When your shocks and struts are in good working order, they’re barely noticeable. And that’s a good thing! It means your suspension system is giving you the smooth, stable ride it’s supposed to. Go too long without replacing your shocks and struts, however, and you’re in for a bumpy ride.
But how do you know when shocks need to be replaced or if your struts are going bad? What’s the difference between the two, anyway? Keep reading to learn more about these two major components of your suspension, the telltale signs of worn-out shocks and struts, how often your shocks and struts should be replaced, and more.
Your Suspension System: How it Works
You know your vehicle moves forward, backward, and around curves or turns. But consider this: your car also moves up and down, particularly when you're driving on an uneven surface.
No road is perfect, and your suspension system’s job is to maximize the friction between your tires and the road to provide stability and handling. This controlled contact with the road leads to a smoother ride over bumps and dips.
Your suspension is also made to absorb and dissipate the energy from those changes in the road—like the sudden jolt of a pothole—to help you maintain control as you change the direction of the steering wheel, brake, or accelerate. Two major parts of your suspension system that make all this work are your shocks and struts.
What's The Difference Between Shocks and Struts?
Though often mentioned together, shocks and struts are not the same thing. Both serve to absorb road impact and maintain stability, but they do so in different ways:
- Shocks (Shock Absorbers): Shocks are a single component whose only function is to absorb road impacts. They help control the movement of your suspension and prevent excessive bouncing, working independently from the structure of your car.
- Struts: Struts not only absorb road impacts, but they also possess the coil spring, which supports the weight of your vehicle and helps maintain wheel alignment. The strut assembly is a major component of modern suspension systems that directly connect the wheel to the vehicle chassis.
Most vehicles have either shocks or struts, though some use both—shocks in the rear and struts in the front. Regardless of which set-up your car has, keeping it maintained is essential.
How to Know If Your Vehicle Has Shocks, Struts, or Both
How do you know if your vehicle has shocks or struts? The easiest way is to look. Every wheel on a car will have either a shock or strut. Most front-wheel-drive vehicles today have struts on the front wheels, but depending on your vehicle, you may find shocks in the front, struts in the back, all struts, or some other combination of the two.
Signs of Bad Shocks and Struts
Wondering how to tell if your struts are going bad or how to know when shocks are worn? You drive your vehicle day in and day out, so you're probably going to notice when something just doesn't feel right, like a rougher-than-usual ride or poor steering response. But, how do you know if the suspension system is the root of the issue?
Damage to your suspension is especially common after hitting a bump in the road at high speeds. If you’ve recently hit a pothole or can’t remember the last time you had your suspension checked, look for these common signs of worn-out shocks and struts:
1. Bumpy or bouncy ride
After hitting a bump, does your car continue to bounce multiple times before settling? Have your car rides become noticeably harsh, bumpy, or bouncy over time? If either of these is true, your shocks and struts are likely due for replacement.
Oftentimes, struts and shocks wear out so gradually that you simply get used to the increasing bumpiness, when in reality, these parts are long past due for replacement. Then, when you finally have your suspension repaired, you’ll be surprised at how buttery smooth the road suddenly feels!
2. Fluid leaks around the shocks or struts
One of the quickest ways to tell if your shocks or struts are going bad is to look for fluid leaks around the tubular piston housing or under the tire well. Your shocks and struts use hydraulic fluid to dampen road impacts, but wear and tear over time may cause leaks if the housing cracks or a seal breaks.
3. Uneven tire wear
Another major sign of bad shocks or struts is uneven tire wear, known as tire cupping. Your suspension is supposed to help your tires maintain even contact with the road, but if you have damaged shocks or struts, they won’t be able to apply even pressure to each tire. This results in patterns of uneven tire wear that often looks like a series of dips or scoops taken out of the tread.
4. Longer stopping distances or "nose-diving" when braking
Your brakes do most of the heavy lifting when you need to stop your vehicle, but your suspension plays a part, too. If you notice your vehicle taking longer to stop or feel like it "dives" in the front when engaging the brakes, worn-out shocks or struts are likely to blame.
5. "Squatting" in the rear with sudden acceleration
Much like forward nose-diving when braking can be a telltale symptom of a suspension problem, so can "squatting" or a noticeable lowering of your vehicle's rear when you accelerate quickly. Both of these problems may indicate uneven weight and shock absorption in your shocks or struts.
6. Tipping or swaying when turning or driving around curves
Shocks and struts play a key role in keeping your car balanced both front to back and side to side. If your shocks and struts are shot, you may feel like your vehicle is tipping to one side rather than staying perfectly upright when you turn or navigate around a sharp curve.
7. Stiff steering wheel and other steering problems
Since they are an integral part of your steering and suspension, worn-out struts, in particular, can cause steering problems. A worn-out strut can cause wear and tear on its connected components, such as ball joints, steering links, and other parts used to turn your wheels, causing the steering wheel to stiffen.
You may also find yourself having to correct your steering wheel’s movement and wheel alignment much more often than usual.
How Often Should Shocks and Struts Be Replaced?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as replacement depends on your driving conditions and vehicle type. A general guideline is to have them inspected at 50,000 miles or greater on OEM shocks or struts. If you frequently drive on rough roads, tow heavy loads, or notice any of the signs above, you may need replacements sooner.
To find manufacturer-recommended guidance for your specific vehicle, consult your make and model's scheduled maintenance documentation, or ask a pro at Firestone Complete Auto Care for help.
What Happens If I Don't Replace My Struts?
Maybe you can tolerate a bumpy ride, but in the interest of your suspension, you probably shouldn't. If you wait until your shocks wear out completely or your struts are in dire condition, you're putting your vehicle at risk for:
- Uneven tire wear
- Increased stopping times
- Poor handling (or, in extreme cases, loss of steering control)
- Stress and premature wear on coil springs and other suspension system parts
- Unsafe driving conditions
How to Know If Struts Are Going Bad: Call on Firestone Complete Auto Care
Think your shocks or struts are wearing out? Not sure if your car's issues could have another root cause? It's time to call Firestone Complete Auto Care for help. At the first sign of a bumpy ride or wandering wheels, make a service appointment and stop by your neighborhood Firestone Complete Auto Care for suspension and steering repairs you can trust. It's time to get back to smooth sailing—or, you know, driving—for you and your car!
