To carry out effective auto maintenance for your vehicle, you need to have a working understanding of more components in a car than just the engine. Some parts that many vehicle owners overlook are the struts, which play a crucial role in a car’s suspension system. Here’s a closer look at this key auto part. 

Answers to Common Questions About Vehicle Struts

What are struts?

Struts consist of a shock absorber and a basic coil spring. They are anchored to the chassis of your vehicle and comprise an important part of the suspension. In essence, they hold the body of your car off the ground to ensure a smooth ride. 

What do they do?

Whenever your car hits a bump in the road, the strut absorbs the impact, creating a smoother ride. Without struts, your car would bounce up and down after any disturbance. That constant jostling would put tremendous stress on your wheels, throwing them out of alignment and causing them to wear down quickly. Struts also help a vehicle keep its balance and shape by supporting its weight. 

How can you maintain struts?

The best auto maintenance practice for helping your struts is to avoid any potholes in the road the best you can. Additionally, take extra care to drive through speed bumps slowly. Both of these measures will limit the amount of strain put on your struts.

What are the signs that you need new struts?

The most obvious indicator that a vehicle’s struts are wearing out is if you hit some type of irregularity in the road and you experience bumping or vibrations a few seconds after the impact. You can test their condition by pushing downward on the hood of the car — if you observe bouncing afterward, take the car to an auto maintenance expert. Another warning sign is if you need to replace your tires much earlier than expected since they will bear the strain of an ineffective strut.

If you suspect your struts are wearing down, head over to Top Quality Auto Parts & Accessories in Chillicothe, OH. In business for over 20 years, these auto maintenance professionals will help you assess your suspension and perform strut repairs if need be. You can schedule an appointment with the auto service team by calling (740) 775-8111. Learn more about the shop’s services by visiting their website.