Have you ever ridden in a vehicle when you could feel every bump on the road? The car may have vibrated or bounced around so much that you felt that your teeth were going to shatter in your head! Then you’ve most likely experienced bad shocks or struts.
Shocks and struts are components of the suspension system in your vehicle. While they are not the same thing, they both regulate the suspension and help keep your car from bouncing off the road every time you hit a bump. Shocks or “shock absorbers” are little oil filled pistons that help absorb and disperse the movement of the road, essentially ensuring a smooth, quiet, comfortable and safe ride.
Struts are a little more complicated because they take the place of two or three other components of the suspension system, enabling a strut to also control the alignment and steering of a vehicle. Struts are more heavy duty because they must bear the weight of the vehicle while shocks do not.
How Long do Shocks and Struts Last?
Shocks and struts wear out over time and the rule of thumb is to check for replacement starting at around 50,000 miles.
What Will Happen if I Don’t Replace My Shocks and Struts?
Worn shocks and struts affect our ability to control your car on the road. They may reduce your car’s stability and ability to stop. Worn shocks and struts can cause undue wear and tire on your tires, suspension system and braking system.
What are Signs of Worn out Shocks and Struts?
- Unusual noises coming from the suspension system.
- Bouncing, swaying, or “diving” during braking
How Much Does it Cost to Replace Shocks and Struts?
The cost to replace your shocks or struts varies by the year, make and model of vehicle that you own, as well as the quality of parts you choose to put on your vehicle. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts can be more expensive than aftermarket parts.
To get an estimate for replacing your shocks or struts, check out our Auto Repair Estimator.