear.
- Create unsafe driving conditions.
- Make knocking noises or rattles.
- Create vehicle swaying and require constant steering corrections
REMEMBER:
A qualified technician should inspect and road test your vehicle’s shocks and struts every year or 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Find onehere…
