Shocks and struts are the main aspects to any vehicle's suspension system. They keep your vehicle's wheels in contact with the road. This is crucial because if your car tires don't maintain contact with the road at all times, it affects the steering, handling and the breaking of your vehicle.
The Difference Between Shocks and Struts
Both shocks and struts help with your car's handling and ride, however, they have their fraternal functions. Struts are an important element of the chassis and suspension system of a car and shocks are individual components of the suspension system.
Struts
Struts are used on many recent independent suspensions, front wheel as well as rear wheel drive vehicles. Struts are found in the conventional suspension system in the place of the upper control arm and upper ball joint. Due to its design, it is lighter than shock absorbers and takes up less space within the suspension system.
Struts have two main functions:
- Firstly, struts perform a damping function just as shock absorbers do.
- Secondly, they provide structural support for the suspension system. They also bear most of the side load placed on your suspension. This is why struts have an effect on the ride comfort, handling, braking, steering, wheel alignment of your car and wearing of other parts of the suspension.
Shocks
Shocks have one main role, which is to control spring and suspension movement. They are able to perform this function by converting the kinetic energy of the suspension movement into thermal energy which is used up through the vehicle's hydraulic fluid.
Shocks adjust the different road conditions and reduce:
- Break dive and acceleration squat bounce
- Roll and sway
It's best to have a professional mechanic attend to the replacement of your car's shocks and struts. It requires certain tools and skills to be executed well. So, if you need shocks or struts replacement, give Circle M Tire & Automotive a call today!