Shocks and struts services in Woodside, NY
Shocks and struts are essential components of your vehicle’s suspension system, responsible for providing a smooth and controlled ride by dampening the movement of the springs and absorbing shocks from the road surface.
What are the roles of shocks and struts in my vehicle?
- Shocks: Shock absorbers, commonly referred to as shocks, are hydraulic or gas-filled cylinders that are mounted between the vehicle’s frame or body and the suspension components. When the vehicle encounters bumps, potholes, or other road irregularities, the shocks compress and release, helping to control the up-and-down motion of the suspension springs. This results in a smoother ride and improved handling.
- Struts: Struts are similar to shocks but are more complex and serve additional functions. In addition to damping suspension movement, struts also provide structural support for the vehicle’s suspension and steering components. They typically include a coil spring and may have other components integrated, such as the upper mount, spring seat, and steering knuckle. Struts are often used in front-wheel-drive vehicles and provide a more compact and integrated suspension solution.
- Function: Both shocks and struts play a critical role in maintaining vehicle stability, handling, and control. They help keep the tires in contact with the road surface, ensuring optimal traction and braking performance. They also help minimize body roll during cornering and reduce excessive bouncing or oscillation after hitting bumps.
- Signs of Wear: Over time, shocks and struts can wear out due to continuous use and exposure to harsh road conditions. Common signs of worn shocks or struts include excessive bouncing or “bounciness” after hitting bumps, uneven tire wear, nose-diving or squatting during braking or acceleration, drifting or pulling to one side during turns, and excessive body roll during cornering. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to have your shocks or struts inspected by a qualified technician.
- Replacement: When shocks or struts are worn out or damaged, they should be replaced to restore the vehicle’s ride quality, handling, and safety. Replacement intervals vary depending on driving conditions, vehicle usage, and manufacturer recommendations. In general, shocks and struts may need to be replaced every 20,000 to 50,000 miles, but it’s essential to follow the specific guidelines provided in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Why it matters
Replacing worn shocks or struts with new ones can significantly improve your vehicle’s ride comfort, stability, and safety. It’s crucial to have this maintenance performed by a qualified technician to ensure proper installation and alignment, as well as to choose high-quality replacement parts that meet or exceed OEM specifications.
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