Our shocks and struts in our vehicle can provide so much more than just an easy comfortable ride. When they are working well, they offer the luxury of safety. But how do they work, and how can we know when it is time to get them checked out?

We have key control over our car because of our shocks and struts. As we drive they help us feel safe by giving our vehicle stability and a tight drive. It can be scary driving without them because of the lack of control we may feel.

A lot of times when we drive a new car the comfort and safety we are really feeling are great shocks and struts. There are so many different types now that you can buy, if you want to have that new car tight driving feel, all you really need are some new shocks.

Shocks and struts cause resistance by pushing oil through the valves in the piston as they work. This causes resistance because only a little oil is forced through and oil cannot be compressed.

There isn't just one type of shocks and struts that you can buy. There are many different types and many advanced ones that use nitrogen gas instead of hydraulic fluid. These are usually the superior shocks that you will be able to feel a definite difference with.

It's important to note that shocks and struts, just like anything else in your engine, will eventually wear out. Good maintenance work will always make them last longer though. Those that live in areas with a lot of ice and gravel will have to replace their shocks and struts much sooner than those that don't.

Here are some indicators that your shocks and struts need to be replaced; do you bounce down the road as you drive? Has your car lost its tight feeling and rock back and forth at either a stop light/sign or a turn?

So, with the information above you should know whether or not it might be time to take your shocks in to get checked out. This can be for a repair or if you just want a tighter drive.