Do shocks and struts affect braking, handling, and stability?
Yes - properly operating shocks and struts are essential to a vehicle’s braking, handling, and stability. Driving with worn or damaged shocks or struts compromises driving safety and comfort.
HERE'S WHY
Reduced vehicle control:
As your shocks or struts wear out, their ability to resist wheel and body movement diminishes, and it becomes more difficult to control your vehicle. Quick-stop distances increase. You have to overcompensate for excessive body roll and nose-diving, making driving less safe.
Increased component wear:
As the shocks wear, excessive suspension movement accelerates component wear. The suspension springs, support arms, bushings, joints, and wheel alignment all suffer. This can lead to a shorter vehicle lifespan, reduced driving enjoyment, or additional repair expenses.
Less vehicle control:
When a vehicle hits a bump or pothole, the springs absorb the impact. The shocks and struts are there to keep the spring's energy from bouncing the vehicle up and down repeatedly. But worn shocks allow more up-and-down tire movement. As the tire bounces up, the tread contact with the road is reduced. If the tire isn’t gripping the road well, you have traction loss. Cornering, accelerating, and stopping can become more difficult, especially on wet roads.
Additional content from:
For Drivers
Do I Need New Shocks
Do you ever ask "Do I need new shocks?" This page will help you determine the answer to that important question.
Reasons to replace your shocks
“What are the reasons to replace your shocks?” Here are the four most common conditions that result in shock and strut replacements
How to Choose the Right Shocks
KYB doesn’t offer “good, better, best” shocks. When a component affects handling, control, and safety, there should be no compromises in quality or performance.
Ride Comfort vs Safety
There’s no need to choose - you can choose shocks and struts that provide both comfort and safety.
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