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(NAPSI)-How many bone-jarring potholes or other road hazards has your vehicle encountered in the past year? Even one severe road impact can affect a vehicle's wheel alignment or damage safety-critical steering and suspension components such as shock absorbers, struts and tie rod ends.
That's why it's important to have a vehicle's steering and suspension inspected for signs of damage and wear on at least an annual basis, according to engineers at Tenneco Inc., manufacturer of Monroe® shocks and struts.
"Most automotive repair shops can quickly perform a thorough undercar inspection, and many will do it as a free service for new and existing customers," said Mark Christiaanse, director of product management for the Monroe brand.
"They can identify any worn parts that might affect vehicle steering, stopping and stability, and check for tire-wear patterns commonly related to wheel misalignment."
Shocks and struts play a significant role in driving safety, according to automotive industry experts. These ride control components help promote consistent, firm tire traction by absorbing road-induced impacts and reducing vehicle pitch and roll.
The condition of a vehicle's shocks and struts can also affect the performance of interrelated safety components and systems, including brakes, tires and steering linkage parts.
"Many vehicle owners might not know that a worn shock or strut could increase their stopping distance and make it more difficult to steer around an obstacle in an emergency situation," Christiaanse said. "That's why periodic ride control inspections are so important."
In addition to pothole-induced damage, shocks and struts are susceptible to normal, everyday wear and tear that can affect vehicle steering, stopping and stability.
Automotive industry experts-including the independent Motorist Assurance Program-now recommend replacing shocks and struts every 50,000 miles for improved comfort and handling.