Tip: Not all vehicles use shock absorbers on all four wheels. It is common to see shocks on the rear tires and struts on the front. A vehicle will have either a shock or a strut found at each wheel never both. The two components are significantly different in that:. Besides these differences, there is also a significant disparity between the cost of shock absorbers and struts. Struts are far more costly in comparison to shocks.
Both components serve to stabilize your vehicle, whether it is in motion or not. Shocks and struts contribute to a smooth and safe ride and should be replaced when they wear out. NOTE: Shocks cannot replace struts, and struts cannot replace shocks. They are entirely different components. Before replacing your shock absorbers or struts, you should have your entire suspension inspected for part wear, damage, and leaks.
Other components that can cause your suspension system to underperform may include:. Some manufacturers recommend replacement at 50, miles, but a more reasonable approach is to have the shocks, struts, and suspension system inspected at 50, miles, then annually after that. Because the primary goal of struts and shocks is to prevent the amount of suspension movement, the most telling sign that you need to have them checked is if you are experiencing a bumpy ride.
Your car is designed to comfortably withstand a certain amount of movement, so if you experience bumpiness or shakiness while driving, your shocks and struts are most likely to blame. One of the first signs people notice when their car needs new shocks or struts is poor steering response.
The steering wheel will often become stiff and hard to turn, and their may be unusual noises when turning wheel. In addition to these problems, you may find that your car sways or leans on turns or when changing from one lane to the other. When struts are worn or damaged, the vehicle will often compensate in other ways. While often strut damage is better felt than seen, you might notice visibly dented or damaged struts or shocks. In addition to this physical damage, fluid leaks among struts and shocks are common when a car needs replacements.
Mounts and bushings can also become corroded, damaged, or worn as time goes on. If your tires show unusual wear patterns it may be time to replace your shocks and struts. The manufacturing spends countless hours of research and development to ensure that your car handles optimally, so replacing the worn-out shocks with new OEM ones is the best option. However, there are plenty of well-known and reputable shock absorber manufacturers in the aftermarket that provide good-quality products as well for a lower price than the OEM units.
Just be sure to ask your mechanic and see which method works best for your car and your budget. So if you experience a lot of shakiness or bumpiness when you drive your car, then the shocks could need replacing.
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