Car Bounces Too Much
A car that keeps bouncing after bumps, floats at speed or dips heavily when braking usually has worn shock absorbers.
High risk
Have it checked soon. Worn shock absorbers lengthen braking distances and reduce grip.
Short answer · How do I know my shock absorbers are worn?
Shock absorbers stop the springs from bouncing. When they wear, the car keeps moving after a bump, feels floaty, dips more under braking and leans more in corners. Oil leaking from a shock is another sign. Because tyres lose contact with the road more easily, worn shocks are a safety issue.
Safe checks you can do
- Bounce testPush down hard on one corner and release: it should settle after about one movement.
- Look for oil on the shocksA wet, oily body means a leak.
- Check tyre wearCupped wear can come from worn shocks.
Questions that narrow it down
- Does the nose dive under braking?Worn front shocks.
- Floaty on the motorway?Worn shocks.
- One corner sits low?A broken spring.
Possible causes
Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.
- Worn shock absorbersThe most common cause.
- Leaking shockLoses damping.
- Broken springLow corner and noise.
- Worn mountsNoise and movement.
Questions about Car Bounces Too Much
Are shocks replaced in pairs?
Yes, on the same axle, so both sides behave the same.
Do worn shocks fail inspections?
Leaking or ineffective shocks often do.