{"id":2553,"date":"2021-11-29T18:40:34","date_gmt":"2021-11-30T00:40:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/going-places.thegeneral.com\/shocks-and-struts-explained\/"},"modified":"2025-08-27T10:05:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T15:05:13","slug":"shocks-and-struts-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/blog\/car-and-driving-basics\/shocks-and-struts-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Shocks and Struts Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Your shocks and struts play an important role in your car\u2019s suspension system, and they help your tires<\/a> stay connected to the road when navigating bumps or a pothole. Even seemingly smooth roads have imperceptible bumps, but you won\u2019t notice them if your shocks and struts are working properly. If your ride starts to feel bumpier than usual, it might be a sign that your shocks and struts need to be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Difference Between Shocks and Struts<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the words \u201cshock\u201d and \u201cstrut\u201d are sometimes used interchangeably, both parts function differently to support your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Shocks?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shocks, or shock absorbers, control the movement that\u2019s produced by your vehicle\u2019s springs when you\u2019re on a bumpy road or brake suddenly. Shocks soften this impact by converting kinetic energy from the springs into heat energy that dissipates through the hydraulic fluid<\/a>. Shocks also help control your car\u2019s ride, braking, acceleration, and bounce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Struts?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Struts are a structural part of a car\u2019s suspension and steering systems. Not every car has a strut, but most front-wheel-drive vehicles have them in the front of the car. Struts are used instead of the upper control arm and ball joint found in conventional suspensions, and they\u2019re lighter and take up less space than shock absorbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Struts have two main jobs. They dampen a vehicle\u2019s jolts like a shock absorber and provide resistance to bounce, and they provide structural support for your vehicle by supporting the spring and keeping your tires aligned. This helps improve steering, braking, wheel alignment, and ride comfort, and it prevents wear on other suspension parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does My Vehicle Have Shocks or Struts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every wheel on your car is equipped with a shock or a strut, and some cars have a combination of the two. If your vehicle has shocks you can usually see them mounted vertically behind your tires. Struts are usually mounted horizontally and look like an extension of the tire. If you\u2019re still unsure, a technician can look for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Function of Shocks and Struts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shocks and struts control the quality of your ride by performing the following functions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n