What Is The Difference Between Struts and Shock Absorbers On A Car?

December 8th, 2022 by
what is the difference between struts and shock absorbers on a car?

Know what the difference is between struts and shock absorbers on a car from Frank Leta Acura.

Shock Absorbers and struts play a critical role on your car, but they perform in wholly different ways. Both parts are essential to the suspension and how it manages the road underneath it. The ideal suspension system helps with the ride quality and handling of your car, so great shock absorbers and struts can help create the best ride possible. Shock absorbers play a focused role in the suspension system focusing only on spring and suspension movement. While struts also mitigate bumps from the road, they also play more of a structural role by supporting the vehicle chassis, especially when you are driving offroad. Both components are there to ensure that each drive you take is as smooth as the previous one, so keeping them in the best condition will benefit you greatly.



How To Tell If Shock Absorbers Are Bad?

How Do Drivers Know If My Shocks Are Bad?

The easiest way to identify if your suspension is failing is if your car doesn’t seem 100%. These small changes in vehicle performance can be noticeable if you’re paying attention. Small changes like your vehicle leaning too far while turning, your car bouncing more than usual over small bumps, or general difficulty with the handling are some simple insights into the shocks and struts needing replacement. So when you get behind the wheel, take a moment to evaluate any differences in your car’s performance, and when you feel like something is off, our trained technicians are ready to assist you.

What Are Shock Absorbers?

What Are Shocks?

Shocks help control the suspension travel on your vehicle for maximum performance. Shocks are incredibly important for a vehicle because, without them, the vehicle will not be able to handle most bumps. If you are the adventurous type and love to tackle the road less traveled, some beefy shocks can do a lot to make sure you are having fun behind the wheel. On a fast car, drivers may want a stiff suspension for better handling, while drivers of a luxury car may want a softer suspension for a pillowy soft ride.

What Do Struts Do?

What Do Struts Do On My Vehicle?

Struts have two unique functions on a vehicle, they help absorb bumps in the road, but they also provide structural integrity for the suspension. While both parts are instrumental in each Sunday cruise taken in your car, struts have a more overarching purpose on the vehicle. High-performance struts are aimed to give a vehicle a firm performance when driving at high speeds, and struts for an SUV may need to balance offroad characteristics while also giving you increased control.



Schedule St. Louis Acura Suspension Service

Do you want to know more about what the difference is between struts and shock absorbers on a car? Frank Leta Acura is happy to help. Our team of service professionals is happy to assess your car, truck, or SUV to make sure your vehicle is operating at its best. Visit us in person or online to schedule your suspension service appointment today.

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