The oily substance that is all over your shock absorbers is the fluid that is found inside the shocks. If the shocks have started leaking, it is time to replace them. Generally, shocks and struts last about 60,000 miles before they need to be replaced. This doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t have your suspension checked regularly. Every 15,000 miles is a good rule of thumb for a suspension inspection. Del Hatt Automotive is going to list the signs of suspension trouble below. Oily shocks are just one sign.
Feeling All of the Bumps in the Road
Another sign that the shocks have worn out and the struts, too, is feeling all of the bumps in the road that you drive over. Your car is going to bounce around when it is on uneven pavement, but the struts and shocks generally control this movement. If your car is bouncing more than normal, you need new struts and shocks.
Side-Pulling When Driving Straight
Your vehicle may pull to the side when you are driving straight if there is an issue with the alignment of the wheels. Things that can knock the wheels out of alignment include speed bumps, auto accidents, and potholes. We can realign your wheels when they have been knocked out of alignment.
The Car Sits Low on One Wheel
If your car sits lower on one wheel than all of the other wheels, you have a broken suspension spring on that wheel. If you heard a loud clunk before you noticed that the car was tilting on one wheel, you heard the suspension spring break. The broken spring will continue to make clunking noises when you drive over bumps.
You Are Having Problems With the Steering
It may be safer to have your automobile towed to our shop if you are having problems steering the vehicle. This can be an indication of a problem with the steering system or something more serious such as a cracked axle.
You Can Feel the Vehicle’s Momentum
Finally, if you can feel your vehicle’s momentum motion, you need to replace the struts and shocks. Momentum motion is the direction in which the vehicle’s body moves depending on what you are doing behind the wheel. For example, if you have worn struts and shocks, your car’s body will squat when you accelerate.
Call Del Hatt Automotive in Poughkeepsie, NY, to schedule a service visit so we can inspect your suspension and make any unnecessary repairs.
