What Do You Know About Shocks and Struts?

As part of the suspension system, struts and shocks help make your car ride comfortable. If you think driving on a dirt road with shock absorbers is bumpy, imagine driving without them! Struts and shocks are designed to dampen the energy generated when the vehicle is driven over bumps. Their main job is to control too much up and down movement of the springs. 

What is the Purpose of Struts and Shocks?

The struts on a vehicle are designed to keep the vehicle balanced and level on the road and to limit the vertical movement of the springs. Struts and shock absorbers control the movement of the suspension to control the ride and keep the tires in contact with the road. Struts, as part of the suspension system, mean keeping the body off the ground in addition to controlling the ride. While they perform the same task, the main difference between the two is that the shock absorber is a separate component, while the strut is a structural component of the vehicle. 

How Do Struts and Shock Absorbers Work?

Struts and shock absorbers do not absorb the energy generated when driving over bumpy roads. Instead, kinetic energy is converted into heat or thermal energy, which is then dissipated into the air. Once the spring is activated to travel over bumps, potholes, etc., it bounces over its attachment position and continues to fluctuate until the energy is completely gone. 

When Should I Replace My Shock Absorbers and Struts?

Bumpy rides

As your shocks near the end of their useful life, your vehicle's ride will become bumpy. In fact, as the situation worsens, you will feel almost every flaw or imperfection on the road. The deceleration belt is particularly stiff.
Braking problems - Ineffective or poor shocks can cause the front end of your vehicle to "lean" or "squat" when braking is applied. The added pressure on the brakes can cause braking distances to increase by 20% or more.

Note: This can be a major hazard when driving conditions are combined with rain, snow or ice.

Steering Problems

Shock absorbers help stabilize the vehicle by maintaining balance and center of gravity. When they fail, you may feel your car shake, lean or lift as you turn at different speeds and angles.

Unusual Tread Wear

Over time, as your car loses its balance, your tires may begin to show strange and uneven wear patterns. Uneven tire wear due to shock absorber and strut failure

Note: Ask your mechanic to rotate your tires, check for tread wear and evaluate your suspension system at your next oil change.

Oil Leakage

Another sign that you need new shocks is that they are leaking oil. If you see oil stains on the underside of the shocks, the inside of the tires or on the ground when you stop, this is a strong indication that you need to replace the shocks.

Note: A brake fluid leak may show the same signs as a shock absorber leak. If you are unable to determine the source of the leak, it is recommended that you do not operate the vehicle and call a mobile mechanic to verify the source of the leak.

Mileage

A few decades ago, the "rule of thumb" was to replace shocks every 50,000 miles. However, with the dramatic improvements in vehicle technology and parts quality, shocks now last 50,000 to 100,000 miles.

When any of these signs appear, it is highly recommended to have your vehicle's suspension system checked by a trusted auto repair store as soon as possible.

For more information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.