Driving with worn shocks or struts is a bad idea: this is what can happen – Jalopnik

Is your car heavier than normal? Does it seem to bounce more after you hit a bump? Do you hear a creaking sound while driving down the road? Then you should probably have your shocks or struts inspected by a mechanic (here’s the difference between shocks and struts if you’re curious). However, that’s easier said than done when money is tight. If you’ve wasted your money on frivolous things like food and lodging, you might be tempted to keep riding on those worn-out shock absorbers for a while until you get the money together. We get it, but there are several reasons why you shouldn’t postpone this repair for too long.

For starters, driving with worn out shocks or struts can cost you a lot more down the road. When shocks stop absorbing the impact of bumps, potholes, and rough pavement, other parts have to take the brunt of those impacts. That means you can expect to replace your tires, brakes, and suspension parts much sooner than you would otherwise. Your tires are especially vulnerable because worn shocks or struts can cause your wheels to become misaligned, which can lead to uneven tire wear.

Then there is the safety aspect to consider. Misaligned wheels can cause your car to pull in one direction, even into another lane. An extra bouncy ride or reduced traction can make your vehicle difficult to control. Worn shock absorbers and struts can even make it take longer for your car to come to a complete stop. In many cases, a vehicle with worn shock absorbers or struts is simply not safe or even roadworthy.

But tires aren’t the only victims of shock and strut neglect. Most car parts are not designed to absorb all the shocks of bumpy roads and other terrain. That’s what shocks and struts are for: they absorb all that energy so the other parts of the car don’t have to. However, when the shock absorbers and struts can no longer do this due to age and wear, various other parts will wear out faster or even break and need to be replaced. The first to take the hit are other parts of the suspension, such as the springs, control arms and bushings. Poorly functioning shock absorbers can also cause the wheels to misalign, which in turn can cause premature wear to the tires and steering system components. Delaying replacing your shock absorbers or struts could lead to even more expensive repairs down the road.

You may think you can reduce that risk. You drive slowly. You give vehicles in front of you enough space. You will be extra vigilant for times when you have to stop suddenly. You’ll do all the things your parents yelled at you for not doing when they tried to teach you how to drive. You’re so careful that you’re sure you’ll win when they give out safe driving prizes. However, imagine you are rolling down the street and a child comes out from in front of a parked car right in front of you. That 20 to 30% will make a big difference. You can’t anticipate every scenario where you have to stop suddenly. That’s why you need the shortest stopping distance you can get from your car’s brakes. That is why it is wise to have your shock absorbers and struts replaced when they are worn out.

However, worn shock absorbers and struts can also disrupt the alignment of your car. Suddenly your wheels are pointing in different directions, or perhaps your car is pulling to one side or the other. All this makes it difficult to control your vehicle. Additionally, cars with worn shock absorbers or struts also don’t handle twists and turns very well. When the shock absorbers or struts do not work properly, the vehicle tends to sway or roll a little when turning or going around a bend. This can make the controls sluggish or unresponsive when you need them most. It also increases the chance of you rolling over when making sharp turns.

However, did you know that worn shock absorbers or struts can lead to aquaplaning? When worn shocks or struts cause uneven wear and prevent your tires from properly gripping the road, your tires can’t displace water on a wet road. This can lead to loss of control, and you can easily end up in the opposite lane of oncoming traffic, into a ditch, or out of control.

There is also the indirect danger caused by driver fatigue. A bumpy ride is hard on your body in general, which can make you more tired over time. This is especially dangerous on a long car journey, when it can normally be a challenge to stay alert and focused on the road. The danger of driving while tired is real. A study published in 2023 found that fatigued driving is at least partially responsible for about 20% of car accidents. Fatigue can affect a driver just as negatively as alcohol, and many drivers are probably more tired than they think while driving. We know that times are difficult and that it is not easy for many people to get the money for a repair, such as replacing shock absorbers. But driving a car with worn shocks or struts is like driving a car with malfunctioning brakes. It’s just not worth the risk.

It is wise to listen to your vehicle as well. Worn shock absorbers or struts can sound squeaky, especially on bumpy roads. Sometimes you hear a loud thump or crash after hitting a bump or pothole. This may indicate a loose or broken shock absorber. In addition, check the tread of your tires occasionally. The tread of the tires must wear evenly. If the wear is uneven, you may be looking at the effects of worn shocks or struts.

Don’t put off inspecting your shocks or struts if you think there may be a problem. Riding on worn shock absorbers or struts can become expensive and dangerous.