Q: When do I replace my struts/shocks? They've never been replaced.

asked by on September 07, 2016

I've recently given my wonderful 2012 Chevy Equinox 6cylinder AWD, with 116,000 miles, the complete once over. New tires, brakes, trans flush, radiator flush, oil change, Even changed the differential fluid changed in front and Back. So, now do I need to replace the struts and shocks?

My car has 116000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

The suspension should be inspected at every regular service. You should only replace the struts and shocks if it’s necessary. There is no set scheduled interval to replace them. They usually last 6 to 10 years in your case they may only last another year. This is why you have them inspected. If you changed them every 6 years it would not be a bad thing as it may even improve your ride. For peace of mind, have one of our mobile technicians inspect your suspension system firsthand and help you replace components that are necessary. Best of luck.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What does the AdvanceTrac® Off light mean in the dash?
The AdvanceTrac® system is Ford’s stability and traction control solution for your car. It’s automatically turned on every time you start the engine. The system is designed to help provide better traction during driving on slippery roads (rain, snow, etc.)....
Rack and pinion has a leak
A visual inspection of the power steering system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/steering-wheel-is-hard-to-turn-inspection) is required. Concerning a BMW, it is slightly more labor intensive because all the power steering components are on the underside of the vehicle which requires lifting and removing the shields...
Vehicle making grinding noise when turning right
This is typical of a hub bearing that needs to be replaced. The noise varies when turning in one direction because pressure is being put on the worn bearing during that turn. In extreme cases the hub and tire will...
SUV won't accelerate properly after 2 hours of driving
The CVT transmission on the vehicle may go into what is called 'transmission safe mode' if it is overheating. The safe mode will cause low engine power, and limited shifting of the CVT system. This could be caused by incorrect...
I jus recently gotten a new battery inserted in my car now my car is not starting without it cutting off.
This is your anti-theft system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-disable-a-car-alarm) taking over as a result of the new battery being installed. This is unfortunately something that usually requires the dealer to reset due to safety precautions. Often times you will need to establish some...
Manifold bolts loose and possible vacuum leak.
Hi there. If the intake bolts are loose, then there was an issue with the engine before and a mechanic or someone has removed the intake manifold to fix what ever had failed. It is possible that the mechanic or...
Stalling
Hi There, It sounds like you may have a dirty or failing idle air control valve causing your engine idle to fluctuate and eventually stall. The idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) is a small valve on the engine's intake system...
My boy accidentally hooked battery cables up wrong on his truck, and now it's got white smoke that smell like gas coming out.
When hooking up the battery cables backwards, the ground became the hot and the hot became the ground. Most likely the computer (ECM) could have failed and the fuel pump may have burned up. I recommend checking all of the...
How to fix loud lifter noise?
Add 1 quart of ATF to the engine oil and run the engine for 15 minutes at 2,000 rpm’s. This will thin out the engine oil and clean out the lifter with the high detergents. Then drain the oil and...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Subaru Impreza
The The 2012 Subaru Impreza is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The already wildly popular compact sedan got a new redesign for 2012, giving it sleeker lines and a more contoured look, but that’s not all there is to...
2012 GMC Acadia vs. 2012 Dodge Journey: Which One Should I Buy?
The GMC Acadia is classed as a midsize SUV, which is able to seat between six and seven passengers comfortably. The 2012 Acadia offers three rows of seating, so passengers will feel the roominess that is typical in a true...
How to Troubleshoot a Car that Nose Dives When Braking
Cars nose dive when the suspension is faulty. Inspect the car brake system, test the shocks and struts, and do a bounce test to diagnose the cause.