Your car’s shocks play a crucial role in maintaining a smooth, stable, and safe ride. They absorb bumps in the road, keep your tires in proper contact with the pavement, and help your vehicle handle corners and sudden stops. Like all parts, shocks wear out over time—and when they do, your ride quality and safety can suffer. At Presto Auto Electric, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Carson City area. Here are five signs that it’s time to replace your shocks.

Excessive Bouncing After Hitting Bumps

One of the most common symptoms of worn shocks is excessive bouncing after driving over bumps or potholes. Your vehicle should settle almost immediately after hitting an uneven surface. If it continues to bounce several times before stabilizing, your shocks may no longer be effectively absorbing impact. This extra movement doesn’t just make your ride uncomfortable—it also affects handling and can increase wear on other suspension components.

Nose Diving During Braking

If you notice your car lurching forward or “nose diving” when you brake, it’s a sign that your shocks may be losing their ability to control weight transfer. This condition can reduce braking efficiency and increase stopping distances, especially in emergency situations. Replacing worn shocks helps your car remain stable under hard braking.

Uneven Tire Wear

Shocks play an important role in keeping your tires evenly pressed against the road. When they begin to fail, your tires may bounce excessively, leading to uneven tread wear. This can shorten tire life and affect traction. If you notice unusual wear patterns during a tire inspection, it’s worth having your suspension checked by a professional.

Poor Handling

Worn shocks can make your vehicle feel unstable or less responsive, particularly when turning or changing lanes. You might notice increased body roll, where the car leans excessively during cornering. These handling issues can compromise control and increase your risk of losing traction, especially in wet conditions.

Fluid Leaks on the Shocks

Shocks contain hydraulic fluid that helps absorb bumps and control motion. If you see oil leaking on them, it’s a sign that the seals are worn and the shocks can no longer function correctly. Once fluid escapes, the shocks lose proper damping ability.

Suspension Repair in Carson City, NV

For auto repair in Carson City and the surrounding area, contact Presto Auto Electric at  (775) 430-4546. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment for car care in greater Carson City!