Is it worth it to fix struts?
Struts are a critical component of your vehicle's suspension system, playing a vital role in ensuring a smooth and safe ride. If you've been told your struts need repair or replacement, you might be wondering whether it's worth the investment. At Kevin's Autos, with decades of experience in car maintenance and repair, we’re here to help you make an informed decision.
What Are Struts and Why Are They Important?
Struts are structural components of your car's suspension system that combine a shock absorber with a coil spring. They help absorb road impacts, maintain proper alignment, and support the weight of your vehicle. Without functioning struts, your car's handling, braking, and overall safety can be compromised.
Signs Your Struts May Need Repair or Replacement
It’s essential to recognize the signs of worn or damaged struts to avoid further damage to your vehicle. Here are some common indicators:
- Excessive bouncing: If your car bounces excessively after hitting a bump, it could be a sign of worn-out struts.
- Uneven tire wear: Damaged struts can cause uneven tire wear, leading to reduced tire lifespan.
- Difficulty steering: Faulty struts can make steering feel loose or unresponsive.
- Leaking fluid: Visible fluid leaks near the struts are a clear sign they need attention.
- Clunking noises: Strange noises when driving over bumps may indicate strut issues.
Is It Worth Fixing Struts?
In most cases, fixing or replacing struts is absolutely worth it. Here’s why:
- Improved safety: Worn struts can compromise your vehicle's ability to handle sudden stops or sharp turns, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Enhanced ride quality: New struts restore your car's smooth ride, making driving more comfortable.
- Preventing further damage: Ignoring strut issues can lead to damage to other suspension components, increasing repair costs down the line.
- Better tire longevity: Replacing struts can prevent uneven tire wear, saving you money on premature tire replacements.
When Might It Not Be Worth It?
While fixing struts is generally a good investment, there are situations where it might not make sense:
- Older vehicles with low value: If your car is nearing the end of its life and has a low resale value, the cost of strut replacement might exceed the car's worth.
- Extensive additional repairs needed: If your vehicle requires multiple costly repairs beyond the struts, it may be time to consider replacing the car instead.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Struts?
The cost of strut repair or replacement varies depending on your vehicle's make and model, as well as labor rates in your area. On average, you can expect to pay between $400 and $900 per pair of struts, including parts and labor. While this may seem like a significant expense, the benefits in terms of safety and performance often outweigh the cost.
Conclusion
Fixing struts is usually a worthwhile investment, especially if you plan to keep your vehicle for the foreseeable future. At Kevin's Autos, we recommend addressing strut issues promptly to ensure your car remains safe and reliable. If you’re unsure about the condition of your struts, don’t hesitate to schedule an inspection with us. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your vehicle and your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a failing strut sound like?
You'll often hear clunking or knocking sounds when bad struts react to bumps. This is one of the most common strut noises indicating your suspension system needs attention.
Will replacing struts improve ride?
Yes, replacing your struts and shocks can significantly improve your car's ride quality, often making it feel more like a new car. Over time, struts and shocks wear out and lose their ability to effectively dampen the impact of bumps and road irregularities.
How to tell if struts are bad?
Symptoms of Worn Shocks & Struts
- Nose dive when braking.
- Bouncy ride.
- Vehicle rolls or sways when cornering.
- Uneven tire wear.
- Rear squat during acceleration.
- Vibration in steering wheel.
- Unusual noises.
- Leaking fluid on exterior of shocks/struts.
How urgent is it to replace struts?
Usually, a change would be recommended when reaching the 50,000 to the 75,000-mile mark. This mile mark is usually when signs of uncomfortable riding become evident, though these numbers do not mark the definite lifetime of the shocks and struts.
Is it OK to drive with bad struts?
Once the wear starts hampering your vehicle's performance, your service provider will likely recommend replacing the worn part to restore your car's ride and handling. If you choose to wait to inspect worn shocks and struts, you jeopardize your ability to stop, steer and maintain stability.
Can I drive with leaking struts?
Replace Your Front Struts Immediately
You might be wondering, 'how long can I drive with leaky struts? ' but driving with worn-out struts will make your ride unstable and much more dangerous. Worn-out or damaged struts can't keep the vehicle from bouncing in rough road conditions.
Do I need an alignment after replacing struts?
Monroe ® recommends performing an alignment anytime struts or other steering and suspension components are replaced. Failure to make sure the vehicle's alignment is within factory specifications can lead to problems like premature tire wear and other customer comebacks.
What happens if you don't fix struts?
Over time, shocks and struts can lose their ability to control weight transfer; this is what causes you to feel like you're not in control of your vehicle. This can be dangerous, especially if your tires lose contact with the pavement, making it difficult to control your vehicle in an emergency situation.
How much should it cost to replace struts?
Shocks and struts replacement costs somewhere between $450 and $1,100. It's possible to remove just the shocks or the struts, but it may produce mixed results performance-wise. Common symptoms of failing shocks and struts include knocking sounds, bumpy rides, cupped tire wear pattern, and more.
How many miles should struts last?
50,000-100,000 miles
Generally, shocks and struts wear out every 50,000-100,000 miles. If you're a more aggressive driver and/or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster. Shocks and struts don't go out all at once; they deteriorate slowly over time.
