Braking Bad: The Dangers of Driving With Worn Shocks & Struts

May 31, 2023May 20, 2023 Heather Fishel 0 Comments Braking, Handling, Monroe, Shocks, Struts

When was the last time you checked in on your vehicle’s shocks and struts? While they likely aren’t top of mind for most drivers, driving on old, worn-out shocks and struts can directly affect not only the performance of your car on the road, but also its ability to brake safely and quickly. So, if it’s been 50,000 miles or more since you paid any attention to these critical bits of equipment, then you might be hitting the road on seriously worn parts.

What are shocks & struts?

Shocks and struts are both integral components within your vehicle’s suspension system. They’re two different parts, but they work together to ensure proper handling as well as responsive stopping power.

Shocks, or shock absorbers, sit behind the tires and work to absorb bouncing, jostling, and other “shocks” you can encounter on the road for an even, comfortable ride. Struts, on the other hand, are heavy-duty parts that include both shocks and spring assemblies attached to the wheel. They not only hold the tire in position, but also support your braking and steering components.

Typically, a vehicle will feature either shocks or struts – but not both. However, there are some vehicles with unique suspension setups that do include both parts (though one tends to sit at the front wheels and the other at the rear). Regardless of whether your vehicle has shocks, struts, or a combination of both, it’s critical that you keep these key components in mind when your vehicle is acting up.

Why do shocks & struts matter for braking?

While your shocks and struts are designed to make every drive more comfortable, they aren’t solely suspension-focused. These parts also play a critical role in braking – and when they’re not functioning at their best, it can lead to some dangerous stopping conditions.

Both shocks and struts work to keep your vehicle suspended above the wheels while you drive. So, while they reduce bouncing and jostling, they also enhance your car’s stability and stopping power. They also keep you in control, regulate suspension movement, and ensure your tires are properly gripping the road beneath you.

All of this, in turn, plays a role when you step on the brakes and expect your vehicle to roll to a smooth stop. Worn struts and shocks extend your braking time, meaning you’ll need more distance and advance warning to safely stop your car. As the wear worsens (or the parts completely fail), your ability to stop quickly will be seriously compromised.

When is it time for replacement?

So, you know why shocks and struts are critical to handling and braking, but how exactly do you know when it’s time to service, replace or upgrade them? Don’t worry, as your vehicle will absolutely let you know…

Your vehicle’s braking performance is getting worse.

Since your shocks or struts are so closely connected to your braking ability, one of the clearest signs that these parts may need replacing is a noticeable change in your braking performance. If you’re noticing your car is taking longer than usual to stop, you suddenly need more distance to safely brake, or the vehicle’s “nose” dives forward when you hit your brakes, then it’s time for a check-up.

As shocks or struts wear out, they become less able to “hold” your tires against the road. This means your contact patch shrinks, making it increasingly dangerous as you brake, both slowly and suddenly.

You’ve noticed changes to how your vehicle handles.

In addition to changes to your braking speed and stopping power, worn struts and shocks can also cause noticeable alterations to vehicle handling. You might experience a loss of handling – or feel like you aren’t in complete control of your car – when these parts wear down.

As shocks or struts start to fail, your vehicle can become bumpier on every drive. You may notice increased bouncing, rolling, or swaying (particularly when you make turns or hit a bump), and the steering wheel may vibrate aggressively. You might also find that windy conditions can make handling even less responsive. These are all symptoms of the same issue mentioned above: worn shocks and struts reduce your tires’ contact with the road, leaving you with less control over your car’s responsiveness.

Your tires are wearing out faster than usual.

All tires wear out, and the way you drive can lead to increased wear or a shorter overall tire lifespan. However, if you’ve noticed that you’re going through tires faster than is typical for your driving habits and your vehicle, you may want to have your shocks and struts checked out.

In particular, worn struts and shocks can lead to faster wear on your tires’ tread. In addition to reduced tread depth (which is something you should already be keeping an eye on as you perform regular vehicle maintenance), you’ll want to look for issues like cupping, bald spots, or overall wear that seems out of the norm.

Tire wear can accelerate the loss of road contact that’s common with worn shocks and struts. However, it can also increase your risk of hydroplaning on wet roads and make braking slower (and more dangerous).

Your visibility on the road is getting worse.

Here’s a sign of worn-out shocks or struts that might seem surprising: If you’ve started noticing that everyone’s headlights are bugging you while you’re on the road at night, it might not be your eyes. It could be these key suspension components acting up because they’re at the end of their lifespan.

That’s right, getting blinded by other drivers’ headlights on the road can actually be a sign that something is wrong with your own vehicle. If you’ve been temporarily blinded by headlights shining in your eyes more frequently, your car might be sitting lower than it used to. And that’s a key sign that your shocks or struts are getting too worn out to perform properly. When this happens, your vehicle’s ride height is reduced, which sends the beam of others’ headlights right into your line of sight.

Worn struts and shocks can also affect your visibility by lowering your own headlights, which alters how far they shine and how much distance they can cover. If you’re struggling to see as far as you used to in dark conditions, then it’s time for a check-up.

Should You Replace Your Own Shocks and Struts?

So, you’ve discovered that it’s time to swap your worn struts and shocks for new ones. Should you try to tackle this repair on your own? Or is it a job that’s best left to a professional? The answer really depends on your skill level – and how comfortable you are performing your own vehicle repairs.

In order to remove your existing shocks and struts, then install new ones, you’ll need to have pretty extensive auto repair experience. So, if you don’t already have the knowledge, skillset, and tools to do the job (or the willingness and patience to learn), then you’ll be better off leaving the work to a pro.

When you have a mechanic tackle shock or strut replacement for you, you can expect to pay anywhere from $450 to over $1,000. It really depends on the type of vehicle suspension you have, the type of shocks or struts you’re replacing, and how much labor is required.

The job requires some sophisticated tools, and safety concerns definitely apply. Plus, depending on the vehicle, the tech may need to remove/reinstall the body fascia and/or any mechanical elements that may be in the way.

As with most vehicle maintenance, prevention is the best cure. Take good care of your ride – and all its parts – and it will be sure to take care of you. In this case, take notice of when your shocks or struts might be coming up on their replacement window, and be sure to make the swap — or upgrade — before the worn-out parts start taking a negative toll on other components, like tires, brakes, and the suspension.