The Importance of Shock Absorbers and Struts in Your Car’s Suspension – Suspension Repairs at Andrews Car Centre Lincoln
The Importance of Shock Absorbers and Struts in Your Car’s Suspension – Suspension Repairs at Andrews Car Centre Lincoln
Your car’s suspension system is essential for maintaining stability, handling, and comfort, but two critical components often overlooked are the shock absorbers and struts. While drivers may focus on tyres or brakes when thinking about safety, worn or damaged shocks and struts can severely impact the performance of your vehicle, leading to unsafe driving conditions and costly repairs.
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we specialize in suspension repairs and replacements, ensuring your shocks and struts are in optimal condition. Let’s take a closer look at why these parts are so vital to your car’s health and performance.
What Are Shock Absorbers and Struts?
Though they are often mentioned together, shock absorbers and struts serve slightly different purposes:
- Shock Absorbers – These are hydraulic components designed to control the movement of your car’s springs and suspension. They prevent excessive bouncing by absorbing the impact from uneven road surfaces.
- Struts – Struts are structural components of the suspension system, combining a shock absorber with additional features such as a coil spring. Struts not only dampen vibrations but also provide structural support to the suspension and vehicle’s alignment.
Most cars have either shocks or struts on each wheel, though some vehicles may use a combination of both.
Why Are Shock Absorbers and Struts So Important?
Shock absorbers and struts are not just about providing a smooth ride – they play a significant role in vehicle safety and performance.
1. Enhanced Stability and Control
Worn shocks and struts reduce the vehicle's ability to remain stable on the road. This can lead to excessive body roll during cornering and make the car feel unresponsive to steering inputs.
A healthy suspension system helps keep all four wheels firmly on the ground, providing maximum traction and reducing the risk of skidding or swaying.
2. Reduced Braking Distance
Faulty shocks can increase your vehicle’s stopping distance, even if your brakes are in good condition. When the suspension can’t effectively manage weight transfer during braking, it puts extra strain on the tyres, reducing grip.
Replacing worn shocks or struts can improve braking performance by up to 20%, making a significant difference in emergency situations.
3. Protection for Other Components
A worn suspension system causes unnecessary wear on other parts of your vehicle, including tyres, brakes, and steering components. By absorbing impact and controlling movement, shocks and struts prevent uneven tyre wear and reduce stress on the entire suspension system.
Ignoring these issues could lead to premature tyre replacement or misalignment, resulting in higher repair costs down the line.
Signs Your Shocks or Struts Need Replacing
It’s not always easy to identify when your shocks or struts are failing, as the deterioration happens gradually. However, these warning signs can indicate it’s time for a suspension inspection:
- Excessive Bouncing – If your car bounces multiple times after hitting a bump, the shocks or struts are no longer effectively controlling movement.
- Dipping or Nose Diving – When braking, your car may dip forward more than usual, indicating weakened suspension components.
- Uneven Tyre Wear – Worn shocks can cause tyres to wear unevenly, creating bald spots and reducing grip.
- Poor Handling and Steering Response – A drifting or swaying sensation during turns can point to worn struts.
- Clunking or Knocking Noises – Strange noises when driving over potholes or bumps can signal loose or damaged struts.
- Fluid Leaks – Visible leaks around the shock or strut housing are a clear indicator that they need replacement.
If you experience any of these issues, suspension repairs at Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln can restore your car’s performance and ensure safer handling.
How Long Do Shock Absorbers and Struts Last?
The lifespan of shocks and struts varies depending on driving conditions, but most vehicles require replacement every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, frequent driving on rough roads (Like Pot Holes in Lincolnshire), towing heavy loads, or aggressive driving can accelerate wear.
Regular suspension checks, especially if you drive on Lincoln’s uneven or pothole-prone roads, can help catch issues early.
The Dangers of Delaying Suspension Repairs
Driving with worn shocks or struts doesn’t just reduce comfort – it significantly increases the risk of accidents and further damage to your car. Here’s what could happen if suspension issues are ignored:
- Loss of Control – Poor suspension can lead to loss of steering precision, making it harder to maintain control during sudden maneuvers.
- Increased Tyre Blowouts – Excessive bouncing and uneven tyre wear heighten the chance of tyre failure, particularly at higher speeds.
- Expensive Repairs – A damaged suspension can lead to problems with wheel alignment, brake performance, and steering components, multiplying repair costs.
By addressing suspension issues early at Andrews Car Centre, you save money on costly future repairs while ensuring your vehicle remains safe and reliable.
Professional Suspension Repairs at Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln
At Andrews Car Centre, we offer expert suspension repairs and replacements for all makes and models. Whether your car needs new shock absorbers, struts, or a full suspension overhaul, our experienced technicians provide thorough inspections and high-quality replacements.
Why Choose Andrews Car Centre?
- Experienced Technicians – Our team has years of experience handling complex suspension repairs.
- State-of-the-Art Equipment – We use the latest diagnostic tools to accurately identify and repair suspension issues.
- Transparent Pricing – No hidden costs – we provide upfront quotes for all repairs and replacements.
- Comprehensive Service – From brake checks to suspension alignments, we ensure every component of your car works in harmony.
Book Your Suspension Repair or Replacement Today
Don’t let worn shocks or struts compromise your safety or driving experience. Contact Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln to schedule a suspension inspection or repair. Whether you need minor adjustments or full shock and strut replacements, our team is here to keep your vehicle performing at its best.
Drive confidently with a smooth, safe, and reliable suspension system – because at Andrews Car Centre, we believe your safety starts with the right support.