How long can you drive with bad struts?
What struts do and why wear matters
Struts dampen road impacts and help keep the wheels pressed to the road surface. They also help maintain proper alignment and stabilize the vehicle during braking, acceleration, and cornering. When struts wear out, the car may bounce more, dive more on braking, and exhibit less precise steering, which can accelerate tire damage and raise the risk of a loss of control in emergencies.
Signs your struts may be worn
Look for multiple indicators of failing struts. If you notice one or more of these, have the suspension inspected promptly.
- Excessive bouncing or a rough ride after hitting bumps
- Nose-diving when applying the brakes
- Leaking hydraulic fluid around the strut or shock absorber
- Uneven or accelerated tire wear
- Steering feels imprecise or the vehicle wanders on the road
- Clunking, squeaking, or other unusual noises from the suspension when going over bumps
- Damaged or cracked strut mounts or boots
If you observe any of these symptoms, plan a suspension inspection and consider replacement. Delaying can worsen wear on related components and compromise safety.
How far you can safely drive to reach service
If you must drive with suspected bad struts to reach a repair facility, follow these guidelines to minimize risk. They are cautionary rather than guarantees of safety, and you should prioritize getting the car to a shop or towing if the ride feels unstable.
- Drive at moderate speeds and on smooth surfaces when possible
- Avoid highway speeds, rough pavement, and heavy traffic whenever feasible
- Limit the distance traveled and plan the shortest, safest route to a service center
- Maintain a larger following distance and apply gentle steering and braking inputs
- Use headlights in low visibility conditions and stay in the lane best suited to stability
In many cases, if the suspension feels unstable or you notice significant changes in handling, it is safer to stop and arrange for towing rather than continuing to drive.
What to expect during replacement
Replacing worn struts typically involves removing the old assemblies and installing new strut/shock units. Most vehicles require replacing struts in pairs to restore balanced damping and handling. After installation, a wheel alignment is usually necessary, and you may need to inspect related components such as mounts, boots, and springs for wear.
- Parts costs for a single strut assembly commonly range from about $100 to $350, depending on the vehicle
- Labor to replace a strut varies by vehicle and shop, often in the range of $80 to $200 per strut
- Many shops quote per-axle pricing for replacing two struts, plus alignment costs
- After replacement, test-driving and alignment verification are standard steps to ensure proper damping and steering
Prices can vary widely by make, model, region, and whether related components (mounts, springs, boots) are replaced along with the struts.
Summary
Worn or leaking struts degrade ride quality, steering response, and braking effectiveness, increasing the risk of loss of control and tire damage. If you notice signs of strut failure, limit driving and seek prompt professional inspection and repair. Replacing worn struts—often in pairs—along with a wheel alignment helps restore stability and tire life, and protects other suspension components from accelerated wear.
