Your struts and shocks have one job: to keep your car safely grounded. If you feel like driving is more like riding a roller coaster, it may be time to have this point of your suspension checked out.
First a little bit about structs and shocks. The words may be used interchangeably but they are very different parts.
Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers have one job: to stop your car from moving up and down. They are one component of your car that works independently from the rest of your suspension system.
Struts
Structs serve the same basic purpose as struts but they are complex components that work with the rest of your suspension system. They are also used in the steering and alignment of your vehicle.
Struts and shocks help keep your car stable which leads to better braking and handling. They cannot be used together and one cannot be used to replace the other. Most cars have struts on the front and shocks on the back, so it’s important to check before you start ordering parts.
Regardless of whether your car has struts or shocks, that have the same warning signs when they need to be replaced. If your car has any of the following warning signs, it’s time to bring it in to Silverdale Autoworks.
- Your car continues to bounce after stopping..
- The hood of your car drops when braking.
- The back of your car drops when accelerating like a race car.
- “Cupping” or repetitive high and low spots appear on your tires.
- Your car sways drastically from side to side when turning a corner or changing lanes.
- Your car bottoms out more often when going over railroad tracks or speed bumps.
- Pushing down on a corner of your car causes it to easily bounce up and down.
Your struts and shocks not only keep you settled, they keep you in control of your car. Worn out suspension parts can leave you in serious danger while you’re driving. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, take it to your Silverdale Autoworks immediately.
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