Yes, you can test your shocks and struts to see if they’re okay, but it’s important to understand that this test is not full-proof. Rather, it’s a good idea to bring your car, truck, or utility vehicle into 2000 Auto so we can inspect the struts and shocks to make sure that they do not need to be replaced. Conduct the DIY test below first and if your vehicle fails, give us a call right away.
Park Your Car
The best way to test the shocks and struts is to park your car on a level surface. If your driveway is sloped, drive your vehicle onto level ground. A parking lot is a good place to do this test. Make sure to put your vehicle in park if you drive an automatic transmission and neutral if you drive a manual transmission, and then make sure to set the parking brake. You don’t want your vehicle rolling while you are testing the shocks and struts.
Secure It
It’s a good idea to secure your vehicle by placing large rocks or bricks in front of and behind the wheels. This is added protection over and above the parking brake to make certain that your vehicle doesn’t roll when you conduct the shock and strut testing. Because you will be standing in front of and behind your automobile, always think safety first when doing this test. Seriously. It is much better to be safe than sorry in this case.
Head to the Hood
Walk around your automobile and stand in front of the hood. Stand squarely in front of the center of it. Place your hands, palms down, on top of the hood and, using all of your might, press up and down a few times to get the front of your car bouncing up and down. Once the car is bouncing up and down quickly, remove your hands from the hood and count how many times your car continues to bounce up and down. If it is more than a few times, your struts are worn.
Head to the Trunk
Walk around to the back of your automobile and stand in front of the center of the trunk. Repeat the steps you used to test the struts to see if your shocks are worn and need to be replaced. Again, push the trunk up and down to get the rear of your car bouncing quickly. Once you let go, your car should stop bouncing almost immediately. If it doesn’t, your shocks are worn and need to be replaced.
2000 Auto is located in Melbourne, FL, and you can give us a call today to schedule an appointment for a strut and shock replacement.