How to Tell If Your Shocks or Struts Are Worn Out

Are you feeling every bump in the road? Does your car bounce after hitting a pothole or dip while braking? If so, you may be asking yourself: how do I know if my shocks or struts are worn out? These components play a major role in keeping your vehicle stable, comfortable, and safe — and when they fail, you’ll definitely feel it.

In this blog, we’ll explain the top signs of worn-out shocks and struts and how Round Rock Auto Center can restore your smooth ride.

Your Car Bounces or Dives Excessively

If your vehicle continues to bounce after hitting a bump or dives forward when braking, your shocks or struts are likely no longer absorbing energy as they should.

Watch for:

• Front-end dipping during stops

• Rear-end squatting during acceleration

• Side-to-side rocking on uneven roads

We’ll inspect your suspension and confirm whether the issue is your dampers, springs, or related components.

Uneven Tire Wear

Worn shocks and struts can’t keep your tires firmly planted on the road. The result? Cupping or scalloped tire wear, which can reduce traction and shorten tire life.

Signs include:

• Wavy tread wear on one or more tires

• Tires that wear faster on one corner

• Constant need for tire balancing or alignment

At Round Rock Auto Center, we can spot these patterns early and recommend the right suspension solution.

Poor Handling and Steering Response

If your car feels loose or unstable around turns, it may be due to worn suspension components not keeping the chassis level.

You might notice:

• Excessive body roll during cornering

• Sloppy or delayed steering

• Steering wheel vibration on rough roads

New shocks or struts can bring back the tight, controlled handling your vehicle was designed for.

How to Tell If Your Shocks or Struts Are Worn Out

Visible Fluid Leaks or Damage

Shocks and struts contain hydraulic fluid that helps absorb impact. If you see greasy residue or wetness near the base of the shock/strut, it’s a sign of a seal failure.

Look for:

• Oily buildup on the outside of the component

• Cracked bushings or rubber mounts

• Rust or physical damage

We’ll lift the vehicle and inspect all four corners to check for leaks, wear, or mounting issues.

Your Vehicle Has Over 50,000 Miles

Even if you're not seeing symptoms, shocks and struts typically wear out gradually and should be inspected around 50,000–75,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and vehicle type.

Best practice:Schedule suspension checks during tire rotations or alignments — we’ll catch the wear early before it impacts other parts of your car.

Final Thoughts

Still wondering how to tell if your shocks or struts are worn out? If you’re feeling more bumps, seeing odd tire wear, or your car just doesn’t feel as stable as it used to, it’s time to let a professional take a look.

At Round Rock Auto Center, we offer full suspension inspections and replacement services using quality parts you can count on. Let’s get your ride back to smooth, safe, and comfortable — book your appointment today!