Parts for your 2017 Honda Civic-Shock absorbers

Maintenance and Replacement of Shock Absorbers on the 2017 Honda Civic

The 2017 Honda Civic is equipped with shock absorbers, which play a crucial role in the suspension system of the vehicle. These components are essential for ensuring a smooth ride, providing stability, and enhancing control when driving. As integral parts of your car's suspension, they help absorb and dampen road impacts and vibrations, keeping tyres in continuous contact with the road surface. Understanding how to maintain or replace these parts is critical for extending the life of your vehicle and ensuring safe, comfortable driving.

Let's dive into the best practices for maintaining and replacing your shock absorbers. Regular checks are key, as they help you catch any potential issues before they become serious problems. Here are some signs that may signal it's time for new shock absorbers:

• Unusual noise from suspension when driving over bumps or potholes.
• Noticeable bouncing or swaying when applying brakes.
• Uneven tyre wear.
• Fluid leaks around the shock absorber.
• A decreased level of control when steering.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's time to consider checking your shock absorbers. While some vehicle enthusiasts enjoy carrying out maintenance themselves, it's important to know your limits. If any of these issues seem beyond your skill level, it's wise to consult a professional mechanic. Let's go through some basic steps if you're up for a bit of DIY maintenance.

1. Inspection: Begin with a visual inspection, looking for signs of wear, corrosion, or fluid leakage. Any such indication could mean the shock absorber has been compromised.
2. Bounce Test: Push down on one corner of your car and then let go. The car should bounce up once, then settle back to its resting position. If it continues to bounce more than once, the shock absorbers might need replacement.
3. Safety First: If undertaking replacement yourself, ensure the car is on a level surface and use jack stands for additional support once the car is lifted off the ground. Ensure that all safety guidelines mentioned in your vehicle's manual are followed.
4. Removal of Old Shocks: Remove wheel nuts and the wheel itself to gain access to the shock absorbers. Next, detach the bolts holding the absorber in place. Carefully slide the old shock out.
5. Installation of New Shocks: Match the new shock with the old one to ensure size and fitting are accurate. Install by reversing the removal process. Make sure all bolts are securely fastened and the new shock is aligned correctly.
6. Testing: Once installation is completed and the vehicle is lowered, perform another bounce test to ensure the new shocks have improved the ride stability. Take the car for a drive, listening for unusual noises and paying attention to handling and performance.

Regardless of your decision to DIY or hire a professional, maintaining your vehicle's shock absorbers is a worthy investment. Replacement intervals can vary, often depending on driving style, road conditions, and quality of the parts themselves. It's generally recommended to check shock absorbers every 20,000 km to 30,000 km or if you encounter any of the issues mentioned earlier.

Investing time into understanding and maintaining your vehicle pays off in terms of longevity, safety, and performance. Regular maintenance can save you money by preventing premature replacement of tyres and other suspension components. Plus, it keeps your ride comfortable and ensures that each trip is safe. After all, this isn't just about maintaining your car, it's about protecting something much more valuable: you and your passengers. Happy driving!