Shocks and struts are both important components in your car\u2019s suspension system, but they\u2019re not interchangeable. Rather, they work together to help you maintain a smooth and comfortable ride on whatever road you drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you\u2019re a car enthusiast or layperson, a mechanic or business owner, you\u2019ve probably fallen victim to the common conflation of \u201cshocks\u201d and \u201cstruts.\u201d For so many people inside and outside the professional car world, shocks and struts have become synonymous terms. But, technically speaking, they\u2019re not\u2014and it\u2019s important to know the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shocks and struts are both important components in your vehicle\u2019s suspension system, and they both function with the same intent: to keep your vehicle rolling smoothly and comfortably on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shocks and struts work together to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you hit a pothole or drive on rocky roads, your shocks and struts do the work of mitigating the impact\u2014both for your car and for your comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But despite their similarities, shocks and struts are not the same, and they\u2019re not interchangeable to your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your shocks and struts help keep you safe and comfortable when you drive, especially on rough roads. But how exactly do these parts of your vehicle actually function? Let\u2019s take a closer look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shocks keep your tires in contact with the road surface and help your coil springs absorb any harsh impacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By absorbing impact, shocks also help you maintain control and safe handling of your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Struts, on the other hand,are a combination of two components\u2014the shock absorbers and coil springs\u2014merged into a solitary unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like shocks, your struts are partially responsible for absorbing rough impacts. But they\u2019re also responsible for providing structural support to your vehicle by replacing the upper control arm and ball joint of traditional suspensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Struts also aid in maintaining steering and wheel alignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shocks and struts typically come in pairs, with the front wheels and rear wheels of your vehicle having either a shock or strut attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The exact configuration of your vehicle\u2019s shocks and struts can vary, but in most modern cars, you\u2019ll find struts along the front axle and shocks along the rear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your shocks or struts are starting to fade, you\u2019ll notice changes in your ride comfort and possibly ride quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But bad shocks and struts can make for more than just a bumpy ride\u2014they can also hurt your steering and traction, resulting in unsafe driving conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In general, shocks and strutswear out between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, but if you frequently find yourself driving on rough roads or towing heavy loads, they can wear out more quickly. Aggressive driving can also lead to early failure of your shocks and struts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But spotting the symptoms of bad shocks and struts can be difficult. The resulting changes in your vehicle\u2019s performance can occur gradually over time, making them harder to notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These symptoms also tend to overlap with signs of other problems, making them harder to diagnose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking for ways to tell when your shocks and\/or struts are wearing out, watch out for these common signs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If left alone, worn shocks and struts can start to damage other components in your suspension system, along with your wheels and tires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worn shocks and struts can decrease the effectiveness and response times of other major vehicle systems including your anti-lock braking system, steering system, traction control, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a part of basic car maintenance, you should have your shocks and struts looked at once a year or so. You\u2019ll likely need to go to a mechanic for assistance. This is also a good time to check on the condition of any parts connected to your shocks and struts, like the bearing mounts, shock boots, and rubber bump stops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to shock and strut replacement, you\u2019ll need to tackle them in pairs. Replacing the shocks and\/or struts on both axles is an even better idea if consistent and reliable handling is your top priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n