Do you feel every bump in the road? Does your car struggle to grip the road properly? Your shock absorbers be worn! Don’t take the risk—bring your vehicle to Star Automotive and Tyres in Moonah for an expert assessment.

Shock absorbers are one of the most misunderstood yet critical components of your vehicle. Many drivers don’t realise their primary job is to keep your tyres in firm contact with the road, ensuring both safety and performance.

Shock absorbers, along with struts, are vital parts of your car’s suspension system. They directly affect your vehicle's steering, stability, handling, braking and ride comfort. Replacing worn or faulty shocks and struts, as well as inspecting the overall suspension system, helps maintain control, safety, and a smoother driving experience.  

A lesser-known fact is that shock absorbers also play a key role in reducing wear on other vehicle components, such as tyres, by minimising the vibration and stress that uneven roads place on the car.

If you notice concerning signs of shock absorber wear, don’t wait. Visit the team at Star Automotive and Tyres in Moonah. Our qualified technicians can conduct a road test and provide professional advice. Below are some of the warning signs to watch for:  

Trouble stopping  Worn shock absorbers can increase your stopping distance by up to 20%, which could be life-threatening. Addressing this issue immediately is crucial.  

Nose-diving and swerving  Does the front of your car dip down when braking, or does the vehicle swerve when you slow down? These are classic signs of shock absorber problems.  

Steering wheel vibrations   If your steering wheel vibrates excessively, even on relatively smooth roads, it could point to faulty shock absorbers.

Drifting in side winds  If your car veers or drifts in mild side winds, it’s a strong indicator that your shock absorbers may not be functioning correctly. 

Excessive bouncing and rolling  Is your car bouncing excessively over bumps, railway tracks, or uneven surfaces? Or does it feel unsteady around corners? It might be time for a suspension check-up at Star Automotive and Tyres.  

Uneven tyre wear   Uneven or patchy tyre wear, especially bald spots, is often a sign of worn shock absorbers. This issue can reduce your tyres’ lifespan and compromise road safety.  

At Star Automotive and Tyres, we’re proud members of the Monroe Safety Specialist Program. This means our team is fully trained and committed to providing you with the right shock absorber solution tailored to your vehicle, driving habits, and individual needs. You can trust that any product we recommend will be fitted correctly and deliver optimal performance.  

Book an inspection with Star Automotive and Tyres in Moonah today, and let us help you keep your car safe, comfortable, and road-ready.

Ensure safety and comfort on the road. Visit Star Automotive and Tyres in Moonah for expert shock absorber inspections, repairs, and tailored solutions. Book your assessment today!

Dangers of Worn Shock Absorbers in Moonah

Drive Safe this Winter with a 65 Point Written Vehicle Inspection Report

Our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report is free with every service at Star Automotive and Tyres in Moonah. Our qualified mechanics will visually check over the important components of your vehicle and provide you with a written report on the condition of your vehicle. We can then help you understand any concerns which may need to be attended so that you can drive safe this winter.

While half of Australia is enjoying their dry season up North, the Southern half of the country is bracing for a wet winter.

The result of that could be totally different ways to get your vehicle ready for winter; however the fundamentals of safe winter motoring remain the same. So how can you make sure your car is equipped for safe winter motoring? 

Avoid the painful moment when you switch on the wipers at the first drop of rain and realise they're worn out and basically useless! Wiper blades wear out over time, especially in the harsh Australian conditions. A good quality wiper blade like Trico is essential to help you see your way clear regardless of the weather. Star Automotive and Tyres can recommend a wiper blade or assembly that is right for your car.

Be sure that your Heater and Demist / Defrost functions are working so you can have a clear view front and back while driving in cold and wet conditions. You should never drive your vehicle if you can't see where you are going.

Fluids and other workings in your car can be effected by cold weather; including coolants, oils and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. Regular services are important - especially by a professional technician who recognises the best products and parts to keep your car in its best operating condition. We use high quality Penrite oils and fluids that are designed for Australian conditions.  

It is a well known fact that cold temperatures can drastically affect your battery to a point where it will go flat and leave you stranded. Have your battery regularly tested especially if it is over 3 yrs old and replace it in a timely manner. Visit Star Automotive and Tyres for a free battery test.

Always remember to drive to your conditions. If visibility is poor or the weather is wet - slow down and leave a larger than normal stopping distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. Drive on the safe side and book in for a service or Vehicle Inspection today.

Be aware of the warning signs that your brakes need to be inspected, like vibrating, spongy or slow responding brake pedal, strange sounds or difficult handling when applying pressure to your brakes. If you are experiencing any of these it's best to have a qualified mechanic check it out. Brake inspections form part of our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report, so if you have concerns call us today and book in.

Driving on worn tyres is dangerous. Now is the time to check how worn your tyres are. If you notice spots which are worn unevenly, this could indicate that your shock absorbers or some other vital part of your steering and suspension systems are due for service or replacement. 

Driving on tyres which are not inflated correctly will not only cost you extra fuel money; it can also impact your ability to brake effectively. You can usually find manufacturers recommendations on a panel inside the driver side door.

Star Automotive and Tyres can conduct Roadworthy Inspections for Tasmanian registered vehicles and perform Pre-Registration inspections for interstate registration transfers in our Moonah workshop in Hobart as we are an Authorised Inspection Station for all vehicles up to 4.5 tonne.

Here are the reasons why you need an inspection:

If you have an interstate registered vehicle and you need to register it here

For vehicles out of registration for more than 3 months

We can inspect your vehicle so you can get a defect notice removed

For fast service call us on 03 6200 9114 to book in your vehicle.

A roadworthy inspection is not a comprehensive full vehicle inspection. Talk to us today about the different types of inspections available at Star Automotive and Tyres and which one will best suit your needs. 

Star Automotive and Tyres can conduct roadworthy pre-registration vehicle inspections as our workshop is an Authorised Inspection Station.

Pre-registration roadworthy vehicle inspections in Moonah, Hobart TAS

The phrase 'wheel alignment' refers to how parallel your car's wheels are and their positioning in relation to the vehicle. Every car, no matter the make or model, is engineered to provide accurate steering and braking capabilities, provided the angles of the wheel alignment are correct.

A wheel alignment, a vital maintenance task for vehicles, ensures that the angles of the wheels are adjusted according to the manufacturer's specifications. This procedure has several benefits: 

Firstly, it significantly enhances driving safety by improving vehicle handling and preventing the steering from pulling to one side, thereby reducing the risk of accidents. 

Secondly, a proper alignment minimises tyre wear, which not only prolongs the life of the tyres but also leads to financial savings by reducing the frequency of tyre replacements. 

Additionally, an aligned vehicle experiences better fuel efficiency as the tyres face less resistance from the road, meaning the engine doesn't have to work as hard to move the vehicle forward. Overall, wheel alignment is essential for ensuring a smoother, safer driving experience, extending tyre life, and improving fuel economy, which together contribute to the long-term health and efficiency of the vehicle.

A wheel alignment might be necessary when you start experiencing symptoms such as uneven tyre wear, the steering wheel is off-centre when driving straight, the vehicle pulls to one side, or there's noticeable steering wheel vibration. 

These symptoms indicate that the wheels are not aligned properly, affecting the vehicle's handling and potentially leading to faster tyre wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and extra strain on suspension components. It's also wise to get an alignment after purchasing new tyres, after a collision or hitting a significant pothole, or when suspension parts that affect the tyre positions have been replaced. Regular alignments, as recommended by the vehicle's manufacturer, help ensure optimal tyre life and vehicle performance.

Rotating your tyres is a crucial maintenance task that can significantly extend their life and improve your vehicle's performance. Tyre rotation involves changing the position of the tyres on the vehicle — for example, moving the front tyres to the rear and vice versa. This process ensures even tyre wear since each position on the vehicle causes tyres to wear differently due to factors like weight distribution and turning patterns. Manufacturers recommend rotating tyres every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometres, but it's wise to consult your vehicle's manual or a professional for specific guidance. By regularly rotating your tyres, you maintain balanced handling and traction, prevent uneven tread wear, and maximise the lifespan of your tyres, ultimately saving you money and enhancing road safety.

Star Automotive and Tyres is your go-to place for a wheel alignment service and any tyre related matters. Our team of experts will ensure that your car's wheels are aligned correctly, giving you the best performance, safety, and economy. Don't neglect this essential service, and schedule your wheel alignment service with us today!

Ensure optimal vehicle performance with Star Automotive's wheel alignment service. Extend tyre life, boost fuel efficiency & enjoy safer driving. Book now!

Professional Wheel Alignment Services at Star Automotive and Tyres Improve Safety & Save Money

Your cars safety and roadworthiness is dependent on 3 elements, it's ‘stopping, steering and stability' capabilities.

Not only do the suspension and shock absorbers provide a comfortable ride, but they also play a vital role in maintaining three crucial capabilities that ensure your safety, the safety of your passengers, and that of other road users. To avoid potential issues, routine maintenance is recommended, and any irregularities should be reported to us immediately for inspection.

An important part of keeping all aspects of your vehicle working properly is to stick to your regular Log Book servicing schedule. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms you should get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible;

Nose diving and swerving - bonnet dips when braking or slowing down

Car rocks and rolls over bumps and doesn't hug bends when cornering

Our suspension and shock absorber services include inspection, diagnosis, repairs and replacements so we'll have your car fixed and back on the road time. Don't delay, book today.

Top Quality: As a part of the Repco Authorised Service Centre network all of the work we perform is backed by our Repco Nationwide Warranty.

The Right Parts: Our mechanics are kept up on all the latest parts thanks to Repco service bulletins. Additionally, we have access to the Repco spare parts network which means we can find you the right part at the right price.

The Best Team: Our mechanics are well versed in many different makes and models. From a fleet of vehicles to the family car, we are here for you.

What are some of your suspension & shock absorber's important parts?

Springs - Springs are designed to absorb energy and there are several different types including leaf, coil, torsion bar or air assisted springs. The springs on different types of cars will be set up to different levels. Luxury cars, for example, may have soft springs to produce a smoother ride but this results in more body movement when the car brakes and corners. Sports cars, on the other hand, tend to have tighter springs which allow for more aggressive driving, including around corners, but also mean a less smooth ride.

Shock absorbers - these dissipate the energy absorbed by the springs. The car would not work properly without the shock absorbers because the springs would cause it to bounce up and down when you go over a bump rather than absorb that bump.

Strut - this is a shock absorber mounted inside a coil spring. Struts do the job of the springs and shock absorbers plus provide additional structural support for the suspension system.

Anti-sway bar - spans the width of the axle and joins the two sides of the suspension together to provide stability to the car while it is moving.

Get more useful information in Repco's Shock Absorbers Auto Facts Video

For high quality Suspension & Shock Absorber Services at a competitive price, contact us using the links below. We can service many customers in Moonah and the surrounding areas.

Your cars safety and roadworthiness is dependent on 3 things consisting of the vehicle's ‘stopping, steering and stability' capabilities.

Suspension & Shock Absorber Repairsin Moonah

Suspension & Shock Absorber Repairs in Moonah

Your car's suspension and steering are critical for stability, good handling and ultimately safety whilst on the road.  That's why a regular suspension and steering service that includes inspection of the overall suspension and steering system, will protect the longevity of your tyres and the efficiency of your vehicle.

At Star Automotive and Tyres, we have highly trained mechanics that are familiar with all types of steering and suspension systems. We are able to inspect, diagnose and discuss possible maintenance and/or repairs that are required for your car. 

A regular suspension and steering service that includes inspection of the overall suspension and steering system, will protect the longevity of your tyres and the efficiency of your vehicle.

Suspension and Steering Service

Suspension & Steering

TACC

Star Automotive and Tyres take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 

Conveniently located in Moonah, the business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring their technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. 

Star Automotive and Tyres have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, they have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care.


Star Automotive and Tyres

Suspension & Steering

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Related articles

Dangers of Worn Shock Absorbers

Drive Safe This Winter

Roadworthy Vehicle Inspections in Moonah

What is a Wheel Alignment?

Suspension & Shock Absorber Repairs in Moonah