How to Check for Bad Shocks
Your car's shocks, also known as shock absorbers, facilitate smooth driving by keeping the tires on the road and absorbing the movements of the car. Shock absorbers gradually wear out over time. Driving often over bumpy roads or other terrain will wear out the shocks more quickly. Observe your car for signs of bad shocks so you can have them replaced promptly.
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Instructions
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Ask your mechanic to check your shocks about every 25,000 miles, according to AAMCO. Some shocks may wear out after only this much usage.
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Bounce your car to check your shocks yourself. Push the bumper up and down, let go when it's on its way down, and observe how it bounces. Good shocks will allow the car to rebound, and then immediately stop, according to Popular Mechanics. If the car bounces more than this, get your shocks replaced.
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Observe how well your car handles while driving. Notice if it bounces excessively over bumps and if the steering wheel vibrates. When you brake, the car should not seem to "nose-dive." These may indicate bad shocks. Bad shocks may also cause excessive leaning on turns.
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Check behind the tires. If you find an abnormal amount of road gunk, your shocks may be leaking oil. This will compromise their performance, and they'll need to be replaced.
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References
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