How to Drive With Bad Shocks

Shock absorbers are in the car for one major reason: to keep your car from moving up and down on uneven surfaces. Bad shocks will be noticeable and you can tell they are faulty if your car has extended vertical motion after a bump or dip in the road. If you have bad shocks, the first thing you want to do is fix them. Safety-wise, that is always the smart thing to do. However, if you are in a situation where you don't have the means to replace them and they aren't totally gone, then you can survive driving for awhile.

Driving Safely with Bad Shocks

  • Identify precisely which shocks are faulty so you can be aware of them during turns and in case of any road irregularities.

  • Drive at or below the speed limit no matter what road you are on, because the faster you go, the more likely you are to be affected by a change in the road.

    Drive the Speed Limit with Bad Shocks
    Drive the Speed Limit with Bad Shocks
  • Avoid any potholes or dips in the road, both to keep control of the car and to ensure safety of the undercarriage.

    Avoid Potholes Whenever Possible
    Avoid Potholes Whenever Possible
  • Take turns that are sharp at a much slower pace and, if possible, avoid any winding road.

    Slow Down for Turns
    Slow Down for Turns
  • Give yourself more time and room to brake, as cars with bad shocks generally take more distance to stop.

    Braking Takes Longer with Bad Shocks
    Braking Takes Longer with Bad Shocks