Shocks & Struts

Why it matters

Shocks and struts do more than smooth the ride: they keep your tires on the road. They control how the body moves over bumps and how weight shifts when you brake or turn. When they are worn, the tire spends more time hopping than gripping, and stopping distances grow — especially in the rain or on gravel.

Signs it is time

• The car bounces more than once after a bump
• Nose dives hard under braking, or the body rolls in corners
• Tires cupping or wearing unevenly
• Fluid leaking from the strut body
• Steering feels vague or wanders on the highway

If you wait

Worn dampers wear out tires faster, and the extra bounce accelerates wear in control arms, bushings, and mounts. Your brakes also cannot work as well as they should.