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Shocks and Struts: What They Do and Why They Are Essential

Potholes and uneven pavement are a constant occurrence in everyday life, and it can be a hassle trying to avoid bad roads and bumpy rides constantly, which is why we utilize our shocks and struts in our cars. Shocks and struts are essential in what they do to ensure safety and care for a vehicle and its driver.



Shocks


The shocks, also called shock absorbers, can be singled out by the spring that wraps around the piston. You can find shocks located on a car's front and rear axles.


What They Do


The shock absorbers on a car have two core functions: keeping the tires on the road as much as possible and limiting unnecessary movement from any tire bouncing. The shocks supply a constant amount of pressure onto the wheels. When a vehicle runs over a dip in the road, such as a pothole, the shocks will push the wheels downward to counteract the sudden irregular force and maintain the vehicle's stability.


The Importance of Shocks


The shocks help the vehicle maintain its speed and steadiness while on the road. Without them, your car would wobble and veer off course from the direction you are going. Shock absorbers help us maintain control of our vehicle while driving by keeping the wheels from moving wildly.


Struts


The suspension system within a car is located around the wheels and includes struts. These essential components connect the wheel to the rest of the vehicle and are commonly attached to the front wheels, so shock and strut replacement are critical to keep in mind.


What They Do


Cars have multiple parts that make them heavy objects, and the wheels cannot support this weight alone. The struts sustain this weight with numerous features, with the coil spring and shock absorbers as the key components. The struts keep the vehicle at a necessary height while also keeping it stable.

The Importance of Struts


Without struts, the vehicle would not have sustainability, and the parts underneath the car would be under too much pressure and eventually break. Since roads aren't always even, a vehicle constantly shifts its weight to adjust to the road. The struts ensure the wheels will handle the shift in pressure while maintaining movement.


How They Differ


The main difference between shocks and struts lies in the fact that shocks are a standalone piece of a car, while struts act as an area within a suspension system that includes shocks. Shocks and struts are essential in what they do because both parts ensure a steady ride while driving, but the struts do more for the car in terms of crucial functions.


Struts and shocks are essential to any vehicle. These components of the suspension system work continuously to keep your wheels stable, so it is always a good idea to keep them well-maintained.

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Choosing the Right Suspension for Your Driving Needs

By Tony Mers • October 29, 2024
The suspension system impacts many aspects of your vehicle, from ride comfort to vehicle handling. Whether you want to enhance your vehicle’s performance or enjoy a smoother drive, review these tips for choosing the right suspension for your driving needs. Learn About the Different Types of Suspensions Start your search by familiarizing yourself with the different types of automotive suspensions. Independent suspensions, such as MacPherson strut and double wishbone setups, can improve ride quality. Alternatively, solid axle suspensions provide durability and load-bearing capabilities. Understanding these options will help you match the suspension type to your driving needs. Consider the Way You Drive Another tip is to find a match for your driving habits. For example, a performance-oriented suspension with stiff springs and shocks may be best if you enjoy spirited driving and frequently take corners at high speeds. Conversely, a standard suspension is better if you primarily use your car for daily commuting and long highway drives. Evaluating your driving style will guide you toward a suspension that enhances your experience behind the wheel. Determine Your Car’s Weight You must also find a suspension system that supports your vehicle’s weight. Every suspension has a weight rating, and ignoring it can damage your vehicle and put you in danger. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to confirm that the suspension you’re considering will tolerate your vehicle and additional cargo or modifications. Think About Where You Travel When looking at suspensions, you should consider where you drive your vehicle. If you frequently take rough trails or uneven surfaces, an off-road suspension with increased ground clearance and durable components will serve you well. On the other hand, you should turn to a standard suspension if you mainly drive on city streets and highways. Tailoring your suspension to your driving environment enhances safety and driving pleasure. Make It Work With Your Budget While you may feel tempted to splurge on top-tier suspension systems, keep your budget in mind. High-end suspensions offer superior performance and durability but come at a premium price. Conversely, you may be able to find more affordable options that provide substantial improvements over stock suspensions. Assess your financial situation and set a realistic budget to get the best value without compromising on quality. Considering these factors will help you choose a suspension that makes your driving experience more comfortable and enjoyable. If you need to repair or replace your current system, Advanced Vehicle Technology Services can help. With our suspension service , you’ll enjoy smooth rides in your car once again and have more control while steering.
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