Shocks and Struts For Gig Harbor Bumps and Bounces

If you're like most of us Gig Harbor motorists, 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 Gig Harbor location for an inspection of your suspension.
Mackert Automotive LLC
3416-B 57th ST CT NW
Gig Harbor, Washington 98335

But if all you had were springs, your car, truck, SUV 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 car, truck, SUVs 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 car, truck, SUV feels floaty in turns or if the front end dips a lot when you stop, it is time to get your shocks checked at Mackert Automotive LLC in Gig Harbor. Your owners' manual will tell you when your shocks should be changed - it's usually between 15,000 and 30,000 miles or 24,000 and 50,000 kilometers.

When you replace shocks in Gig Harbor, be sure to replace all four. Then your car, truck, SUV will have an even suspension and will handle much better. Talk with your friendly and courteous Mackert Automotive LLC service specialist about how you drive. No, not your traffic violations, but how often you carry heavy loads, tow a trailer around Gig Harbor or drive in rough Washington 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, Washington 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 Mackert Automotive LLC in Gig Harbor. So, to smooth out the bumps on the road of life, change your shocks and struts when they need it.

