Growing Number of Fleets, Owner Operators Protecting Expensive New Tires By Replacing Ride Control Units

Monroe, MI – As the cost of new drive and steer axle tires continues to rise, a growing number of commercial fleets and owner operators are replacing their vehicles’ shock absorbers with each new set of tires. And for good reason: Premature tire wear is often caused by worn shocks.

“Cupping” and other signs of uneven or premature tire wear can be caused by shocks that have lost their ability to help maintain firm tire-to-road contact by controlling excessive suspension movement. Additionally, worn shocks can negatively impact vehicle alignment, leading to a variety of other tire wear issues, including thrust/scrub angle wear.

“High quality shocks are typically available at a fraction of the price of a new steer or drive axle, so replacing these wear-intensive parts makes good sense in terms of protecting your overall investment in your tires and the rest of the vehicle,” said Dan Wittler, national sales manager, commercial vehicle ride control, for Monroe^® shocks manufacturer Tenneco Inc. (NYSE: TEN).

Shock absorbers perform a number of important functions on any truck or bus. By limiting suspension movement, shocks help “push” the vehicle’s tires against the road surface for improved traction, satisfactory braking and increased driver control.  By controlling suspension movement, shocks also help prevent early failure of springs, air bags and other more expensive steering and suspension components. In addition, by absorbing road shock and vibration, these units help protect batteries, cab mounts, lamps and other comparatively fragile parts.

“As an investment in overall vehicle productivity, safety and reduced cost per mile, replacing worn shocks on a regular basis – and at least with every tire replacement cycle – is just good business,” Wittler said. “It also helps keep the driver happier through improved ride quality, control and comfort.”

For additional information concerning the importance of shock replacement, please contact your Monroe shocks supplier or visit www.monroeheavyduty.com.

Tenneco is a $7.2 billion global manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and approximately 24,000 employees worldwide. Tenneco is one of the world’s largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of emission control and ride control products and systems for the automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment markets and the aftermarket. Tenneco markets its products principally under the Monroe^®, Walker^®, Gillet™ and Clevite^® Elastomer brand names.

###