Replacing Worn Out Shocks and Struts
One of the most dangerous things you can do as a driver is to
neglect your vehicle's suspension system. When it is time for
you to swap out your shocks or struts don't wait or you could
cause significant safety problems for you, your passengers, as
well as for pedestrians and other drivers and their passengers.
Taking your car to a shock replacement store is always one way
to solve the problem, but if you want to save yourself some
money as well as take pride in a job you finished yourself,
there is nothing more rewarding than saying to yourself, "I did
the work!"
So, why should you replace your shocks at the first sign of
trouble? Well, properly working shock absorbers keep your car's
tires in contact with the road and provide a cushion from road
impact. Shocks stop unnecessary rebound, diminish sway, and
improve the handling of your vehicle when braking, cornering or
driving on uneven roads. Shock absorbers limit the travel and
the extension of your vehicle's springs by putting a halt to
unremitting bouncing.
Finding the right shocks or struts for your car involves
asking yourself a few questions:
Does my car come equipped with shock absorbers or struts? Both
do basically the same thing, but they are different in that
shocks are simply one part of your suspension system while
struts are your entire suspension system comprising of upper
ball joint, shock, and spring in one unit.
What type of ride am I hoping to achieve with my new shocks or
struts? Monroe
Shock Absorbers, one of the leading names in the
business, offers a variety of shock and strut models depending
on what your desired ride comfort level is, the type of vehicle
you own, or whether you are regularly pull something or not.
Bilstein
Shocks are standard equipment on Mercedes Benz
automobiles and on select General Motors models; they are
considered by some as offering a premium level of performance
capabilities.
For off roading purpose, Rancho
Shocks are the leaders in providing heavy duty shocks
for light trucks and SUVs. Many consider Rancho Shocks as being
the best trail duty shocks on the market. Both Monroe and Rancho
are owned by the same company, Tenneco-Automotive, but their
market emphasis is quite different.
Purchasing shock absorbers or struts can involve some serious
shopping around for the weekend mechanic. When you purchase
directly from an online wholesaler, such as Car Parts
Stuff, you are likely to realize the greatest savings as the
better ones purchase directly from the manufacturers, cutting
out the middle man and his high mark ups. Aftermarket stores
will likely carry what you want, but if they use third party
suppliers, you will pay extra for the convenience.
Wherever you go, please make sure that you can return the parts,
if needed, and only shop those online retailers who have free
shipping available and online assistants standing by. Don't mess
around when it comes to replacement shock absorbers and struts.
Your car and the lives of you and others are too valuable for
you to ignore by cutting corners.