I think it’s safe to say that the majority of vehicle owners prefer to have a comfortable, smooth, and quiet commute, rather than an uncomfortable, bumpy and loud one. Over time, roadways erode and break down from the endless flow of cars driving on it. The type of climate along with environmental changes also contribute to breakdown of roads. Roads are not smooth by any means. They are full of potholes, cracks, bumps and dips, etc., which are all a common result of erosion over time. In a perfect world, our roadways would stay in pristine condition and be smooth as silk, but making the perfect road is not cheap nor cost effective. The greater majority of roadways around the world are made from asphalt or concrete. They aren’t as durable, but they are more cheap and easier to maintain over a lifetime.
So what’s keeping you from feeling all of the potholes, cracks, bumps and dips on roads? Your vehicle is equipped with a pair of shocks and struts that absorb almost all of the small imperfections scattered throughout the roadways. Without these suspension components, you would be bouncing all over the road, losing traction around corners, and the vibrations created by driving would tear your car apart from the inside out.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the condition of your vehicle’s shocks or struts, call AG Automotive and schedule an appointment with our team of expert automotive technicians today!
What’s the difference between shocks and struts?
- Shocks:
Also known as shock absorbers, they are a key component of the suspension system. A shock consists of a piston in a sealed tube that is filled with either a gas, liquid or a mixture of both. When your vehicle hits a bump, the shocks allow the wheels to absorb the impact and recover back to its original position- giving you the feeling of a smooth ride.
- Struts:
Struts are just as important as shocks and are also a key component of the suspension system. They house multiple different suspension components that are all packed into a single assembly. A strut assembly consists of the following components:
-Coil Spring
-Spring Seats
-Shock Absorbers
-Strut Bearing
-Steering Knuckle
The upper and lower portions of the strut serve different purposes. The upper portion consists of the coil spring which does all of the shock absorbing. In turn, the coil spring typically wears out faster than the other components and is more likely to need servicing. The lower portion connects from the upper bearing to the lower ball joint. This connection allows the struts to pivot along with the vehicle when you change direction. The combination of components within the struts work together to increase the effectiveness of the shocks while your vehicle is in motion.
When should your shocks or struts be replaced?
Depending on the type of vehicle and its purpose, struts and shocks tend to need replacement at 70,000 miles on average.
It is important to refer to your owner’s manual and have your vehicle serviced by our expert automotive technicians at AG Automotive per the manufacturer’s recommendation. It is even more important to schedule an inspection if you notice any of the common warning signs listed in the next section that signify that it’s time to replace your shock and/or strut assemblies.
Common indicators of a failing shock or strut assembly:
- See fluid leaking from the assemblies, on the tires, or on the ground
- See any damage to the shocks and/or struts
- Uneven or unusual tire tread wear
- The vehicle shakes or vibrates while driving on an otherwise smooth road
- Changing directions isn’t a smooth motion
- Rough breaking
Schedule a front/rear shock and/or strut replacement service with our expert mechanics at AG Automotive today!
If you have noticed any fluid on or around the shock/strut assemblies, have uneven tire wear, or your vehicle shakes and vibrates while driving on an otherwise smooth road, Ag Automotive will have you back on the road in no time after we identify that your vehicle needs a shock and/or strut replacement service. Our expert technicians have the tools and knowledge to fix or replace worn shock and strut assemblies quickly and efficiently.
We want the job to be done right the first time, so we ensure your shocks and struts are working properly and exceed the manufacturer’s specifications after our service is complete. We offer our customers a full service inspection and service of their front and rear shocks and struts so they can get back out on the road and drive with confidence knowing their vehicle was serviced by the best.
We offer our customers a full-service front & rear shocks and struts replacement which includes:
- Remove and replace front shock absorbers
- Inspect all mounting hardware and replace as needed
- Clean and test drive
- Quality Check
