Vehicle Suspension: The Ups and Downs!
You may be surprised to learn just how important a properly functioning vehicle suspension actually is. Some drivers think it is fun when their car bounces up and down the road. However, don't put off replacing failing shocks or struts. These are crucial components for safety that help you maintain control behind the wheel.
How do you know whether or not you need the components of your car suspension system replaced? What does a shock or strut do? Every driver should know the answers to these questions, yet few actually do.
What is a shock?
The shock is essentially the component that keeps the "spring" of your vehicle in check. The purpose of the shocks is to dampen the oscillation of the springs. That's why you'll hear mechanics use "shock" and "damper" interchangeably. Functional shocks keep those springs in check, letting you enjoy the impact-absorbing properties of the springs without any undue bouncing after the fact.
What is a strut?
The strut, too, is responsible for keeping your vehicle's spring in check. It's more than just a damper though--struts also add structural integrity to the suspension. It is possible, though dangerous and not advisable, to drive a car without shocks. But a strut-based suspension without struts would simply fall apart because the struts are part of what holds the front end of the car together. They're like super-shocks.
When do shocks or struts need replacing?
There a few indicators of failure that you may start to notice yourself, such as:
- Your car starts to "bounce" around after hitting a bump in the road;
- A hard ride (although that may have more to do with the springs);
- Your car suddenly starts swaying at highway speeds or wallowing around corners.
Shocks and struts are not simply luxury items that give your car a smooth ride! They are integral to car control, so when they fail, your car becomes a hazard to both yourself and other drivers. The best practice is to be proactive and have your mechanic perform a vehicle suspension inspection on a regular basis.
Replace your shocks and struts whenever necessary. Be smart and be safe!
Need to schedule a car suspension inspection? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go online at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for information about our vehicle suspension services. Since 1997, our automotive repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
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You may be surprised to learn just how important a properly functioning vehicle suspension actually is. Some drivers think it is fun when their car bounces up and down the road. However, don't put off replacing failing shocks or struts. These are crucial components for safety that help you maintain control behind the wheel.
How do you know whether or not you need the components of your car suspension system replaced? What does a shock or strut do? Every driver should know the answers to these questions, yet few actually do.
What is a shock?
The shock is essentially the component that keeps the "spring" of your vehicle in check. The purpose of the shocks is to dampen the oscillation of the springs. That's why you'll hear mechanics use "shock" and "damper" interchangeably. Functional shocks keep those springs in check, letting you enjoy the impact-absorbing properties of the springs without any undue bouncing after the fact.
What is a strut?
The strut, too, is responsible for keeping your vehicle's spring in check. It's more than just a damper though--struts also add structural integrity to the suspension. It is possible, though dangerous and not advisable, to drive a car without shocks. But a strut-based suspension without struts would simply fall apart because the struts are part of what holds the front end of the car together. They're like super-shocks.
When do shocks or struts need replacing?
There a few indicators of failure that you may start to notice yourself, such as:
- Your car starts to "bounce" around after hitting a bump in the road;
- A hard ride (although that may have more to do with the springs);
- Your car suddenly starts swaying at highway speeds or wallowing around corners.
Shocks and struts are not simply luxury items that give your car a smooth ride! They are integral to car control, so when they fail, your car becomes a hazard to both yourself and other drivers. The best practice is to be proactive and have your mechanic perform a vehicle suspension inspection on a regular basis.
Replace your shocks and struts whenever necessary. Be smart and be safe!
Need to schedule a car suspension inspection? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go online at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for information about our vehicle suspension services. Since 1997, our automotive repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
About the Author
