Struts are an important part of your vehicle. They house the shocks and springs that make up the core part of your suspension system. Without a working suspension, your vehicle can’t absorb the impact from potholes, uneven roads, bumps, and other hazards you need to navigate on your daily commute.
Properly maintained struts ensure your tires stay connected to the road, improve your traction, and help with overall vehicle control. When struts become weakened or damaged, it can destroy your handling, impede braking, and create friction that leads to more damage. You may not know it, but struts help maintain your vehicle’s height, alignment, and overall stability.
Find out 4 hidden dangers of delaying strut replacement and what to do if you notice you have bad struts. At Hoffmaster’s Auto in Silver Spring, we make strut replacement in Maryland simple.
Danger #1: Increased Risk of Accidents
You Need Strut Replacement for Vehicle Stability
One of the more serious dangers of delaying strut replacement is reduced vehicle stability. Worn-out struts can cause your car or truck to sway or bounce, especially during turns or driving on uneven terrain (ie, construction, potholes, etc.). This instability in your vehicle can increase the likelihood of accidents, particularly in emergencies where control is needed the most.
This is because struts affect your vehicle’s steering response. When struts are worn and you need a strut replacement, you might notice that your car doesn’t respond as sharply or predictably as you’re used to. This lack of control can make driving challenging, hazardous, and dangerous, particularly in bad weather or on uneven road surfaces.
Never delay strut replacements when you notice increased sway or bounce in your car, or when your car starts having a delay in steering or brake response time.
Danger #2: Worn Out Tires
Delayed Strut Replacements Can Hurt Your Tires
Worn struts can cause uneven tire wear, leading to bald spots or cupping on your tires. Uneven tire wear not only reduces the lifespan of your tires but also impacts your vehicle’s traction, especially in wet or icy conditions. Worn out and uneven tires can be slick, lose traction, or reduce your braking response time in serious conditions.
Most frequently at our auto shop in Silver Spring, we’re helping clients with tire replacements. Although we and other shops offer discounts and warranties on new tire installations, tires are not cheap, and having to replace them frequently due to uneven wear can quickly add up or put your car in a hazardous position when on the road.
Schedule strut replacements today if you’ve noticed your tires are wearing quickly, unevenly, or have other concerns about the safety of your vehicle’s stability and traction on the road.
Danger #3: Vehicle Comfort
Strut Replacements Can Fix Shaky, Bumpy Rides
Have you noticed your car shaking at high speeds, on highways, or simply on uneven surfaces? Bad struts can lead to bad rides in your vehicle, even for quick commutes. As struts wear out, they lose their ability to absorb shocks from the road, like uneven surfaces, potholes, construction, and more. This means a bumpier, more uncomfortable ride.
While you may not think about it, poor ride comfort isn’t just an inconvenience; it can also lead to driver fatigue and a higher likelihood of accidents on road trips. Constant bouncing and jostling can wear you out faster, making it harder to stay alert and focused on the road. You’re more likely to damage your vehicle or get into an accident when your struts are worn.
Don’t put off strut replacement when your ride gets bumpy – request an appointment today to see just how smooth your ride is supposed to be.
Danger #3: More Vehicle Repairs
Bad Struts Lead to Broken Suspension Systems
Struts, shocks, and the suspension system are all interlocked and rely on each other. When your struts start to go, this can cause damage to shocks, suspension, and other critical parts of your car or truck. In worst case scenarios, a jostling vehicle due to bad struts can even hurt the frame of your car.
Ignoring strut replacement can turn a relatively simple and inexpensive repair into a much bigger issue. Over time, the damage caused by worn struts can extend to other parts of your vehicle, leading to expensive repairs that could have been avoided with timely maintenance.
Get an estimate today to check how much you can save by getting ahead of vehicle maintenance and strut replacement in Silver Spring, MD.
How to Identify Worn-Out Struts
Identifying worn out struts early can help save you money from expensive repairs later on. Unusual noises like clunking or squeaking are often early indicators that something is wrong with your struts. Don’t ignore these sounds; they could be a sign that your struts need attention. Also be aware of jostling, bumping, or other side effects of instability when on long car rides.
To keep your struts in top condition, make regular inspections a part of your vehicle maintenance routine. Checking for signs of wear and addressing any issues promptly can save you from bigger problems later on.
- Excessive bouncing
- Clunking or squeaking
- Visible leaks of hydraulic fluid from the struts
- Uneven tire wear and tear
- Jostling
- Uneven ride at high speeds or on uneven roads
Get Ahead of Strut Replacements Today
Replacing your struts on time not only improves your vehicle’s safety and stability but also enhances your driving experience. With new struts, you’ll notice better handling, a smoother ride, and more responsive steering.
Regular vehicle inspections can help catch strut wear before it becomes a major problem. If you notice any of the signs of a worn strut, or if your vehicle has over 50,000 miles on it, it’s a good idea to have your struts inspected by a qualified technician at our auto shop in Silver Spring.
Delaying strut replacement can have serious consequences for both your vehicle’s performance and your safety. From reduced stability and accelerated tire wear to poor ride comfort and potential damage to other components, the risks are simply not worth it. By taking proactive steps and replacing your struts when needed, you can ensure a safer, smoother, and more cost-effective driving experience.
Request an appointment or give us a call today. We work on most makes and models of vehicles and are happy to help get you back on the road.
Strut Replacement FAQ
What Happens During Strut Replacement?
Strut replacement involves removing the old, worn-out struts and installing new ones. The process typically includes an alignment check to ensure that your vehicle’s suspension is correctly adjusted.
How Long Does Strut Replacement Take?
The time it takes to replace struts can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, but generally, it takes a few hours. At Hoffmaster’s, we aim to complete the replacement within the same day, minimizing the inconvenience to you.
How often should struts be replaced?
Struts typically need to be replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on your driving conditions and the quality of the struts. Regular inspections can help determine the best time for replacement.
Can I drive with bad struts?
While you can technically drive with bad struts, it’s not recommended. Worn struts can compromise your vehicle’s safety, handling, and comfort, leading to a higher risk of accidents and more extensive damage.
Are struts the same as shocks?
Struts and shocks are similar but not the same. Struts are a structural part of the suspension system and provide support for the vehicle, while shocks are purely absorbers of road impact. Some vehicles have both, while others only have one or the other.
What happens if I ignore a recommendation for strut replacement?
Ignoring strut replacement can lead to decreased vehicle stability, uneven tire wear, a rough ride, and potential damage to other suspension components. This can result in more costly repairs and a higher risk of accidents.
Hoffmaster's Auto Care
Our mission at Hoffmaster’s Auto Care is to provide our customers with the highest level of car repair service and expertise, delivered with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. Hoffmaster’s Auto Care in Silver Spring, MD has been in business for more than 40 years. All our technicians are ASE certified. You can rely on our experience and knowledge for high-quality auto repair and maintenance services.
