No, you should not drive a car with a broken strut. It is extremely dangerous and compromises the vehicle's safety, handling, and braking performance. A strut is a critical part of your car's suspension system, and when it fails, you lose control over how the tire contacts the road. This can lead to longer stopping distances, excessive body roll in corners, and a significantly increased risk of a loss-of-control accident. Driving even a short distance to a repair shop should be done with extreme caution and at very low speeds, but the safest course of action is to have the vehicle towed.
A broken strut directly impacts several key safety systems. The strut's primary job is to dampen spring oscillations and support the vehicle's weight. When it fails, the wheel can bounce uncontrollably, leading to a loss of traction. This is especially critical during braking, as the tire may not maintain consistent contact with the pavement, drastically increasing stopping distances. Furthermore, cornering becomes hazardous because the vehicle will lean excessively, potentially causing a tire to lift off the ground or the driver to lose control.
The risks extend beyond immediate handling. A completely broken strut can cause catastrophic damage to other vehicle components. The unstable wheel can damage the tire sidewall, break the CV axle, or even collapse and damage the fender or brake lines. The cost of towing is minor compared to the potential for a serious accident or additional, expensive repairs.
Here is a comparison of vehicle behavior with a healthy versus a broken strut:
| Driving Scenario | With a Functional Strut | With a Broken Strut |
|---|
| Braking | Stable, predictable stopping distance | Extended stopping distance, wheel hop, pulling to one side |
| Cornering | Controlled body roll, stable grip | Excessive body lean, feeling of "tipping," loss of traction |
| Ride Quality | Absorbs bumps and road imperfections | Bouncy, unstable ride, loud clunking noises over bumps |
| Tire Contact | Tire maintains consistent contact with the road | Tire bounces, leading to uneven wear and loss of control |
| Safety Risk | Normal, controlled operation | Severely compromised stability, high risk of an accident |
If you suspect a strut is broken—indicated by a bouncy ride, loud clunking from one corner, or visible fluid leaking from the strut body—your priority should be to get the car to a repair shop safely. The only recommended method is to have it towed. Attempting to drive it, especially on highways or at higher speeds, puts you and other road users at serious risk.
