Get An Oil Change
Your Nearest Store:
7980 S Broadway
Littleton, CO
303.515.7308
Most stores are open nights and weekends
| Day(s) | Hours |
|---|---|
| MON-SAT: | 7:00am-6:00pm |
| SUN: | 9:00am-5:00pm |
Schedule Service
Your Nearest Store:
7980 S Broadway
Littleton, CO
303.515.7308
Most stores are open nights and weekends
| Day(s) | Hours |
|---|---|
| MON-SAT: | 7:00am-6:00pm |
| SUN: | 9:00am-5:00pm |
Search For Batteries
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Alignment Service
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What’s the difference between shocks and struts?
How your car’s suspension keeps you on the road.
What are shocks and struts?
Your vehicle gets you from point A to point B—and the roads you take are rarely perfectly smooth. Shocks and struts help you maintain control of your vehicle when you’re traveling over everyday bumps, uneven surfaces and potholes. They also help with braking—if you’ve noticed that your braking distance is increasing, it might be due to worn shocks and struts. Shocks and struts work together as part of your vehicle’s suspension system, but each component has its own specific job.
How to tell if you have problems with your shocks and struts
Shocks and struts are key parts of your vehicle’s suspension system. A bad brush with uneven roads can spell out damage and repairs in your future. If you think your shocks and struts may have been damaged, watch out for these vehicle behaviors:
- Steering wheel overcorrects left or right
- Suspension feels like it’s constantly bouncing
- You notice new sounds like rattling or squeaking
- Nose of your vehicle dips significantly whenever you brake
- Your car sways and leans on turns and lane changes, especially at high speeds
Common questions about shocks and struts
How long do shocks and struts last?
Struts have a varied lifespan but the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) suggests to have them inspected after 50,000 miles. Longevity per mileage will decrease depending on your vehicle type, driving habits, and driving conditions.
How much does it cost to repair a vehicle’s shocks and struts?
How much it costs to fix shocks and struts issues depends on the scale of damage. For just one set of shocks or strut assemblies, parts and labor may cost you somewhere in the low hundreds. We generally replace shocks and struts by axle, so the front axle, rear axle, or both. You can get an estimate of the cost of any repair from our skilled technicians at Firestone Complete Auto Care with a scheduled appointment.
Are there visual signs I need a shock and strut replacement?
In addition to the symptoms, you’ll notice while driving (see above), there are a few visual signs of shock and strut wear. Since they are difficult to see without taking off the tires, it’s best to have a professional take a look at your suspension system and recommend the best way to proceed. At Firestone Complete Auto Care, some of the things we’ll check for:
- Vehicle tires are unevenly worn or show abnormally flat areas (tire cupping)
- Shocks and struts that show signs of fluid leakage
- Shock or strut bodies are dented or otherwise physically damaged
- Bushings or mounts are broken, corroded or otherwise damaged
How to choose shocks and struts for you?
Shocks and struts are a very important part of your vehicle’s steering and suspension. When you need to replace your shocks or struts, you can count on the experts at Firestone Complete Auto Care to give you the best options for your vehicle type and driving style. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about shocks and struts options for your car, minivan, SUV, or truck.
