When your worn struts, a key part of your car’s suspension system that absorbs road shocks and keeps tires in contact with the road. Also known as shock absorbers, they’re not just there to make the ride smoother—they’re critical for control, braking, and safety. If they’re gone, your car doesn’t just feel bouncy. It becomes unpredictable, especially in wet conditions or during sudden stops.
Most people don’t notice worn struts until something else goes wrong—like uneven tire wear, longer stopping distances, or the front end diving hard when braking. That’s because struts work with other parts: front suspension, the system that connects your wheels to the chassis and handles bumps and turns, suspension wear, the gradual breakdown of components like bushings, springs, and mounts, and even your brake pads, the friction material that presses against rotors to slow the car. When struts fail, your brakes have to work harder, which speeds up pad wear. It’s a chain reaction.
Struts typically last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, but if you drive on rough roads, carry heavy loads, or do a lot of highway driving, they’ll wear out faster. You can’t see the damage just by looking—no cracks or rust always mean they’re fine. But if your car bounces more than once after hitting a bump, leans badly in turns, or feels like it’s floating over small bumps, it’s time to check them. A simple bounce test works: push down hard on each corner of the car. If it keeps bouncing, your struts are done.
Replacing worn struts isn’t just about comfort. It’s about control. A car with bad struts can hydroplane easier, take longer to stop, and even cause damage to other parts like tires, ball joints, or steering components. That’s why mechanics often recommend replacing struts in pairs—front or rear—and sometimes even replacing the entire strut assembly, including the spring and mount, to avoid future headaches. And if you’re replacing struts, check your front suspension lifespan, how long the full system lasts before major components fail—other parts might be close to the end too.
There’s no magic number for when struts fail, but the signs are clear if you know what to look for. The posts below cover everything from how to spot early wear, to what parts you should replace at the same time, to real-world costs and DIY tips for UK drivers. You’ll find guides on suspension maintenance, brake system links, and how worn struts affect fuel efficiency and tire life. No fluff. Just what you need to fix it right and stay safe on the road.
