Shocks and Struts

Shocks And Struts

What are shocks and struts?

Not all vehicles have both shocks and struts. Some have just struts, some vehicles have only shocks and some have a combination of both. Shocks are part of the overall suspension, and a strut is a complete suspension assembly.

The shocks and/or struts in your car perform two functions. They dampen spring oscillation, and secondly, they aid in ride control.

The springs in your car actually absorb road shocks (not the shock absorbers). Surprised? The shock absorber's function is to dampen the bouncing spring. If you did not have shock absorbers to dampen the spring oscillations from road shock, your car would turn into a "bucking bronco" every time you hit a bump in the road, making it very difficult to handle and dangerous.

The shock absorbers in your car aid in ride control by keeping the car manageable during regular driving. They do this by keeping the tires down on the road and not allowing them to bounce after hitting a bump. This allows for ease of cornering and handling.

Here are the signs that you may need new shocks and/or struts:

• Vehicle rolls or sways on turns

• Front end dives when braking

• Rear end squats when accelerating

• Vehicle bounces or slides sideways on a winding, rough road

• Vehicle "bottoms out" (with a thump) on bumps

In addition, worn shocks and/or struts can accelerate the wear of your tires and suspension parts ... the ball joints, steering linkage, springs and C.V. joints.

Preventative checkups are the key to side-stepping the effects of worn shocks and/or struts. Every time you have an oil change we will take a look at the suspension to see if there is anything that may need your attention.

Don't "cut corners" when it comes to your shocks/struts. Proper functioning of these parts is essential to the handling and cornering of your vehicle, making for safer driving conditions.

We can help you with all of these issues.

Just call and make an appointment today!