Shocks play a crucial role in your off-road vehicle's suspension system. They minimize the spring and bounce of the vehicle, stabilizing it so that you have more control when turning, changing speed, and traveling over bumpy terrain. Given this important function, you should know when your off-road vehicle shocks are in need of being serviced. Below are several indications that this is happening.

When Should You Rebuild the Shocks on an Off-Road Vehicle?

1. New Bounciness

If you drive your off-road vehicle often, you can anticipate how much vibration and bumpiness you will feel in the cabin. If you notice unexplained changes to these sensations, the shocks are likely to blame. When the shocks wear down, they cannot control the movement of the springs, causing the tires to lose contact with the ground. As a result, the wheels bounce up and down more than usual. Also, take note of how the vehicle travels over small obstacles and other terrain variations. It should handle these uneven areas easily, so if hitting one causes you to bounce uncontrollably, time to have them checked out.

2. Extreme Tilting

Vehicle shocks provide stability when accelerating or braking, as they make sure the wheels stay in contact with the ground. However, when they experience damage or long-term wear, this control will start to wane. When you speed up, the back of the vehicle may tilt backward. When you slow down, the front is more likely to reach forward toward the ground. This is dangerous if you use the vehicle to climb hills or drive through inclines, as it increases your risk of crashing.  

3. Uneven Tire Wear

Because bad shocks cause tires to lose contact with the road, tires will start to wear unevenly. This can lead to tire cupping, which is when small, scalloped dips form around the tread edge. Cupping compromises the tires' ability to grip the road, presenting a serious safety risk. If you can see uneven tread wear, especially cupping, rebuild the shocks and tires before taking the vehicle out for a spin.

When you need new off-road shocks serviced, contact MTS Offroad in Phoenix, AZ. They provide UTV repairs to customers, vendors, and dealers. They also sell and ship a full line of off-road vehicle accessories and supplies, including shocks and spring kits to residents throughout the United States. Call (602) 272-5009 to speak with a team member, and visit the website to browse their services and products.