If you’re like most of us Albuquerque car owners, you want your car to handle well. That’s the job of your suspension system.

There are different types of suspension systems, but they all work on the same basic principles. First, there are the springs, which bear the weight of the car. The most common springs are coil or leaf – although we see air springs and torsion bars more often. The springs do most of the work.

Visit our Albuquerque location for an inspection of your suspension.
Dr J’s Auto Clinic
4201San Mateo N E
Albuquerque, NM 87110
505.341.4747

But if all you had were springs, your minivan would be bouncing around like a bobble head. That’s where the shocks come in. They control the rebound of the springs and smooth out the up and down motions. They also keep the tires on the road, and you in control. Some minivans use struts. Struts are a combination of shocks and springs, together in a more compact system.

Shocks wear out slowly over time, so it’s hard to notice when they get badly worn. One way to tell is to look for an uneven, cupping wear on your tires. If the shock or strut is leaking fluid, it needs to be replaced. If your minivan feels floaty in turns or if the front end dips a lot when you stop, it is time to get your shocks checked at Dr J’s Auto Clinic in Albuquerque.

When you replace shocks in Albuquerque, be sure to replace all four. Then your minivan will have an even suspension and will handle much better. Talk with your knowledgeable Dr J’s Auto Clinic service professional about how you drive. No, not your traffic violations, but how often you carry heavy loads, tow a trailer around Albuquerque or drive in rough NM backcountry terrain. If you do a bunch of that, you’ll need a heavy duty shock.

Regular shocks use hydraulic fluid and air as their dampening system. Premium quality shocks and struts use compressed nitrogen gas instead of air. Gas shocks don’t get air bubbles that affect the performance of regular shocks. If you do a lot of high performance driving, NM off-roading or just want added comfort and control, think about getting premium gas shocks or struts.

Replacing your struts may take your car out of alignment, so be sure to get an alignment at the same time. stop by Dr J’s Auto Clinic in Albuquerque. So, to smooth out the bumps on the road of life, change your shocks and struts when they need it.