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Your car's shock absorbers and struts ensure that the body of your car hangs above the wheels while driving and remains comfortably off the ground. Without them, you'd be bouncing around on the road, making for an uncomfortable and unsafe ride. Shocks and struts convert the up and down motion of the car into energy, which they absorb every time you hit a pothole or bump in the road. As they wear out, you lose control over the car's stability and it takes longer for the car to stop. “Shocks and struts are as much about safety as they are about comfort,” says Marshall Castle, an ASE-certified automotive technician and owner ofChicago Car Care, Inc.
Shock vs. Stiffeners: What's the Difference?
Although shock absorbers and struts are both part of your car's suspension system, they are fundamentally different components. Shock absorbers are located behind the tires and work in combination with a separately mounted spring. The sole job of the car's shock absorbers is to prevent the car from bouncing.
Automotive struts combine a shock and spring assembly into one unit that is part of the vehicle's structural composition. These robust, weight-bearing components are attached to the wheel. In addition to softening the ride, struts also hold the tire in place and provide valuable support to the vehicle's braking and steering systems.
“Depending on the suspension, some cars have a combination of both shock absorbers and struts,” says Castle.
How do you know when to replace shock absorbers and struts?
According to Castle, most customers with shock or support issues complain of a knocking or rattling noise when they drive over a bump. Or if the mounting parts are worn, other bad strut symptoms include a loud, creaking noise. If the shocks or struts are in bad shape, the car will bottom out every time it hits a bump or rough spot in the road.
More than anything, worn shock absorbers and struts usually affect the overall feel of the car while driving. Most people don't recognize the telltale signs because the decline is slow over time. “The way the car drives feels normal because they've driven it every day,” Castle says. 'So it's routinesafety inspection of carsare so important. Your technician can spot subtle things before they become bigger problems.”
Replacement of the front strut
Driving for too long on worn shock absorbers and struts can negatively affect the car's performance and become a safety problem. For example, without proper support from the suspension system, the front end will tip forward every time you stop. Bad shocks and struts also affect the way the car turns. If the car comes around a bend unsteadily, you may turn the steering wheel to compensate and suddenly lose control.
“If the car doesn't respond the way you expect, it becomes dangerous,” Castle says.
In addition to safety hazards, falling parts from failed shocks and struts can get stuck in your steering system or blow out your tire due to their location next to the handlebars. Suddenly you are not just replacing one part, but replacing or repairing several.
How to maintain your shocks and struts
Like most core components, your car's shock absorbers and struts are designed to withstand normal wear and tear, including the occasional flat tire.
Practicing good driving habits can help extend their lifespan. Slow down when approaching speed bumps. Reduce speed when cornering to reduce stress on your vehicle's suspension. And most importantly, have your car checked when you get the oil changed. In some cases, your mechanic can lubricate the suspension points around the shocks and struts to give them new life.
How long do shocks last?
Most manufacturers recommendreplacement of the suspension, including shocks and struts, every 50,000 miles. Normally your mechanic will suggest one tootire adjustmentbecause steering and suspension systems work closely together. But putting your car through the wringer can cause your shocks and struts to fail more quickly. If you drive carefully and avoid curbs and potholes, your shock absorbers, struts and suspension system can last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles.
