Reasons to replace your shocks

Drivers often ask, “What are the reasons to replace your shocks?” Here are the four most common conditions that result in shock and strut replacements

Replacing failed shocks or struts: Shock or strut failures are a driving safety hazard because they limit your ability to safely control your vehicle.

  • A failed shock or strut may:
  • Leak hydraulic fluid.
  • Cause uneven or cupped tire wear.
  • Create unsafe driving conditions.
  • Make knocking noises or rattles.

Replacing worn shocks or struts that no longer provide proper performance: Worn shocks and struts impair the driver’s ability to control the vehicle. If your vehicle has excessive nose-dive when braking, a harsh ride over bumpy pavement, or a lack of steering control in the rain or on rough surfaces, now is the right time to replace your shocks or struts. Road testing and vehicle inspections by a qualified technician every 12,000 miles can identify worn shocks or struts that are ready to be replaced.

Replacing shocks for an upgrade: Vehicles are usually designed to handle a broad range of needs: passenger ride comfort on one side, load and terrain capabilities on the other. Drivers who often transport heavy loads, tow a trailer, or go off-roading often replace their factory shocks with units that exceed the original equipment's capabilities. 

Replacing shocks as part of regular vehicle maintenance: Even on well-paved roads, shocks and struts can move up or down 1,500 to 1,900 times every mile. In 50,000 miles that can exceed 75 million cycles. Over time, shock and strut performance tends to decline gradually. Drivers usually don’t realize how much handling and control is lost, as the components inside the shocks and struts begin to wear out. Replacing shocks or struts after 50,000 miles can help keep the vehicle performing as designed and extend its life expectancy.

Which KYB shocks and struts are right for the way you drive?
Find out here.

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Optional

UPGRADE

If you want more handling and control than your vehicle design is currently capable of: Right now is the right time.

Maintenance

Suggested as Maintenance

If you want to keep your vehicle operating as well as it was designed to: Then KYB and most industry experts suggest replacement shocks and struts after 50,000 miles (80,000 km).

To Restore

Conditions-Based

If your vehicle has excessive ride control conditions such as nose-dive or harshness: Right now is the right time.

Necessity

Repair

If your shocks and struts are damaged, causing tire cupping or leaking to the point of dripping: Then you have failed units and replacements become required at this time.

Additional content from:

Shocks & Struts 101

FAQs

Find answers to common questions about KYB shocks, struts, installation, and suspension performance. Our FAQ section helps you quickly get the information you need to choose and maintain the right ride control products.

For DIYers

Resources, guides, and tips designed to help DIY enthusiasts choose, install, and maintain KYB shocks and struts with confidence.

For Drivers

Helpful information for everyday drivers looking to understand suspension performance, ride control, and when to replace shocks and struts.

For Service Pros

Technical resources, product information, and support tools created specifically for automotive service professionals.

How shocks work

Here are the basics on how shocks and struts work to keep tires firmly on the road: The main job of shock absorbers is to help keep a vehicle’s tires firmly planted on the road so the vehicle can stop and turn safely. They also help maintain vehicle control and ride comfort. While we call…