What Are Struts and Shocks On A Vehicle?

December 8th, 2022 by
what are struts and shocks on a vehicle?

Discover what struts and shocks are on a vehicle at Shamaley GMC.

Shocks and struts play a vital function on your car, but they are designed in entirely different ways. Both parts are crucial to any vehicle’s suspension and how it handles the road underneath it. The right suspension system helps with the handling and ride quality of your ride, so great struts and shocks can help create the best ride possible. Shock absorbers play a smaller 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 have a larger structural role by supporting the vehicle chassis, especially if you are offroading. Both are there to make sure each drive you take is as tight as the last one, so making sure they’re in good shape will help you a lot.



What Do Shocks Do?

What Do Shock Absorbers Do?

Shock absorbers help control the movement of a car’s suspension for maximum performance. This makes them important for a car because, when they fail, the vehicle will not be able to absorb as many bumps in the road. If you are the adventurous type and love to drive on unpaved terrain, some upgraded shocks can do a lot to make sure you’re having fun. On a racecar, drivers may want a stiff suspension for improved cornering abilities, while owners of a luxury car may want a soft suspension for a relaxing ride.

What Do Struts Do On My Car?

What Are Struts?

Struts perform 2 unique jobs on a vehicle, first, they help soften bumps in the road, but unlike shock absorbers, they also provide some structural integrity for the vehicle. While each part is instrumental to every Sunday cruise you take in the car, struts have a bigger role on the vehicle. Upgraded struts are aimed to give your vehicle impressive performance at higher speeds, and struts on an SUV may be required to balance aggressive offroad needs while also giving you more control.

How To Tell If Struts Are Bad?

How Do Drivers Know If My Struts Are Bad?

The easiest way to identify if your shocks are bad is if your car doesn’t feel 100%. These tiny differences in vehicle performance can be big indicators of issues. Little things like your vehicle leaning too far while making a turn, your shocks bouncing more than usual, or general difficulty handling of your car are some simple insights into the struts and shock absorbers needing replacement. So when you go for your next drive, take a second to evaluate any differences in your vehicle’s performance, and if you notice any issues, our trained technicians are here to assist you.



Schedule Service at Shamaley GMC

Stop by and see the professionals at Shamaley GMC for your next car service in El Paso. You can meet with our service team and get your GMC assessed to make sure your vehicle is operating at its best. Visit us online or in person to schedule your appointment.


Posted in Service