Blog

During a suspension inspection at Hilltop Tire Service in Des Moines, your certified automotive service technician will check your vehicle for broken, worn or missing parts.

Here is an overview of the suspension system and its components:

There are the springs which hold the weight of your vehicle. Shock absorbers work in conjunction with springs to smooth out your ride and help keep the tires on the road. Good shocks are key for ride comfort and handling performance.

You've probably heard of struts. They combine a shock absorber and a coil spring into one unit. Shocks and struts will wear out over time, but there are signs to look for if your shocks or struts are wearing out. You may notice that your tires develop a cupped wear pattern, this is from the shocks bouncing unevenly. Or you might notice a floaty or drifting sensation when turning a corner. If the front of your vehicle dives excessively when stopping, or rocks back and forth after you've stopped, your shocks may be wearing out. And if they are leaking fluid, it is indeed time to get them replaced at Hilltop Tire Service.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit Hilltop Tire Service for a suspension inspection. This also applies if you've been in an accident that involved one of your wheels. If your vehicle suspension actually fails, it could lead to a serious accident, so don't wait until it’s too late.

When you replace your shocks, it is typically a good idea to replace all four shocks at the same time. This will give you more even handling. Talk with one of our friendly service advisors at Hilltop Tire Service because you don't want a big difference between the performance of your shocks from wheel to wheel, and replacing all four may be the safest way to go.

There are different grades of shocks and struts. You always want to use a replacement shock or strut that is equal or better than the one that came as original equipment on your vehicle when it was new.

Keep in mind, if you want increased handling performance, your Hilltop Tire Service advisor can recommend an upgraded shock or strut specially designed for improved handling. If you haul heavy loads or trailers in the Des Moines metro, we can also recommend some heavy duty shock absorbers.