Do you feel every bump in the road? Does your car struggle to grip the road properly? Your shock absorbers be worn! Don’t take the risk—bring your vehicle to Paul Tidyman Automotives in Maryborough for an expert assessment.

Shock absorbers are one of the most misunderstood yet critical components of your vehicle. Many drivers don’t realise their primary job is to keep your tyres in firm contact with the road, ensuring both safety and performance.

Shock absorbers, along with struts, are vital parts of your car’s suspension system. They directly affect your vehicle's steering, stability, handling, braking and ride comfort. Replacing worn or faulty shocks and struts, as well as inspecting the overall suspension system, helps maintain control, safety, and a smoother driving experience.  

A lesser-known fact is that shock absorbers also play a key role in reducing wear on other vehicle components, such as tyres, by minimising the vibration and stress that uneven roads place on the car.

If you notice concerning signs of shock absorber wear, don’t wait. Visit the team at Paul Tidyman Automotives in Maryborough. Our qualified technicians can conduct a road test and provide professional advice. Below are some of the warning signs to watch for:  

Trouble stopping  Worn shock absorbers can increase your stopping distance by up to 20%, which could be life-threatening. Addressing this issue immediately is crucial.  

Nose-diving and swerving  Does the front of your car dip down when braking, or does the vehicle swerve when you slow down? These are classic signs of shock absorber problems.  

Steering wheel vibrations   If your steering wheel vibrates excessively, even on relatively smooth roads, it could point to faulty shock absorbers.

Drifting in side winds  If your car veers or drifts in mild side winds, it’s a strong indicator that your shock absorbers may not be functioning correctly. 

Excessive bouncing and rolling  Is your car bouncing excessively over bumps, railway tracks, or uneven surfaces? Or does it feel unsteady around corners? It might be time for a suspension check-up at Paul Tidyman Automotives.  

Uneven tyre wear   Uneven or patchy tyre wear, especially bald spots, is often a sign of worn shock absorbers. This issue can reduce your tyres’ lifespan and compromise road safety.  

At Paul Tidyman Automotives, we’re proud members of the Monroe Safety Specialist Program. This means our team is fully trained and committed to providing you with the right shock absorber solution tailored to your vehicle, driving habits, and individual needs. You can trust that any product we recommend will be fitted correctly and deliver optimal performance.  

Book an inspection with Paul Tidyman Automotives in Maryborough today, and let us help you keep your car safe, comfortable, and road-ready.

Ensure safety and comfort on the road. Visit Paul Tidyman Automotives in Maryborough for expert shock absorber inspections, repairs, and tailored solutions. Book your assessment today!

Dangers of Worn Shock Absorbers in Maryborough

When it comes to keeping your vehicle safe and comfortable on the road, the suspension system plays a critical role. Whether you’re commuting daily, heading off-road, or towing a caravan, a properly functioning suspension system ensures you stay in control of your vehicle. At Paul Tidyman Automotives in Maryborough, we understand just how vital this system is. 

As an independently owned and run Repco Authorised Service centre and servicing vehicles since 2000, we take pride in helping our clients keep their suspension systems in top-notch condition. Let’s delve into why regular suspension checks are essential for all types of vehicles—whether petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric—and especially for those tackling heavy loads or towing.

Your vehicle’s suspension system is designed to provide a smooth ride, ensure proper handling, and keep your tyres in contact with the road. It does this by absorbing shocks and vibrations caused by uneven surfaces. The main components include:

Shock Absorbers: These control the bouncing of the vehicle by damping the motion of the springs.

Springs (Coil or Leaf): These bear the weight of the vehicle and absorb larger bumps and dips in the road.

Struts: A combination of a shock absorber and a spring, commonly found in many modern vehicles.

Control Arms: These connect the vehicle’s wheels to the frame, allowing up-and-down movement while keeping the wheels aligned.

Bushings and Joints: These provide flexibility and reduce metal-to-metal contact, preventing wear and tear.

Each part works together to give you a stable ride. Over time, however, these components can wear out, leading to reduced performance and safety concerns.

Carrying heavy loads, towing a caravan or trailer, and even going off-road can place additional strain on your suspension system. These activities increase the weight and pressure on the springs and shock absorbers, leading to faster wear and potential failure.

For instance, when towing, the rear suspension often bears a significant portion of the load, causing it to compress excessively. This can lead to:

Impact of Heavy Loads and Towing on Suspension

Uneven tyre wear: Increased stress can alter the alignment of your wheels.

Sagging or bottoming out: The rear of the vehicle may sag, making it harder to steer and brake effectively.

Premature wear of parts: Heavy loads accelerate the wear of springs, shocks, and joints.

Driving on uneven terrain or off-road only compounds these issues, as the suspension works harder to absorb shocks. Without regular checks, these stresses can lead to costly repairs and unsafe driving conditions.

When your suspension system starts to fail, it’s not just the ride quality that suffers. Other critical vehicle systems can be impacted, such as:

Other Systems Affected by Suspension Failure

Tyres: Misaligned suspension components cause uneven tyre wear, reducing their lifespan and grip.

Steering: A failing suspension can affect the alignment, making your vehicle harder to steer and less responsive.

Braking System: Worn suspension can lead to longer braking distances, as the weight of the vehicle shifts unevenly during braking.

Ignoring suspension issues can lead to a domino effect of damage throughout your vehicle, making regular inspections all the more important.

If you’re unsure whether your suspension system needs attention, watch out for these common warning signs:

Uneven Tyre Wear: If your tyres are wearing down unevenly or more quickly than expected, it could indicate suspension misalignment.

Poor Handling or Drifting: If your vehicle pulls to one side or feels unstable when cornering, the suspension may be compromised.

Unusual Noises: Clunking or knocking sounds when driving over bumps are often a sign of worn bushings or joints.

Excessive Bouncing: If your car bounces multiple times after hitting a bump, your shock absorbers might need replacement.

Sagging or Leaning: A visibly sagging corner or side of the vehicle can indicate a broken spring.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to book a suspension inspection at Paul Tidyman Automotives in Maryborough.

Maintaining your suspension system doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some practical tips to keep it in good shape:

Avoid Overloading: Stick to your vehicle’s recommended weight limits, especially when towing.

Drive Carefully: Slow down over speed bumps and potholes to minimise impact on your suspension.

Regular Maintenance: Have your suspension system inspected regularly, particularly if you drive in demanding conditions.

Check Tyre Alignment: Misaligned tyres can put additional strain on your suspension system.

Replace Parts Promptly: If a component starts to wear, replacing it sooner rather than later can prevent further damage.

By following these tips, you’ll not only extend the life of your suspension but also save money on costly repairs down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions About Suspension

Your vehicle’s suspension system is key to a smooth and safe driving experience. Whether you’re towing, carrying heavy loads, or navigating rough terrain, regular checks are essential to keep everything running smoothly. 

At Paul Tidyman Automotives in Maryborough, we specialise in suspension inspections, service and repairs for all types of vehicles. Trust our experienced team to keep your car in top condition. Book your suspension check with us today!

Ensure your vehicle’s suspension is in top shape. Visit Paul Tidyman Automotives in Maryborough for expert suspension checks and repairs. Servicing petrol, diesel, hybrid & electric vehicles.

Suspension Checks in Maryborough | Paul Tidyman Automotives

How Heavy Loads and Towing Impact Your Car's Suspension

Your car's suspension and steering are critical for stability, good handling and ultimately safety whilst on the road.  That's why a regular suspension and steering service that includes inspection of the overall suspension and steering system, will protect the longevity of your tyres and the efficiency of your vehicle.

At Paul Tidyman Automotives, we have highly trained mechanics that are familiar with all types of steering and suspension systems. We are able to inspect, diagnose and discuss possible maintenance and/or repairs that are required for your car. 

A regular suspension and steering service that includes inspection of the overall suspension and steering system, will protect the longevity of your tyres and the efficiency of your vehicle.

Suspension and Steering Service

Suspension & Steering

AAAA

Paul Tidyman Automotives was started in 2000 and is owned and operated by Paul and Nola Tidyman. Paul and Nola pride themselves on their excellent customer service.

Paul and his team can carry out servicing and repairs of all makes and models, is LPG qualified, air-conditioning specialist, VACC members, Authorised VicRoads roadworthiness testers along with Ford authorised warranty repairs, parts & sales. 

Paul Tidyman Automotives are part of the Repco Authorised service network and are a Clutch Industries Master Installer. They have Electronic scan equipment and Laser wheel alignment equipment. Fully qualified and experienced mechanics.  

Paul Tidyman Automotives

Suspension & Steering

Let's get started with your booking.

Related articles

Dangers of Worn Shock Absorbers

How Heavy Loads and Towing Impact Your Car's Suspension