What is the Purpose of Car Struts & Shocks?
Ever wondered about the purpose of car struts? Every car has some kind of suspension system. Without car shocks, driving down the road would be a very uncomfortable ride. Imagine having no suspension. This means that if you drive over any kind of bump or pothole, you will feel a hard bounce. Car shocks that are in good condition reduce the size and feel of the bounce.
Located near each tire, struts have a shock absorber in the middle with a spring around the outside, serving to reduce the amount of shock you feel when driving over bumps in the road. Struts in good condition will retract slowly to reduce bounce. For example, when you hit a pothole, the spring is extended very quickly, but retracts slowly. However, if that spring retracted at the same rate that it extended, then you would experience a hard bounce that eventually would come to a stop. This will happen more frequently as your car struts become worn. Properly working struts however, do not bounce when they retract, such as in a new car.
Walk around each corner of your car and push it down. If it comes to rest quickly, everything is good. Car struts that are worn down should be replaced. Depending on the way you drive, struts will need to be replaced between 50 and 150 thousand miles. When having car shocks replaced, you should buy them in front/back pairs.
If you feel that your driving seems a bit bumpy, check the shocks. It may be time to replace them!
For more information about the purpose of car struts, consult our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE
Ever wondered about the purpose of car struts? Every car has some kind of suspension system. Without car shocks, driving down the road would be a very uncomfortable ride. Imagine having no suspension. This means that if you drive over any kind of bump or pothole, you will feel a hard bounce. Car shocks that are in good condition reduce the size and feel of the bounce.
Located near each tire, struts have a shock absorber in the middle with a spring around the outside, serving to reduce the amount of shock you feel when driving over bumps in the road. Struts in good condition will retract slowly to reduce bounce. For example, when you hit a pothole, the spring is extended very quickly, but retracts slowly. However, if that spring retracted at the same rate that it extended, then you would experience a hard bounce that eventually would come to a stop. This will happen more frequently as your car struts become worn. Properly working struts however, do not bounce when they retract, such as in a new car.
Walk around each corner of your car and push it down. If it comes to rest quickly, everything is good. Car struts that are worn down should be replaced. Depending on the way you drive, struts will need to be replaced between 50 and 150 thousand miles. When having car shocks replaced, you should buy them in front/back pairs.
If you feel that your driving seems a bit bumpy, check the shocks. It may be time to replace them!
For more information about the purpose of car struts, consult our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE
