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Are Shock Absorbers and Struts The Same Thing?

are shock absorbers and struts the same thing?

Find out if shock absorbers and struts are the same thing at Team Gillman Subaru North.

Shock Absorbers and struts play a vital role on your car, but they are made in wholly different ways. Both shock absorbers and struts are crucial to the vehicle's suspension system and how it handles the road below it. The right suspension system helps with the handling and ride quality of your ride, so great shock absorbers and struts can help create either a corner-carving monster or a relaxing, pillowy soft cruiser, whatever you might desire. The role shock absorbers have is more of a focused role in the suspension system by just absorbing any bumps in the road. While struts also smooth out bumps from the road, they also play a larger structural role by bringing support to the vehicle chassis, especially when you're offroading. Both components are there to ensure that each drive you take is as good as the previous one, so keeping them in the best shape will help you a lot.

 
What Are Struts?

What Are Struts On A Car?

Struts perform two main functions on your car, they help soften bumps in the road, but unlike shock absorbers, they also provide structural integrity for the vehicle. While each component is instrumental to each drive you take in the vehicle, struts have a bigger role on the car. High-performance struts are crafted to give a vehicle a firm performance at higher speeds, and struts on an SUV may need to balance offroad needs while also giving you increased control.

What Are Shocks?

What Do Shock Absorbers Do On Your Car?

Shocks control the movement of a vehicle's suspension for maximum performance, or more simply put, they absorb any bumps in the road for a smooth ride. Shock absorbers are incredibly important for a car because, when they fail, the vehicle will not be able to absorb as many bumps in the road. If you are the adventurous type and love to go offroading, some upgraded shocks can do a lot to make sure you're having a good time behind the wheel. On a fast car, drivers will probably need a stiff suspension for improved handling, while a luxury car may want a soft suspension for a comfortable ride.

How To Tell If Struts Are Bad?

How To Tell If Shocks and Struts Are Bad?

The quickest way to tell if your suspension is failing is if the vehicle doesn't feel 100%. These small changes in performance can be noticeable if you're paying attention. Tiny changes like your car leaning too far while making a turn, your shocks bouncing more than usual over small bumps, or just general difficulty handling of your car are some simple insights into the shocks and struts needing replacement. So pay attention the next time you go for your next drive, take a second to see if you notice any differences in your car's performance, and when you notice any issues, our trained technicians are ready to help.

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Schedule Subaru Service In Houston

Are you still uncertain if your vehicle needs shock or strut maintenance? Bring your vehicle to Team Gillman Subaru North. Our service professionals are happy to assess your vehicle and make sure it is operating at its best. Visit us online or in person to schedule your next auto service appointment. Drive a little. Save a lot. That's the Team Gillman advantage.