What is the average life of a strut?
Struts are a critical component of your vehicle's suspension system, providing stability, comfort, and control while driving. Understanding their lifespan can help you maintain your car's performance and safety. In this article, we’ll explore the average life of a strut, factors that affect its longevity, and signs that it may be time for a replacement.
How Long Do Struts Typically Last?
On average, struts are designed to last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. However, this range can vary depending on several factors, including the type of vehicle, driving conditions, and maintenance habits. For example, vehicles driven primarily on smooth highways may experience less wear and tear on their struts compared to those frequently driven on rough or uneven terrain.
Factors That Affect Strut Longevity
The lifespan of your struts can be influenced by a variety of factors. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Driving Conditions: Regularly driving on rough roads, potholes, or off-road terrain can accelerate strut wear.
- Vehicle Load: Carrying heavy loads or towing can put additional stress on the suspension system, including the struts.
- Quality of Struts: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) struts tend to last longer than cheaper aftermarket alternatives.
- Maintenance: Regular inspections and timely repairs of related suspension components can extend the life of your struts.
Signs Your Struts May Need Replacement
It’s important to recognize the warning signs of worn-out struts to ensure your vehicle remains safe and comfortable to drive. Here are some common indicators:
- Excessive Bouncing: If your car bounces excessively after hitting a bump, it could be a sign of worn struts.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Struts that are no longer functioning properly can cause uneven tire wear.
- Leaking Fluid: Struts contain hydraulic fluid, and visible leaks are a clear sign they need replacement.
- Nose-Diving or Squatting: If your car dips forward when braking or squats backward during acceleration, your struts may be failing.
- Unusual Noises: Clunking or knocking sounds when driving over bumps can indicate strut issues.
When Should You Replace Your Struts?
While struts can last up to 100,000 miles, it’s a good idea to have them inspected by a professional mechanic every 50,000 miles or sooner if you notice any of the warning signs mentioned above. Replacing struts in pairs (both front or both rear) is recommended to maintain balanced handling and performance.
Conclusion
Struts play a vital role in your vehicle’s suspension system, and their lifespan depends on various factors such as driving conditions, load, and maintenance. By staying vigilant for signs of wear and scheduling regular inspections, you can ensure your struts are replaced at the right time, keeping your car safe and comfortable to drive. If you’re unsure about the condition of your struts, don’t hesitate to visit a trusted auto repair shop like Kevin’s Autos for a professional evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can struts last 150,000 miles?
- Shock absorbers/struts: 50,000 to 100,000 miles. - Control arms: 90,000 to 100,000 miles. - Ball joints: 70,000 to 150,000 miles. - Bushings: 50,000 to 150,000 miles.
What are the symptoms of a bad strut?
Read on to learn the signs 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 long should a strut last?
50,000 to 100,000 miles
Shocks and Struts Lifespan
However, they typically last from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Refer to your owner's manual for specific maintenance schedules.
What is the average cost to replace struts?
between $450 and $1,100
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.
Should you replace all 4 struts at once?
Finally, replace your struts and shocks in pairs
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.
Is it OK to ride with bad struts?
A strut works by absorbing the bounce of your car driving over bumps in the road. Struts on the front-end of your vehicle are also crucial for steering and alignment. Driving with a broken strut will be extremely uncomfortable for you and your passengers, and is unsafe in an emergency.
Can struts last 200 000 miles?
Shocks/Struts
Like brakes and tires, the life span of these suspension parts can depend on the quality of the roads where you drive. How often: Shocks and struts can last 80,000 miles or more, but rough roads and aggressive driving can make them wear out faster.
Can struts last 150k miles?
- Shock absorbers/struts: 50,000 to 100,000 miles. - Control arms: 90,000 to 100,000 miles. - Ball joints: 70,000 to 150,000 miles. - Bushings: 50,000 to 150,000 miles.
What is the life expectancy of a strut?
50,000-100,000 miles
So how long do shocks and struts last? On average shocks and struts can last 5-10 years or 50,000-100,000 miles under ideal driving conditions. Many factors can affect the lifespan of these components to include: manufacturer, bad roads, heavy loads, towing, hard braking and aggressive driving.
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.
