what struts do on a car

[JakeMarie]

Struts are a key component of your car's suspension system, combining a shock absorber and a spring into a single structural unit. Their primary job is to support the vehicle's weight, dampen the impact of bumps on the road, and help maintain tire contact with the pavement for stable steering and braking. Unlike a simple shock absorber, a strut is often a crucial part of the vehicle's steering system, making it a fundamental pillar for safety and handling.

A common type is the MacPherson strut, which is a compact design used in many front-wheel-drive vehicles. It serves as both a suspension component and a structural link for the steering and wheel assembly. Every time you hit a bump, the strut's spring compresses to absorb the energy, while the shock absorber component (a piston moving through oil) controls the spring's oscillation, preventing the car from bouncing uncontrollably.

Worn struts lead to a noticeable decline in ride quality and safety. Key symptoms include excessive bouncing after a bump, a nosedive when braking, body roll in corners, uneven tire wear, and steering that feels loose or vague. Replacing struts is typically done in pairs (both front or both rear) to maintain balanced handling.

Here is a comparison of symptoms and potential consequences of driving with worn struts:

Symptom of Worn Struts	Impact on Driving Experience	Potential Safety Risk
Excessive Bouncing	Car continues to bounce 2-3+ times after a bump; boat-like feeling.	Loss of tire traction, especially on uneven roads.
Longer Stopping Distance	Vehicle "nosedives" significantly during hard braking.	Increased risk of collision; reduced ABS effectiveness.
Body Roll in Corners	Car leans excessively to one side during turns.	Risk of losing control; unstable feeling during evasive maneuvers.
Uneven Tire Wear	Tires develop cupping or scalloped wear patterns.	Premature tire failure; need for early, costly replacement.
Vague or Loose Steering	Steering wheel feels less responsive; car may wander on the highway.	Requires constant steering correction, increasing driver fatigue.
Oil Leak on Strut Body	Visible fluid leaking from the strut shaft or housing.	Complete failure of damping ability is imminent.

Regular inspection, especially if you notice any of these signs, is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's safety and performance.

[StEverly]

Think of a strut like a heavy-duty pogo stick for each corner of your car. It has a big spring to soak up bumps and a damper inside to stop the bouncing. When you hit a pothole, the spring compresses, but the damper keeps your car from rebounding like a trampoline. This keeps the tires pressed firmly on the road so you can steer and brake properly. If your struts are shot, you'll feel every little crack in the pavement and the car will sway all over the place in turns. It's a core safety thing.