Your struts are vital to vehicle safety and the comfort you experience while driving! Most of our drivers don't understand that a bad strut can increase the distance you need to stop your vehicle and that is making the need for keeping your struts in good working order a necessity! Here at Robert Warrens Automotive
, we typically have drivers who don't know that bit of information nor what a strut actually does as it isn't used in casual conversation like brakes or tires. Unless you need strut repair or replacement, it isn't a concern for most people
Our mechanics have been fixing struts on vehicles for many years and understand the complexity of your struts and how they work within the suspension system of your car or truck. We also understand just how important they are to your ability to drive safely in comfort.
The strut is a component of your suspension system, the system that connects your car to the wheel, and is one of the most important parts of the system as it supports the weight of the vehicle, which is necessary for steering, absorbing most of the shock. The strut is the assembly name that connects your vehicle to the wheel assemblies and consists of mounts, a spring, and a shock absorber that runs through the spring. Not all cars have struts or have them on one set of wheels; on some designs, the shock absorber and the spring are separate, though the same basic principles of suspension still apply. They also help stabilize your vehicle and enhance control while turning, braking, or accelerating.
Your strut assemblies are under constant stress, even when the vehicle is just sitting. For this reason, rubber bushings that the strut pivots on tend to wear out, causing squeaking sounds while turning or driving. If you notice your struts are noisy or your car doesn't ride as smoothly as it should, have them replaced. Even if you haven't seen a reduction in ride quality, having them inspected regularly is a good idea. They often fail slowly over time, and many people don't realize their struts are bad until they can compare the ride quality after they've been replaced.
How do you know your struts are going bad?
- Noise, that squeaking noise we just mentioned while turning or driving your vehicle is "leaning" when you turn
- Tires are bouncing it seems like after hitting a pothole or going over a speed bump
- Front end seems to dive down when you hit your brakes aggressively
- Your vehicle doesn't feel stable - as if it is bouncing up and down or "floating"
Replacing your struts is typically done as a pair vs one at a time and is based on the owner's manual recommendation. However, driving on rough or unpaved roads, towing a trailer, or carrying heavy loads can shorten the life of your strut. If you are experiencing any of the issues noted, we would be glad to look at your vehicle for you, and if your car, truck, or SUV has a bad shock, worn bushings, and bearings, or broken and worn-out suspension components. Our mechanics will get you taken care of. For your strut and suspension needs, visit Robert Warrens Automotive and have one of our technicians take a look.
