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Counterman Search Search our Articles... _____________________ [ Search ] Home Magazine Tech Topics Operations Opinion Products Guess the Car Ask the CounterPro CPOTY Data Center Contact Us Home LA New Iberia LA Chassis Safe and Stable Suspension Parts New Iberia LA The aftermarket sells almost $600 million a year in chassis parts, shocks and struts according to a recent analysis by Frost & Sullivan. But sales should be considerably higher based on studies that have shown many worn parts are not being replaced. Why? Because many motorists dont realize that suspension parts wear out over time. Springs lose ride height. Shocks and struts lose their ability to control suspension motions. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Local Companies Napa Auto Parts (337) 369-3781 1215 Main New Iberia, LA Courrege Emile Auto Parts (337) 365-2084 1130 W Main St New Iberia, LA Napa Auto Parts (337) 369-3781 1215 Main New Iberia, LA Rhino Linings of Iberia (337) 560-0098 706 Weldon St New Iberia, LA Musson-Patout Used Cars of New Iberia (337) 365-1778 2801 Highway 14 New Iberia, LA GLASSWORKS LLC 337-852-2304 1611 Verot School road Lafayette, LA Advance Auto Parts (337) 367-7426 818 E Admiral Doyle Dr New Iberia, LA Himel Motor Supply-Napa (337) 369-3786 1215 Main New Iberia, LA Car Color Center Crow-Burlingame Co (337) 364-2321 1103 E Main St New Iberia, LA O'reilly Auto Parts (337) 367-2411 1124 E Admiral Doyle Dr New Iberia, LA 11/1/2003 By Larry Carley Safety and stability. That's what most motorists want when they get behind the steering wheel of their car or truck. And when the suspension doesn't live up to their expectations, they usually realize repairs or upgrades may be needed. The aftermarket sells almost $600 million a year in chassis parts, shocks and struts according to a recent analysis by Frost & Sullivan. But sales should be considerably higher based on studies that have shown many worn parts are not being replaced. Why? Because many motorists dont realize that suspension parts wear out over time. Springs lose ride height. Shocks and struts lose their ability to control suspension motions. Ball joints, tie rod ends and bushings wear out from the constant pounding mile after mile. Sharp-eyed technicians who know what to look for can usually identify parts that need to be replaced, but your typical motorist usually cannot. Consequently, a lot of potential sales are lost. Given the huge number of vehicles on the road in North America (over 220 million), capturing even a fraction of the "underperformed" repairs and maintenance on suspension parts could significantly boost aftermarket sales of chassis and ride control parts. ARE REPAIRS NEEDED? When parts wear out, they obviously need to be replaced. The same goes for damaged parts. Postponing needed repairs can be dangerous with some suspension parts. A badly worn ball joint, for example, may pull apart allowing the suspension to collapse. Tie rod ends that separate can cause a loss of steering control. Most worn suspension parts are found when doing pre-alignment inspections. Nobody can realign worn parts, so its important to make sure the steering linkage and suspension are in good condition before any alignment adjustments are made. That includes the springs, too, because spring sag can upset wheel alignment. Unusual tire wear or a steering or handling problem should also prompt a motorist to have his/her vehicle inspected. But many dont heed the warnings and keep on driving. Its the same with a rough, bouncy ride, excessive body roll or sway when driving and bottoming out. Weak shocks and struts cant control suspension motions and maintain proper traction. According to one consumer survey by a leading shock manufacturer, 70 percent of people think the primary function of shocks and struts is to provide a comfortable ride. Consequently, replacement is seen as a low priority. Only 21 percent of the people surveyed recognized the fact that new shocks and struts can improve handling and ride control. The most compelling reason for replacing shocks and struts, according to the survey (56 percent), is to improve vehicle safety, handling and control. The safety aspect of ride control usually doesnt receive much attention because few people realize its importance. But the condition of the shocks and struts do affect driving safety. Tests carried ... Click here to read the rest of the article from Counterman Magazine Featured Local Company GLASSWORKS LLC 337-852-2304 1611 Verot School road Lafayette, LA http://Myspace.com/glassworks Related Articles Making the Suspension and Alignment Parts Sales New Iberia LA All moving parts eventually succumb to normal wear and collision accidents continue to fuel the demand for suspension and alignment parts. Read on for more detailed information in the following article. ASE Test Prep: Steering And Suspension New Iberia LA Ride Control Chassis: Profitable Parts New Iberia LA High-Tech Suspension and Ride Control New Iberia LA IFrame IFrame