SHOCKS & STRUTS 101

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SHOCKS

Replacing your vehicle's shocks is key to a smoother, safer ride. A part of the suspension system, shocks are designed to dampen road vibrations for better handling and control.

STRUTS

New struts will give you shorter stopping distances, ride cushioning and stability. Mounted to the steering knuckle and body of your vehicle, struts replace the need for upper control arms.

WHAT DO THEY DO?

steering_icon Steering: During sharp turns, shocks and struts help keep your car's weight evenly distributed to improve handling.
Stop icon Stopping: Shocks, struts and brakes work together to help your vehicle stop quicker under various driving conditions by keeping the tires and wheels in contact with the road.
Car icon Stability: Shocks, struts and tires work together to help maximize tire-to-road contact, improving vehicle stability and minimizing weight transfer.

Gears and Gasoline: Shocks and Struts

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PERFORM YOUR OWN EVALUATION

RIDE EVALUATION

Evaluate with a test drive

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Test drive your vehicle. Do small or large road indents (potholes) seem unusually harsh?

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Does the vehicle continue to bounce after going over a bump?

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Does the weight of your vehicle shift uncontrollably during a sharp turn (rolling) or while suddenly changing speeds (squatting)?

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As you are driving over a rough road, does the vehicle dart to the left or right?

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Does it sound like the bottom of your vehicle scrapes or hits the road when driving over bumps or taking a sharp curb (bottoming out)?

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Do you have any excessive noises coming from the suspension?

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PHYSICAL EVALUATION

Evaluate by observation

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Are there any signs of physical damage to the shock or strut? (Bent, loose, dented?)

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Is fluid leaking out of your shock or strut?

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Are the mounting bushings cracked, damaged or missing?

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Do your tires show signs of irregular wear?

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Shop Shocks & Struts

You may not even realize it's time to replace your shocks or struts. Here's how to tell. Experts recommend checking your shocks and struts at 50,000 miles and once every year after that point.