Back to all

Follow the Bouncing Vehicle (Bad Struts and Shocks)

April 21, 2024

If you hit a bump in the road and your vehicle just keeps bouncing up and down for a lot longer time than it used to, you may have bad struts and shocks.  They're the things that help to keep your vehicle's wheels and tires planted to the road surface.

But they don't last forever.  With care and depending on where and how you drive, shocks and struts should be replaced at intervals ranging from 50,000 miles/80,000 km to 100,000 miles/160,000 km.  If you drive on bumpy roads with a lot of potholes, that interval will likely be shorter. Rough surfaces can take their toll.

But how do you know if your shocks and struts are doing their job properly? The best way is to have your vehicle checked by a technician.  He or she can inspect the shock absorbers and struts for leaks, corrosion and damage.  Mounts and bushings can also go bad and they should be evaluated as well.  A thorough examination by a technician will also include looking at other suspension parts. Some may contribute to making your vehicle behave the same way if they're broken, corroded, worn or bent.     

If you need new shocks and struts, your service advisor will make sure that you get those that meet manufacturer's specifications.  That's important because they want to make sure you're getting the handling and performance engineers designed your vehicle to have.

Tuffy Amherst
101 N Leavitt Road
Amherst, Ohio 44001
440-988-9402
https://www.tuffyamherst.com

More articles from Tuffy Amherst - Auto Repair Center

Tuffy Amherst Advice on What to Pour into Your Vehicle

February 15, 2026

Changes in vehicle design and manufacture have resulted in changed fluid requirements for our vehicles. With the sophistication of engines, transmissions, differentials, etc., it's best for Amherst residents to always use the proper type of fluid for their vehicle. Using incorrect fluids can act... More

Air Conditioning Maintenance at Tuffy Amherst in Amherst

February 8, 2026

Warm weather or cold, Amherst drivers still need to think about their vehicle's air conditioning. Most Amherst people don't service their air conditioning until after it fails. At Tuffy Amherst, we can advise you on your vehicle manufacturers preventive maintenance schedules for air conditioning... More

No Fuel-ing! (Fuel Filter Replacement)

February 1, 2026

Your vehicle has a few filters you might be somewhat familiar with. Theres the oil filter that removes impurities from your engines oil, and a couple of different kinds of air filters that prevent contaminants from getting into the engine and the cabin. But you may not know that your vehicle als... More