Your car’s shocks play a crucial role in maintaining a smooth ride and stable handling. But as they age, these components wear out, affecting your vehicle’s comfort and safety. Faulty shocks can lead to longer stopping distances, poor control, and excessive wear on other suspension parts. Recognizing the signs of worn-out shocks can help you address the issue before it leads to more costly repairs. At East Windsor Auto, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater East Windsor, CT area. Here are four warning signs that it’s time to replace your shocks. Your Ride Feels Rough and Bumpy One of the most noticeable signs of failing shocks is a rough, bumpy ride. If your car feels like it's bouncing excessively over small bumps or dips in the road, your shocks are likely no longer absorbing impacts properly. Shocks are designed to control suspension movement and keep the vehicle stable. When they wear out, you’ll feel every imperfection in the road, making your drive uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. Your Car Nose-Dives When Braking If your car lunges forward when you hit the brakes, your shocks may be losing their ability to support the vehicle’s weight. This issue is particularly dangerous in emergency braking situations, as it can make it harder to stop quickly and maintain stability. Uneven Tire Wear Shocks help ensure that your tires maintain even contact with the road. When they wear out, your tires may start to show uneven tread wear, particularly in patches where they’re not making consistent contact with the pavement. If you notice bald spots on your tires, it’s a potential sign that your shocks aren’t absorbing road impacts properly. Left unchecked, this can lead to premature tire replacement and reduced overall traction. Leaking Fluid on the Shocks Shocks contain hydraulic fluid that helps dampen suspension movement. If you see oil leaking from your shock absorbers, it’s a clear sign that they need to be replaced. Once the fluid leaks out, the shocks lose their ability to function properly, leading to poor ride quality and handling. A quick visual inspection can reveal any leaks, so if you notice oily spots on your shocks, it’s time to get them checked by a professional. Suspension Repair in East Windsor, CT For auto repair in East Windsor and the surrounding area, contact East Windsor Auto at (860) 266-5573. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

Your vehicle’s braking system is crucial for your safety on the road. Over time, brakes can wear down and develop issues that compromise your ability to stop effectively. Recognizing the warning signs of a brake problem can help prevent accidents and costly repairs. At East Windsor Auto, we provide expert brake repair in the greater East Windsor, CT area. Here are five common signs of a brake problem. Squeaking or Grinding Noises If you hear a high-pitched squeaking or grinding noise when applying the brakes, it’s a strong indication that your brake pads are worn out. Most brake pads have built-in wear indicators that emit a squealing sound when they become too thin. If the sound turns into a grinding noise, it means the brake pads have worn down completely, and the metal components are rubbing against the rotors. This can cause significant damage and requires immediate repair. Soft Brake Pedal A properly functioning brake pedal should feel firm when pressed. If your brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or sinks to the floor, it could indicate a serious issue, such as air in the brake lines or a brake fluid leak. Driving with compromised braking power is dangerous, so if you notice this problem, have your car towed to the shop to have your brakes inspected as soon as possible. Vibrations If you feel vibrations when applying the brakes, it may be due to warped brake rotors. Rotors can become uneven due to excessive heat and wear. This uneven surface causes the brake pads to make inconsistent contact, leading to a shaky or unsteady feeling when braking. Getting your rotors resurfaced or replaced can resolve this issue. Car Pulling to One Side When you apply the brakes, your car should stop in a straight line. If the vehicle pulls to one side, it could be due to a stuck caliper. This can dangerously affect your ability to control the vehicle, making it important to address the issue ASAP. Brake Warning Light on Dashboard Modern vehicles are equipped with a brake warning light that illuminates when there’s an issue with the braking system. This light may indicate problems like low brake fluid or a faulty wheel speed sensor. If your brake warning light comes on, don’t ignore it—have your vehicle inspected to identify and fix the underlying problem. Brake Repair in East Windsor, CT For auto repair in East Windsor and the surrounding area, contact East Windsor Auto Sales & Service at (860) 266-5573. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!