Alright, so you’re keen to make sure your car breezes through its next Warrant of Fitness (WOF) here in Hamilton? Too right! One thing people often forget about till the last minute is the gas-filled shock absorbers. And trust me — living with all those potholes by Nawton, crawling bumper-to-bumper on Te Rapa Road, or constantly hitting speed humps in Rototuna, those shocks take a bit of a hiding.
1. Give Your Shocks a Proper Check Over
First up, get those shocks checked, especially if you’re noticing your Suzuki Swift bouncing like a trampoline over the bumps near Chartwell, or your Peugeot 308 scraping more than usual on speed bumps in Glenview. One of our techs will have a geez for leaks, busted seals, or any oil marks around the shock body itself. If you see any weeping down the side, or if your car’s swaying more than it used to heading down Morrinsville Road, that’s a dead giveaway something’s not right. Spotting these problems early means you’re less likely to get pinged at your next vehicle safety check or WOF. Makes all the difference for how your brakes grab too — especially with Hamilton’s wet, foggy mornings in winter. If you want to know how good shocks help keep your tyres stuck where they’re meant to be, here’s a handy explainer about vehicle handling and braking.
2. Sorting Out Leaks & Gas Refill
Let’s say the check finds your Mazda Demio’s shocks have a slow leak after too many runs through the puddles out by Tamahere. Not the end of the world — loads of cars like late-model Honda CR-Vs and the odd Skoda Superb get this over time. The trick is to get those shocks sealed up and the gas pressure topped up again, instead of just ignoring it and chewing through tyres or chewing up control on greasy roads. You’ll get a smoother ride — which is worth it when it’s stop-go down Peachgrove Road or if you’re running the family to footy practice in Cambridge. Proper pressure means your wheels grip the tarmac better and you’re less likely to slide or get caught out if a corner tightens up unexpectedly. Want the nuts-and-bolts on this? Have a gander at how properly set-up shocks help avoid skids and why basic maintenance always pays off — see some common car servicing tips.
3. Replacing Shocks That Are Past It
If you’ve been putting it off and your trusty Toyota RAV4 or that Nissan Qashqai from Raglan comes in with shocks so far gone they’re no good, it’s time for new ones. One of our techs will help figure out what’s best for your vehicle and how you drive — city runs, school drop-offs, or maybe you’re running that Volvo V40 out to Matangi every day. New shocks, especially the gas type, really lift your car’s game with how they handle corners, emergency stops, even those sneaky dips in Dinsdale. You’ll get peace of mind knowing you’re sorted no matter if it’s stinking hot this summer or hosing down outside. Here’s a decent read on how upgrading your suspension helps with braking and WOF safety. If you’re curious how this all gets done, jump over to our page about WOF suspension repairs in Hamilton.
Wrapping Up
Look, keeping your shocks in good nick is the sort of thing that’s easy to forget, but you’ll notice the difference on the school run, on the way to work, or if you get caught out by a Hamilton downpour. Suss out any dodgy noises, slow leaks, or knocking before your WOF sneaks up. We see all sorts come through the workshop — from tidy little Kia Picantos to European wagons, all with different quirks — but one thing’s the same: handling, comfort and safety all start with decent suspension. Got questions? Swing by, ring up or book now and we’ll sort you out, no dramas.
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Full inspections — we check what actually matters under NZ conditions
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Quality repairs using top-notch parts
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Always safety first, whether you’re zipping down Kahikatea Drive or ducking out to Ngaruawahia
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Trusted, local service — been here for yonks, so your car’s in good hands
When it’s time to get your car ready for its WOF in Hamilton — or you just want peace of mind before heading out of town — drop by Grimmer Motors. We’ll keep your ride smooth and safe, every time.