At the Service Counter

Explaining Steering Responsiveness to the Motorist

Editorial & Training Insights from “Mac” McGovern, AAM
-Director of Training & Marketing

The average motorist assumes that shocks & struts only relate to the way a vehicle rides. So it’s no surprise that they also give shocks & struts a low priority when it comes to spending money on maintenance.

One way to help educate the motorist is to explain Steering Responsiveness. [The time it takes for the vehicle to change direction after turning the steering wheel] Just because the steering linkage is tight and the tires turn left or right, doesn’t mean that the vehicle will turn as quickly too. With wear, the shocks & struts can allow rapid suspension movement that in turn, slows body movement. The vehicle body becomes “lazy” instead of being held firm. Then, precious moments are lost and the steering becomes sluggish. The after effect is body roll, but by then it may be too late and obstacles can become un-avoidable.

In part, replacing shocks and struts keeps a vehicle “tight in the turns” and the driver in more control of their vehicle. When we take the time to help the motorist understand how their vehicle works and wears, they tend to make better maintenance decisions. Steering Responsiveness is just one of many conditions that shocks & struts help control. Thank you for learning with us and we hope this brief message helps you, help your customers!