Many parts of your truck need to be replaced at regular intervals to ensure that you’re safe on the road and that your ride is as smooth as possible. Truck shocks are particularly important in making sure that you drive smoothly on the road without feeling every bump and pothole. You may have never changed your shocks, because they tend to last longer than other parts (such as brake pads). But if you start feeling that your truck isn’t driving as smoothly as it used to then you may need to start searching online for heavy duty truck shocks reviews and get yourself some new shocks. Here are a few tips on how to know if it’s time to replace your shocks. The general recommendation is to change them every 50-100 thousand miles.
Your Brakes Are Not Stable
If you’ve just changed your brake pads but find that your vehicle is still unstable when braking, then you might need to change your shocks. They may be worn or damaged from use.
Your Rides Are Rougher Than Usual
This is an intuitive idea – if your truck is not driving smoothly, which is the main purpose of shocks – then you probably need to change them. Before you get ahead of yourself, check your tires for overinflation, because that may also cause a bumpier than normal ride.
Fluid Leaks And Other Visual Cues
Most people can feel when their shocks and struts are damaged, but if you’re not paying attention then you might not notice. However, fluid leaking the area of the shocks, or visible damage on them, are both signs that it is time for a replacement.
Poor Steering
If you find that your steering wheel is not turning when you want it, or that it is particularly stiffer than usual, or even if it makes strange noises, this may be an indicator that your shocks need to be changed.
Strange Wear Patterns On Your Tires
Last but not least, this is particularly difficult to spot, but sometimes tires show unusual wear patterns and the likely culprit would be damaged or worn shocks.
Final Advice
If you happen to notice your truck any of the signs we mention in this article, you will still need to take it to a mechanic to check it out for you and confirm your suspicions. Although the aforementioned signs are indicative of the need to change your shocks, they usually show after it’s a little too late. It is always recommended to change your shocks before they are completely worn out, in order to prevent any long lasting damage to your vehicle. Most manufacturers recommend that you take your car for a check up every 50 thousand miles, and that will usually include checking if your shocks need to be changed. Because this falls within the recommended lifespan of most shocks, you’re likely to replace them before they cause any damage (serious or not) to your truck.
