Maintenance March 15, 2021
Does driving over a speed bump make you feel like your car is an unfortunate wreck? Or is every joyride a rough ride, no matter how smooth the road? Then it is probably time to take a look at your car's suspension system and consider replacing the shock absorbers and/or struts.
What do shocks and struts do?
Shocks and struts are an essential part of your vehicle's suspension system. They work together with the other components of yourhanging systemto ensure a stable and comfortable ride.
Shocks and struts help your tires maintain traction by minimizing bouncing, swaying, and other movements that get in the way of safe driving. They keep your car's weight balanced and stable over bumps and through turns.
What is the difference between shock absorbers and struts?
Shocks and struts are often mentioned interchangeably, but there are some major differences between the two. If your vehicle requires struts, you cannot replace the shock absorbers (and vice versa).
Shockare individual suspension components that help the coil springs absorb the impact of the road. Without a collision the vehicle would spin out of control! They help keep the tires in contact with the road, instead of bouncing into the air after a bump.
INbracecombines the shock absorber and coil spring components into a single unit. In addition to absorbing shock and impact, struts also provide structural support. They replace the upper control arm and upper ball joint required by conventional suspensions.
Does my vehicle have shock absorbers or struts?
Each wheel has a strut or shock absorber. They come in pairs; if you have a shock on the left rear wheel, you also have a shock on the right rear wheel. However, your vehicle may have shocks on one axle and struts on the other axle.
In fact, most modern vehicles have struts on the front axle and shock absorbers on the rear axle. You may have struts on both axles, but it's rare that you only have shocks.
There are three easy ways to find out if your car has shock absorbers or struts.
- Check your owner's manual.The owner's manual should contain information about the suspension settings of your specific model.
- Look under the car.As long as you know what you're looking for, you should be able to tell if your vehicle has shock absorbers or struts connected to each wheel.
- Ask a technician.Ask your mechanic during your next car service! They can determine what parts your vehicle has and – bonus! – they can also tell you if the shock absorbers/springs need to be replaced soon.
4 Signs You Need to Replace Shocks and Struts
In general, shock absorbers and struts wear out every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. If you are a more aggressive driver and/or often drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster.
Shocks and struts don't go out immediately; theslowly worsensafter a while. Because of this, you may not notice that your suspension is going bad until it goes from bad to worse! Look for these 4 main signs that you need to replace shock absorbers and/or struts.
1. Uneven, rough ride
Do you feel like you're losing control when you hit a bump in the road? Does your vehicle bounce more than once or twice? A hard, bumpy ride is one of the easiest symptoms to notice.
2. Delicious liquid
Leaking fluid on the outside of the shock absorbers/struts is a sign that something is wrong. If the shock absorbers do not contain enough hydraulic fluid, they will not be able to absorb shock while driving.
If you're not sure if the fluid in your suspension is coming from the shocks or if it's an old fluid leaking from somewhere else, wipe it off and check again after you've driven at least a few miles.
3. Uneven tread coverage
Cupping – wavy, undulating depths in the tire tread – are a telltale sign of worn shocks and struts. This is because the tires are not held firmly on the road while driving. Cupping shortens the life of your tires and reduces handling and braking performance.
4. Instability when braking or turning
Does your car dive when you hit the brakes? Or swaying in turns? This means that your shock absorbers and struts cannot handle the changes in the vehicle's weight distribution. It may also take longer to quit if your suspension is bad, which is never a good thing.
Read: What pothole damage can do to your car
Replacing your shocks and struts when they are worn out will prevent damage to other vehicle parts such as tires and suspension, and is also essential for driving safety!
Today's vehicles are equipped with a number of safety systems designed to help improve handling and stability and prevent accidents. The anti-lock braking system, stability control system, traction control system, automatic braking system and other features work together to keep you safe. If your shock absorbers and struts are in poor condition, they can do that toomay not respond correctlyon the electronic signals of these systems in the event of an emergency.
Have your shock absorbers and struts replaced
The best way to know when to replace your shocks and struts is to have a qualified technician inspect your suspension when you notice the above signs, perform an adjustment or installationnew tires. Have your car's suspension checked at least once a year.
Shock absorbers and struts should always be replaced in pairs (front axle or rear axle), and it is even better to replace the shock absorbers/struts on all four wheels at once. This ensures reliable driving and consistent response on both sides of the vehicle.
If you have had some hanging work done, we always recommend that you purchase oneAlignalso not. Any changes to your suspension can also change the alignment of the vehicle's wheels. And when it comes to wheel alignment, even minor adjustments on the road can have costly consequences (accelerated tire wear, increased suspension problems, difficult handling).
Read: Wheel Alignment vs. balance: what's the difference?
Whether you just need yoursdelayinspected, or if you know it's time for new shocks and struts, bring your vehicle to Virginia Tire & Auto for reliable service at competitive prices! Come visit one of usplacementsto speak with one of our ASE certified technicians orschedule a service visitonline!
