Do you need to replace the shocks in your car? Here's how you can tell.

Over time and even if you've been taking care of your vehicle's maintenance schedule and having regular check-ups during a routine car service in Reading, you may notice that your car becomes less and less comfortable as you drive over bump after bump and pothole after pothole. The shocks in your car's suspension take a lot of abuse and are one of the key wear components that need to be replaced after a while.

Shock absorbers, as they are also known, ensure that your wheels remain in contact with the ground by causing your wheels to rebound back to keep your wheels planted even over humps. Shocks are typically oil-filled and contain components that limit the flow of oil. Seals can leak and oil can leak out over time, causing the oil to degrade.

But how can you tell? Here are a few tell-tale signs that your car's shock absorbers need to be replaced:

Excessive motion or movement - A damper's primary function is to control the compression and rebound of the spring. If your shock is worn out, your car will feel as if it is only supported by springs. You do not need to go out on the road to check this.

Open the hood and place weight on the car to test the front shocks. Push down on the chassis with some force and then watch how the front reacts. You'd want the car to spring back up and settle after you've pushed it down. If your shock is blown, your car will move up and down multiple times. More factors will come into play as the componentry becomes more complex, so it is best to have those types checked by a certified mechanic. Repeat for the back by opening the boot or rear door and pushing down. Observe how the car's rear reacts in the same way as the front. You want the car to spring back up and settle down once more.

The ride is bouncy - When driving on normal roads, faulty shocks will make your ride extremely uncomfortable. You will notice that there is a lot of body movement when going over bumps, whether they are fast or slow. Driving slowly over roads should be smooth and controlled, with no excessive up and down motion. If you notice yourself bouncing off your seat, it's a sign that your shocks need to be replaced.

There is an oil leak - As previously stated, most shocks are oil-filled, and if the seals on your damper have failed, you may need to rebuild or replace the shock absorber. Without the suspension oil, the shock will be under-damped, resulting in a bouncy ride.

You can also visually inspect the suspension of your vehicle. If you notice any oil on your springs or suspension shocks on a dry day, you should replace them.

Unusual tread wear on tyres - Another visual indicator that your shocks need to be replaced is if your tyres have unusual tread wear. If your suspension is out of alignment, your tyres will have uneven tread wear and will appear different from normal wear and tear. When shocks wear out, scalloped dips form along the edge of the tread, which can be extremely dangerous if left alone.

So, what should I do?

When you've determined that your suspension isn't performing optimally, replace it. In any case, you should take your car to a certified mechanic to have it serviced and repaired properly. It is also critical to have your car's suspension aligned after the repair after your suspension has been reassembled.

When compared to replacement, rebuilding your suspension is the more cost-effective option. Unless you have a bespoke suspension system with rarer-than-gold suspension shocks and springs, you can have your car rebuilt by a suspension specialist. If the repair is minor, you may be able to save money by rebuilding. Expect the performance to return to, or very close to, stock.

If you select the replacement option, the only thing you must ensure is that you are replacing your shock with a replacement-quality part or directly from an OEM part supplier.

After you've replaced your parts, make sure to have your suspension adjusted and aligned so your car handles properly.