Ridgecrest Auto Repair

How do I know if I need new shocks?  Determining if you need new shocks (or struts, which are similar components) involves checking for several signs of wear and performance degradation: Ride Quality: If you notice a significant change in how your vehicle rides—such as increased bouncing, excessive vibration, or a rougher ride over bumps—it could indicate worn shocks. Handling Issues: Worn shocks can lead to poor handling characteristics. You may experience excessive body roll during turns, nose-diving when braking, or instability at higher speeds. Uneven Tire Wear: Shocks help maintain proper tire contact with the road. If you notice uneven tire wear patterns, especially cupping (where the tread wears unevenly in patches), it could be due to worn shocks. Leaking Fluid: Visible fluid leaking from the shock absorbers or struts is a clear sign of internal damage and indicates they n ... read more

To find your tire size, you can typically locate it on the sidewall of your tire. Look for a series of numbers and letters that indicate the tire size and specifications. Here’s how to read it: Example Format: P215/65R15 95H P: This letter indicates the tire type. "P" stands for passenger vehicle tires. Other letters you might see include "LT" for light truck tires or no letter for Euro-metric tires. 215: This number is the tire width in millimeters, measured from sidewall to sidewall. 65: This number is the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the tire's height to its width. It represents the sidewall height as a percentage of the tire's width. R: This letter indicates the construction type of the tire. "R" stands for radial construction, which is the most common type for modern tires. 15: This number is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.  ... read more