The Job of Struts and Shocks
The Job of Struts and Shocks
Why They Matter for Your Ride
When you drive down the road, your car goes over bumps, holes, and rough spots. If your ride feels smooth and steady, you can thank your struts and shocks. These parts are part of your suspension system, and their main job is to keep your tires on the road and your vehicle under control.
Shocks and struts may look simple, but they do very important work every time you drive.
What Do Shocks Do?
Shocks are like strong helpers that control bouncing. When your car hits a bump, the springs move up and down. Without shocks, your car would keep bouncing like a ball. Shocks slow down that motion. They help your tires stay pressed against the road so you can steer, stop, and drive safely.
Good shocks help with:
- A smoother ride
- Better control when turning
- Shorter stopping distance
- Less tire wear
When shocks are worn out, your car may bounce too much, feel loose on the highway, or dip forward when you brake.
What Do Struts Do?
Struts do the same basic job as shocks, but they also support the weight of the vehicle and help keep the wheels lined up. Struts are a main part of the suspension and steering system. They help hold the car up and keep it stable.
Good struts help with:
- Keeping the car level
- Steering control
- Proper wheel alignment
- Safe handling in curves
Bad struts can cause clunking noises, uneven tire wear, and poor steering.
Why Are Struts and Shocks So Important?
Together, struts and shocks:
- Keep your tires on the road
- Help you stop safely
- Control body roll in turns
- Make your ride comfortable
- Protect other suspension parts from damage
When these parts wear out, your car may feel rough, floaty, or hard to control. You may also notice your tires wearing out faster than normal.
When Should They Be Checked?
Most struts and shocks start to wear out around 50,000 miles, but driving habits and road conditions can change that. If your car:
- Bounces a lot
- Leans when turning
- Noses down when braking
- Feels loose at highway speed
- Makes knocking sounds over bumps
It may be time for an inspection.
Why Replacing Them Matters
New struts and shocks help your car drive the way it was meant to. You get better control, a smoother ride, and safer stopping. They also help protect your tires and keep your alignment in good shape.
At Automotive Blessings, we inspect suspension systems and help drivers know when it’s time to replace worn struts or shocks. Keeping these parts in good condition helps your vehicle stay safe, comfortable, and dependable for every mile ahead.
