What Are Shocks and Struts On A Car?

Discover what shocks and struts are on a car at Sterling McCall Acura.
Struts and shock absorbers play a critical function on your vehicle, but they are made in wholly unique ways. Both struts and shocks are essential to the vehicle’s suspension system and how it manages the road underneath it. The ideal suspension system helps with the handling and ride quality of your vehicle, so great struts and shock absorbers can help create the best ride possible. The role shock absorbers play is more of a focused role in the suspension system by just absorbing any bumps in the road. While the struts also smooth out bumps from the road, they also serve a larger structural role by supporting the vehicle chassis, especially if you’re driving offroad. Both are there to ensure that each drive you take is as tight as the last one, so keeping them in the best shape will help you a lot.

What Do Shocks Do On Your Car?
Shocks control the suspension travel on your vehicle for maximum performance. This makes them important for your car because, without them, the vehicle will not be able to absorb as many bumps. If you’re the adventurous sort and love to drive on unpaved terrain, some upgraded shocks can do a lot to make sure you’re having a good time behind the wheel. On a racecar, drivers will probably need a stiff suspension for better handling, while a luxury car may want a soft suspension for a comfortable ride.

What Do Struts Do On A Car?
Struts have 2 specific functions on your vehicle, first, like a shock absorber, they help absorb bumps in the road, but unlike shock absorbers, they also provide structural integrity for the suspension. While each part is instrumental in every drive taken in the vehicle, struts have a bigger role on the vehicle. Performance struts are aimed to give a car impressive performance when driving at higher speeds, while struts for an SUV may be asked to balance aggressive offroad needs while also giving you more control.

How To Tell If Shocks and Struts Are Bad?
The simplest way to identify that your shocks are failing is if the car doesn’t feel 100%. These tiny changes in vehicle performance can be noticeable if you’re paying attention. Tiny things like the car leaning excessively while turning, your vehicle bouncing more than usual over small bumps, or just difficulty with the handling can be some simple insights that you may need suspension repair. So when you get behind the wheel, take a second to evaluate any differences in the vehicle’s performance, and when you notice any issues, our knowledgeable technicians are ready to assist you.
Schedule Service at Sterling McCall Acura
Stop by and see the professionals at Sterling McCall Acura for your next car service in Houston. You can meet with our service team and get your Acura assessed to make sure your vehicle is operating at its best. Visit us online or in person to schedule your appointment.
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