Your vehicle’s suspension system plays a crucial role in delivering a safe, smooth, and controlled driving experience. At the heart of this system are the shocks, which help stabilize your car and keep the tires in firm contact with the road. Over time, shocks can wear out and lose their effectiveness, leading to performance issues and safety concerns. At Autobahn Specialists, we provide expert European suspension repair in the greater Tacoma, WA area. Here are four warning signs that your shocks are failing and should be replaced.

Increased Bouncing After Hitting Bumps

A noticeable sign of failing shocks is excessive bouncing after driving over a bump or pothole. Instead of absorbing the impact and settling quickly, a car with bad shocks will continue to bounce up and down. This not only makes for an uncomfortable ride, but also reduces the vehicle's control and handling. 

Nose Diving When Braking

When shocks start to wear out, they struggle to manage the vehicle's weight transfer during braking. This often causes the front end of the car to dip sharply downward when you apply the brakes, a phenomenon known as "nose diving." This can increase your stopping distance and compromise safety in emergency braking situations.

Unstable or Drifting on Turns

Good shocks help keep your vehicle stable and level when you turn. When shocks begin to fail, you may notice that the car feels unstable or leans too much when going around corners. This body roll can be dangerous, especially at higher speeds, and is an indication that your suspension system isn't performing properly. Addressing the issue quickly can help prevent accidents and improve handling.

Uneven Tire Wear

Worn shocks can cause the tires to lose consistent contact with the road, which often leads to uneven tread wear. If you notice that your tires are wearing out more on one side or in a patchy pattern, it may be because your shocks are no longer keeping your wheels firmly planted. Replacing the shocks can help extend the life of your tires and improve overall driving performance.

European Suspension Repair in Tacoma, WA

When you need European auto repair in Tacoma and the surrounding area, contact Autobahn Specialists at (253) 474-0177. At our local European auto shop, we can expertly handle your Euro car’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!