Tire Wear From Bad Shocks

Bad Shocks Affect Tires

It is never a good idea to drive your big rig with bad, well, anything, butdriving with bad shocks is a definite "no, no."

Shock absorbers help keep heavy-duty trucks grounded when cruising on uneven surfaces and are especially important in the winter season when traction control is needed for the safety of drivers and nearby vehicles. After all, bad shocks affect tires and traction control. Did you know that? Keep reading to learn more.

Worn Shocks Equal Premature Tire Wear

In the wintertime, drivers purchase new tires as a safety precaution to increase traction control, butthey fail to consider replacing their truck shocks. The problem is that driving with worn out shocks can prematurely damage tires. When vehicles bounce from road instabilities, the action accelerates tire wear, including "cupping," an uneven wear pattern from bouncing up and down – usually caused by worn shock absorbers. The cupping, or scalloping of the tire, causes pieces of rubber to remove from the tire leading to further problems down the road (no pun intended) such as hydroplaning.

Worn Shocks Affect Steering and Alignment

As if premature tire wear wasn't enough of a concern for you this winter, driving with bad shocks can even make it difficult to steer the vehicle when traveling over bumps, potholes and other rough patches on the road. The bouncing will create a rough ride for the driver and pull and push the vehicle to one side which will create a not-so-smooth transition from lane to lane at high speeds. The alignment issues can lead to swerving or nose diving of the vehicle, too.

Worn Shocks and Braking

One more thing: failing shocks can have a negative impact on braking, and it may take more time to stop the vehicle – yes, even more stopping distance time as you navigate through snowy roadways.

Signs of Bad Shocks

In case you are drawing a blank, and want to know the symptoms of failing shocks, we are here to give you a quick reminder.

• Leaking fluid/excessive oil loss
• Vibrations when driving
• Cracked bushings
• Pulling/pushing of the vehicle
• Front end dives during sudden, hard braking
• Unusual noises

Bad Shocks Put You in Danger

Shocks are an important component of a truck's suspension system, and driving with worn shocks can create a ripple effect of problems for drivers. Now that December is here, and snow is on the way, it is recommended to check on your truck's shocks for a possible replacement. Shocks should be swapped every 150,000 miles on heavy-duty trucks or when other components, such as tires, are replaced. Driving with worn shocks can reduce traction control this winter. Are you willing to take that chance?

Where To Buy OEM Replacement Shocks?

Some of the big names in the shock business include Monroe and Gabriel; however, Match Made is another great option for truckers. With Match Made parts, truck drivers can find the right fit for their big rig at comparable costs to the big names in the industry. Check them out now to learn more.