No, you should never drive a car that is missing a front strut. It is extremely dangerous and illegal. The front strut is a critical component of your car's suspension and steering system. A car might start and move a few feet in an emergency, but attempting to drive it any real distance is a severe safety risk to you and everyone else on the road.
A strut is a major structural part that integrates a shock absorber into a single assembly. It does more than just smooth out bumps; it is essential for keeping your tires firmly planted on the pavement. Without it, you lose control. The vehicle will be unable to maintain proper alignment, causing severe tire camber (the tire will lean inwards or outwards at a dangerous angle). This leads to a complete loss of stable steering and braking capability. Every bump will cause the wheel to collapse uncontrollably into the wheel well.
The risks are immediate and catastrophic. You will have little to no ability to steer accurately or stop safely. The car will likely pull violently to one side, and a sudden maneuver or pothole could cause the suspension to completely collapse, resulting in a loss of control and a serious accident. The only safe course of action is to have the car towed to a repair shop. Driving it, even to a nearby mechanic, is not an option.
The following table outlines the primary functions of a strut and the immediate consequences of its failure:
| Function of a Intact Front Strut | Immediate Consequence if Missing |
|---|
| Supports the vehicle's weight | The corner of the car will sag severely. |
| Maintains wheel alignment and tire contact | Extreme negative camber; tire will not grip the road. |
| Allows for controlled steering input | Steering becomes loose, vague, and unpredictable. |
| Absorbs impacts from road imperfections | Any bump causes the wheel to bounce or collapse. |
| Provides structural integrity to the suspension | The suspension arm has no upper mounting point, leading to failure. |
