What will you do when one day you were running along the highway then you noticed some thing is not the way as it should?  You can see the road is perfectly smooth but your car is jostling up and down like you are running on an unevenly paved road, bouncing and swaying in every direction.  Could you have guessed what the problem is?  Have you checked the shock absorbers lately?

Bringing your car to a mechanic every time there is a problem can be costly.    There are minor things about your car that you can fix or check by yourself if you have at least the knowledge how each part works.  For example, the Rancho Shocks in your ride.  Your Rancho Shock Absorbers play a vital part in your vehicle’s suspension system.

How does a shock absorber work?

A shock absorber dampens the compression and extension of the vehicle’s suspension springs to prevent ongoing movement.  Shocks work to lessen road impact, reduce sway, prevent excessive bounce back and improve general road handling.

No matter how sturdy your Rancho Shocks are, there will come a time that you will need to replace it otherwise, it can damage your car or worse, put yourself in danger.  Constant wear and tear will later cause your Rancho Shock Absorbers to give in.  The shocks are functioning properly if your vehicle grips to the road when you are braking, negotiating a curve or driving on uneven roads.  If the shocks are worn out, it can cause your vehicle to careen off the road leading you to a path less taken.

It is suggested that shocks should be replaced every 50,000 miles but it also depends on the kind of road you course through often.  Here is a simple do-it-yourself test to examine the shock absorbers of your car:

  1. Take hold of a corner of your vehicle’s bumper.
  2. Press down on the bumper with all of your strength and then let go.
  3. If the bumper drops down and returns in place without rebounding again, your shocks are still in good condition.  Slight movement is okay but if it continually moves, then that particular shock is no longer helpful.
  4. Repeat the test on the remaining three corners of your vehicle.

The above test is just a simple way to check the health of your Rancho Shocks.  If you are still in doubt, you can make things sure by driving your car to a trusted mechanic.

Another indication that your shock absorber needs replacement is by observing tire wear patterns.  Lastly, you know should better.  Your daily rides in your car will make you notice even the slightest malfunction in its parts.

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