Suspension Maintenance: How to Keep Your Springs, Shocks, and Struts Running Smoothly

Your car doesn’t just roll on wheels-it rides on a system you rarely think about until it starts clunking, bouncing, or pulling to one side. That system is the suspension, and its three core parts-springs, shocks, and struts-work together to keep your tires on the road, your passengers comfortable, and your steering responsive. Skip suspension maintenance, and you’re not just risking a rough ride. You’re risking safety, tire wear, and expensive repairs down the line.

What Each Part Does (And Why It Matters)

Think of your suspension like a team. Each member has a job, and if one fails, the whole system suffers.

Springs support the weight of your car. They’re the coiled steel or torsion bars under each wheel that absorb bumps and keep the chassis level. Without them, your car would bottom out on every pothole. There are two main types: coil springs (most common in modern cars) and leaf springs (used in trucks and older models).

Shocks (or shock absorbers) control the movement of the springs. They don’t carry weight-they slow down how fast the springs bounce back up after hitting a bump. Think of them as speed regulators for your suspension. If your shocks are worn, your car will feel floaty, bounce excessively, and take longer to stop.

Struts are a combo unit. They combine a shock absorber and a spring into one compact assembly, and they also serve as a structural part of the steering and alignment system. Many front-wheel-drive cars and compact SUVs use struts instead of separate shocks and springs. If a strut goes bad, you’re not just losing ride quality-you’re losing steering control and alignment.

How Often Should You Check Your Suspension?

Most manufacturers recommend inspecting suspension components every 50,000 miles. But that’s just a baseline. Real-world conditions matter more.

If you drive on rough roads-think gravel lanes, unpaved driveways, or pothole-ridden city streets-you should check your suspension every 25,000 miles. In the UK, winter roads and salted surfaces accelerate wear. A 2023 study by the RAC found that 38% of cars over five years old showed signs of worn suspension components, mostly due to road conditions, not mileage.

Don’t wait for a warning sign. Get your suspension checked during every oil change if you drive in tough conditions. A quick visual and bounce test can catch problems before they cost you hundreds.

Signs Your Suspension Is Failing

You don’t need a diagnostic tool to know something’s wrong. Your body knows.

• Excessive bouncing: Push down hard on one corner of your car. If it bounces more than once or twice, your shocks or struts are worn.
• Uneven tire wear: If your tires are balding on the inside or outside edges, it’s not a tire issue-it’s a suspension alignment problem caused by worn struts or bushings.
• Steering pull or drift: If your car pulls to one side even after a wheel alignment, the problem could be a bent strut or damaged control arm.
• Noises: Clunking, knocking, or squeaking when going over bumps? That’s metal hitting metal because rubber bushings have cracked or the shock mount is loose.
• Front-end dipping during braking: Your car should stop level. If the nose dives hard, your shocks can’t control the weight transfer.

These aren’t just annoyances. Worn suspension increases stopping distances. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that vehicles with degraded suspension take up to 12% longer to stop on wet roads.

When to Replace: Springs, Shocks, or Struts?

Not all parts need replacing at the same time. Here’s what to look for:

Springs: Rarely fail unless they’re rusted, broken, or sagging. If your car sits lower than it used to-especially on one side-you’ve got a broken or weakened spring. Replacing springs is expensive and usually done with shocks or struts, since you have to take the whole assembly apart anyway.

Shocks: Last 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. If they’re leaking oil, feel spongy, or don’t rebound properly, replace them. Don’t mix old and new shocks on the same axle-it creates uneven handling.

Struts: Typically last as long as shocks, but because they’re structural, damage is more dangerous. If the strut housing is bent, the mount is cracked, or the inner seal is leaking, replace the entire unit. Never try to rebuild a strut-there’s no safe way to do it.

Pro tip: Always replace shocks or struts in pairs-front or rear. Replacing just one side throws off your car’s balance and can lead to uneven tire wear and pulling.

How Suspension Wear Affects Other Parts

Bad suspension doesn’t just make your ride rough. It’s a domino effect.

• Tires: Worn shocks cause cupping and feathering. You’ll replace tires 2-3 times faster than normal.
• Brakes: Poor weight control means your brake pads work harder. Brake wear can increase by up to 20%.
• Steering components: Worn struts put extra stress on tie rods and ball joints. These parts can fail suddenly, leading to loss of steering control.
• Alignment: Every time you hit a bump with bad struts, you’re subtly knocking your alignment out of spec. You might need frequent alignments just to keep your car driving straight.

Fixing suspension early saves you money across the board. Replacing a pair of shocks costs £200-£400. Replacing four tires because of uneven wear? That’s £800+.

DIY Check: The Bounce Test

You don’t need a garage to spot trouble. Try this simple test:

1. Park on level ground.
2. Push down firmly on the front bumper, then let go.
3. Watch how the car reacts.
4. Repeat at the rear.

If the car bounces more than twice, your shocks or struts are worn. If it bounces once and settles, you’re good. If it keeps rocking like a boat, replace them now.

Also, look under the car. Check for oil leaks around the shock body. A little dampness? Maybe just dust. A wet, oily coating? That’s a failed seal. Don’t ignore it.

What to Look for When Buying New Parts

Not all shocks and struts are created equal. You’ve got three main options:

• OE Replacement: Matches what came with your car. Reliable, affordable, and the safest bet if you just want to restore factory performance.
• Performance: Stiffer, better control, often adjustable. Good if you drive on twisty roads or tow regularly. But they ride harsher on rough surfaces.
• Heavy-duty: Built for off-road or commercial use. Thicker shocks, reinforced mounts. Overkill for daily driving, but great if you haul heavy loads.

Brands like Monroe, KYB, and Bilstein are widely trusted. Avoid no-name brands from unknown sellers. Suspension parts are safety-critical. Cheap parts can fail without warning.

Always match the part number to your VIN. A 2020 Ford Focus doesn’t use the same strut as a 2020 Honda Civic-even if they look similar.

Professional Installation: Is It Worth It?

Replacing shocks is doable for a DIYer with basic tools. Replacing struts? That’s a job for a pro.

Struts are under spring tension. Removing them requires a spring compressor-a tool most home mechanics don’t own. Improper removal can send a spring flying. I’ve seen videos where people get injured trying this alone.

Plus, after replacing struts, you need a wheel alignment. Most garages include this in the price. If you do it yourself, you’ll still need to pay for alignment separately.

Expect to pay £150-£300 per axle for labor and parts on a typical family car. It’s not cheap, but it’s cheaper than an accident.

How to Extend Suspension Life

Good habits keep your suspension running longer:

• Avoid potholes and curbs. Even a single hard hit can bend a strut.
• Keep tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires force the suspension to work harder.
• Don’t overload your car. Excess weight stresses springs and shocks.
• Wash undercarriage in winter. Salt eats away at suspension components faster than you think.
• Get alignments every 10,000 miles or after hitting a major bump.

Simple steps like these can add 20,000-30,000 miles to your suspension’s life.

What Happens If You Ignore It?

Ignoring worn suspension isn’t just about comfort. It’s a safety issue.

On wet roads, your tires lose contact with the pavement more easily. Hydroplaning becomes more likely. Emergency swerves feel sluggish. Your car doesn’t respond the way it should.

Insurance claims from accidents linked to poor suspension are rising. In 2024, the UK’s Motor Insurance Research Bureau reported a 17% increase in claims involving loss of control due to suspension failure.

And here’s the kicker: most insurance policies won’t cover damage caused by neglect. If you’re in an accident and it’s found your shocks were worn beyond recommended limits, you could be on the hook for repairs.

Next Steps: What to Do Today

If you’re unsure about your suspension, start with the bounce test. If it fails, book a professional inspection. Don’t wait for a noise or a warning light-by then, it’s too late.

Keep a record of your suspension checks. Note the date, mileage, and what was found. It helps you track wear patterns and gives you proof of maintenance if you ever sell the car.

Suspension isn’t glamorous. But it’s one of the most important systems you’ll never notice-until it fails. Take care of it, and your car will reward you with a smooth ride, better control, and years of safe driving.