The best way to determine whether you shocks are working properly is to drive your car or truck over familiar roads with various surfaces and bumps. And while a leaking shock is an obvious candidate for replacement, many shocks wear out
without losing any oil. If your vehicle is exhibiting any of the following characteristics, then you may need new shock absorbers. The more characteristics you experience the more likely it is that your shocks should be replaced.

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IS MILEAGE A GOOD INDICATOR OF SHOCK WEAR?

Mileage alone is a poor indicator of shock performance. Some shocks are still working well after 30,000 to 40,000 miles. Others need replacement in as little as 4,000 miles. In fact some shocks are so poor that they do not work properly when brand new! Another test was the old "bumper bounce test". This test is a worst case evaluation. Shocks are usually performing poorly well before this test shows anything. If your vehicle has very stiff springs, like some trucks, the bumper test is almost impossible to perform.

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