When Do Car Struts Need to be Replaced?

A vehicle is more than just 4 wheels rolling down the road.  It has many different systems that work together so that you are driving as safely as possible down the road.  One vital system, but one that doesn’t receive much attention, is the suspension system.  It keeps your vehicle connected to the road!  

The suspension system performs 6 functions:

1. Helps maintain the appropriate vehicle ride height
2. Reduces the effect of shock forces on rough roads
3. Helps maintain correct car alignment
4. Supports the weight of the vehicle
5. Keeps the tires rolling down the road efficiently
6. Keeps the wheels turning in the right direction

There are 4 major subsystems that make up the suspension system:

• Tires, wheels, and car axles – Tires provide traction for acceleration, braking, and cornering, as well as absorbing minor bumps.  They will wear out over time just from usual wear and tear.  Car axles and wheels can also fail from accident potholes.
• Springs – Springs absorb large bumps but may break if the vehicle hits a bump very hard, and some springs will ultimately start to sag.  Springs are much less prone to failure than most of the other suspension parts.
• Struts and Shocks – Shocks or struts dampen the motion of the springs after a bump, keeping the vehicle from bouncing excessively.  Together with the car axles, shocks and struts work together to ensure that your vehicle operates safely.  
• Rods and Connectors – Every suspension system includes rods and other connecting sections that collectively keep the wheels in place.  They are solid metal so they rarely fail excepting in major accidents. 
• Bushings, bearings, and joints – These parts allow a small amount of twisting among the other parts of the suspension system.  They can wear out from usual use and will want to be replaced.

Tip to Remember:  When any of the parts of the suspension system wear and fail, the performance of other systems is significantly decreased.  For example, it will take a longer distance than normal to come to a complete stop.  Don’t let your vehicle be the cause of a serious accident. 

Need an inspection of the suspension system?  Call our ASE-certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for more information about when do car struts need to be replaced and to request an appointment. Our automotive shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.

What Are Signs Of Bad Struts?

What gives you a smooth and relaxed ride in your vehicle?  It’s the automotive shocks, depending on your vehicle!  The purpose of the steering and suspension systems is to keep your ride smooth and safe, working together in harmony.  But as the miles accumulate on your car, the components of these two systems will ultimately wear out.  

Just like most of the other parts and systems in a vehicle, automotive shocks and struts have a specific maintenance schedule. Your auto mechanic may advise to replacing these parts between every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.  Of course, the lifetime of shocks and struts will depend largely on how and where you drive.  Do you drive mainly on smooth straight roads, or do you travel over roads filled with ruts and potholes?  

So what are signs of bad struts or automotive shocks?

• Poor steering response.
• Swaying and leaning when turning and changing lanes.
• Vehicle bounces excessively when driving.
• Braking performance is unstable.
• Vehicle Nosedives when braking hard.
• Tire "Cupping" as the rubber wears off the tire every time it hits the ground.
• Hydraulic Fluid leaking from inside the strut or shock.

If you notice that you are struggling to control your vehicle as you drive down the road, check out the shocks or struts. For increased safety, stopping performance, vehicle stability, and control, it may be time to replace your car shocks or struts.  

Are you wondering what are signs of bad struts and automotive shocks?  Call the ASE-certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for more information about the suspension system and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.

Wondering about the symptoms of bad struts?

Automotive shocks wear down slowly over time and as the miles add up.  Like all other automobile parts and systems, shocks and struts have a specific maintenance schedule.  Auto repair specialists say that normally they should be replaced between every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the wear and tear they have received.

What keeps your vehicle balanced and connected to the road?  It’s the automotive shocks!  The many different components that make up the steering and suspension systems play a big role in keeping your ride smooth and safe.  The life span of shocks and struts will depend on your driving patterns. If you consistently travel over bumpy streets and adverse road conditions, then these parts will want to be replaced more often than those used for commuting short distances every day. 

What are the symptoms of bad struts?

• Poor steering response.
• Steering performance is stiff.
• Your car sways when turning and changing lanes.
• Your vehicle bounces excessively when driving.
• Braking performance is unstable.

These warning signs can occur at any time, so be on the alert for any of the above signs.  If you notice that there’s something off about how your vehicle handles on the road, it may be time to replace the automotive shocks or struts

Wondering about the symptoms of bad struts? Call our ASE-certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for more information about automotive shocks and struts and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.