Struts and shocks dampen the bouncing of the springs so the tires stay in contact with the road. They wear out gradually so most drivers don't notice until they're really bad.
Why It Matters
Worn struts increase stopping distance, hurt handling, and cause uneven tire wear.
How to Save Money on Strut or Shock Replacement
Always replace in pairs (both fronts or both rears) so handling stays balanced
Quick-strut assemblies cost more but cut labor in half
Often Done Together
Shops commonly pair strut or shock replacement with these jobs to save on overlapping labor: