Can you still drive with bad struts?

In most cases, driving with worn or damaged struts is not safe for normal use. Struts that no longer dampen effectively can cause poor handling, longer braking distances, and uneven tire wear. If you must move the car to a shop, do so only at very slow speeds on smooth roads and avoid rough terrain or heavy loads.

What struts do and how they fail

MacPherson-type struts integrate a shock absorber with a coil spring to control ride quality, keep your tires in contact with the road, and maintain steering geometry. Over time they can wear out from miles, potholes, and corrosion, leading to leaks, loss of damping, and degraded alignment. When struts fail, other suspension parts often wear prematurely and ride safety is compromised.

• Nose-diving or excessive squatting during braking or acceleration


• Excessive bouncing after road irregularities


• Leaking hydraulic fluid around the strut or a visibly oily shaft


• Uneven or accelerated tire wear


• Steering instability, wandering, or increased body roll


• Clunking, knocking, or squeaking noises over bumps


• Sagging on one corner or misalignment of the ride height

If you notice any of these signs, have the suspension inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible to assess safety and replacement needs.

Is it safe to drive with bad struts?

Generally, no—driving on worn or leaking struts can compromise vehicle control, increase stopping distances, and accelerate tire damage. The risk is higher in emergencies, on wet or icy surfaces, or when carrying a full load. If you need to move the car to a repair facility, limit the trip to a short distance on well-paved roads, drive slowly, and avoid rough pavement, potholes, and sharp maneuvers.

Best practice is to plan a repair appointment promptly rather than relying on continued operation with compromised dampers. Note that some manufacturers require replacing struts in pairs to maintain balanced handling and even ride height, and after replacement a wheel alignment is often needed.

• Drive slowly and smoothly, avoiding potholes, gravel, and rough patches


• Keep speeds moderate and increase following distance to allow longer stopping times


• Check tires for unusual wear and maintain proper inflation


• Avoid overloading the vehicle or towing heavy loads until the suspension is repaired

Short-term driving with bad struts is sometimes possible, but it should not be treated as a safe or permanent solution. Replacement is the recommended course for returning to normal, safe handling.

Replacement options and costs

The cost and approach depend on your vehicle, suspension design, and parts quality. You may replace a single strut or the entire axle, and you’ll likely need an alignment after installation. Prices vary by region and shop, but here are typical considerations to help you plan.

• Single-strut replacement vs. complete axle (both sides) replacement


• OEM (manufacturer) parts vs. aftermarket (performance or standard) parts


• Labor, which often includes the strut removal, mounting, and alignment


• Additional components that may be replaced at the same time (mounts, bearings, bushings, springs)

Estimated ranges (notes vary by vehicle and location): replacing one strut can run roughly $300–$900 total, including parts and labor; replacing both struts on an axle often ranges from about $500–$1,600. Full front or rear suspension work, or including wheel alignment, can push into the $1,000–$2,000 territory for some vehicles. Always obtain a written estimate that itemizes parts, labor, and any alignment or extra components.

Preventive maintenance and safety tips

Regular inspection and proactive maintenance can extend strut life and maintain safe handling. Consider these practices as part of routine vehicle care.

• Have suspension components inspected during regular service visits, especially if you notice ride changes or noises


• Maintain correct tire pressure and have tires rotated and balanced as recommended


• Schedule wheel alignment checks if you notice pulling or uneven tire wear


• Avoid aggressive driving, heavy loads, and repeated impacts from potholes when possible


• Replace worn struts in pairs where appropriate to preserve balanced handling

Proactive maintenance reduces risk, preserves tire life, and keeps steering responsive and predictable.

Summary

Bad struts undermine ride comfort, safety, and tire longevity. If symptoms appear, an immediate professional inspection is essential. While it may be possible to drive a short distance to a shop, do so cautiously and only as a last resort. Replacement choices range from single-strut repairs to complete axle work, with costs varying by vehicle and parts quality. After replacement, an alignment is usually necessary to restore proper handling. Prioritize timely diagnosis and repair to maintain safe driving performance.

How long can you go without replacing struts?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer, as replacement depends on your driving conditions and vehicle type. A general guideline is to have them inspected at 50,000 miles or greater on OEM shocks or struts.

What is the average cost to replace struts?

The average cost to replace struts ranges from $400 to $1,000 per axle, with the total cost including parts and labor. For a full set of four, the cost can be between $800 and $1,500. Factors like vehicle type, whether you use OEM or aftermarket parts, and labor rates in your area can cause the price to fluctuate significantly. 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: Strut assemblies typically cost $150 to $350 each. You can save money by using aftermarket parts, while OEM parts are generally more expensive. 
• Labor: The cost for labor is often between $150 and $300 per axle. 
• Additional costs: A wheel alignment after replacement can add another $100 to $150 to the total cost. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the cost of replacing a car strut: 56sStudent LessonYouTube · Jun 7, 2024
How to save money

• Choose aftermarket parts: Opting for high-quality aftermarket struts can be significantly cheaper than OEM parts. 
• Shop around: Compare prices between independent mechanics and dealerships, as dealerships are often more expensive. 
• Consider DIY: If you are mechanically inclined, you can save on labor costs by replacing the struts yourself, though this may require special tools and can be unsafe to attempt without help. 

This video explains how to find the cheapest place to get your shocks and struts replaced: 59sAuto V Fix YouTube · Sep 30, 2022
Signs you may need new struts

• Excessive bouncing or swaying while driving
• A "floaty" feeling from the vehicle
• The front end dipping excessively when braking
• Visible leaks or damage to the struts
• Increased stopping distance
• Unusual noises from the suspension 

This video discusses when you should replace your shocks and struts: 59sRoyalty Auto ServiceYouTube · Jul 18, 2025

What happens if you drive on bad struts?

Driving with bad struts compromises safety, leading to poor handling, increased braking distance, and a bouncy ride. This can also accelerate wear on other components like tires and springs. You may notice excessive vehicle bouncing, leaning in turns, front-end dive when braking, and unusual noises or fluid leaks. 
This video demonstrates some of the common signs of bad struts: 54s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Jul 28, 2024
Safety and handling issues

• Poor handling: Your vehicle may sway, lean, or roll excessively during turns, making it feel unstable. 
• Increased braking distance: Bad struts reduce your ability to stop quickly because they don't keep the tires in firm contact with the road during braking. 
• Reduced steering response: The vehicle's steering may be affected, and in some cases, the steering wheel could feel notchy or difficult to turn. 

Vehicle and component damage

• Excessive bouncing: The car will bounce excessively after hitting bumps, potholes, or other road imperfections. 
• Uneven tire wear: Tires can develop cupping or scalloping due to uneven contact with the road, and you may see vibrations in the steering wheel. 
• Accelerated wear and tear: Worn struts increase the stress on other suspension components, leading to faster wear on your springs and axles. 

Other signs of bad struts

• Unusual noises: You may hear clunking, squeaking, or knocking sounds, especially when driving over rough roads. 
• Leaking fluid: Struts are hydraulic, and a leak of oil from their exterior is a clear sign of a problem. 
• Uneven ride height: The vehicle might sit lower on one side than the other. 

You can watch this video to learn how to inspect your struts: 58sAutoMotivateYouTube · Jun 13, 2024
What to do
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's best to have your struts inspected and replaced as soon as possible to ensure your safety.

Is it worth replacing your struts?

Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all four, for even, predictable handling and control. After all, all four have been on the vehicle for the same number of miles and worked under the same conditions.