If you intend to own a vehicle for more than just a couple years, the chances are good that you’ll run into the need to replace the shocks. They’re not meant to last forever, just like your brakes or tires. Understanding when you are likely to have an upcoming replacement need is part of budgeting for regular vehicle expenses.
When To Consider Replacement
Most shocks need to be replaced after 50,000 to 75,000 miles. If you go over 75,000, the recommendation is that you replace them even if they are not showing signs of decreased performance because the chance of a swift deterioration increases. There are still a lot of situations where you might need to replace them early, though.
- Swaying feelings when you go around curves
- Squatting look in the rear or dipping in the front
- Changes in the ride after hitting a pothole or getting into an accident
- Fluid leaking from shocks or struts
All of these are signs that the shocks have failed early. If you find these symptoms happening to your vehicle, it’s time to order your car shocks replacement.
OEM or Performance Shocks?
There are a lot of options for performance shocks. If you are replacing OEM shocks on your everyday vehicle, you probably don’t need to look into anything that’s built for extreme conditions, but you still might find your best value is an upgrade to shocks that provide updated designs to deliver a smoother ride and a longer operating life.
Going with an OEM replacement is a good bargain too, and in many cases it can be the most economical deal if you need to keep up-front costs low, but you might wind up replacing them earlier than a high-mileage performance shock set at a modest price point. The more miles you put on your vehicle in a given week, the more you should consider making the change when you need to replace your shocks anyway.
Top Brands and Models
When it comes to auto replacement parts, some brands are just instantly recognizable. There are a couple of those when it comes to replacement shocks, but there are also some newer designs that give them a run for their money.
- Bilstein’s 5100 series
- The Monroe MA822 shock absorber
- Monroe’s 58640 shock absorber
- Several models from FOX Offroad
- Several models from ACDelco
As you can see, you have some choices from very recognizable brands that fit a few different niches. If you are looking for a replacement for off road shocks and not an everyday vehicle, keep in mind that individual off-road upgrades often have specialized instructions about shock absorber life, and the general mileage rule of thumb will not apply. Do your research to make the most of your investment in an off-road build.
Find More Replacement Parts
Your shocks are not the only parts that wear out eventually, and mishaps can make any part malfunction if the wrong thing happens. That’s why it is important to find a source for everything from oil change supplies to replacement steering parts for your car’s model and year. Start looking today to line up your go-to part supplier for the life of your vehicle.
