The dangers of driving with worn shocks and struts explained
A weak suspension undermines tyres, brakes and steering — and could add a full car length to your stopping distance.
Keeping your car firmly on the road and maintaining full control relies heavily on a reliable suspension. If shocks and struts are compromised, your car can enter “pogo-stick” mode, and it will not end well, warns the Tyre, Equipment and Parts Association (TEPA), a proud associate of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).
TEPA national vice-chairman Dylan Petzer explains that worn shocks or struts allow a wheel to bounce off the road surface, even for just a millisecond.
This phenomenon, known as tyre hop, means that in that split second your tyre is in the air, leaving you with zero braking, zero steering, and zero grip.
“Expensive performance tyres and advanced ABS will not help in this scenario. A weak suspension system undermines every other safety feature on your car,” Petzer warns.
He adds that tyres and brakes form two legs of the “safety triangle,” with suspension, and particularly shocks and struts, as the crucial third leg.
Shock absorbers vs struts
Shock absorbers control the vehicle’s spring movement (damping). Struts perform the same damping job but are also a structural part of the suspension and steering system.
“Inside shock absorbers, a piston moves through hydraulic oil, forcing it through tiny valves. This damping converts the bouncing (kinetic energy) into heat, instantly steadying the car,” Petzer explains.
“Their primary job is not comfort; it is to keep your tyres in constant contact with the road. Struts go further by providing structural support for the suspension and acting as a pivot point for steering. If a strut is worn, it affects both your car’s stability and alignment.”
Why worn shocks or struts are dangerous
• Braking distance: When braking hard, the car’s weight shifts forward in a motion called pitch. Worn front shocks or struts allow the nose to dive excessively, lifting the rear tyres and reducing grip. This can increase emergency stopping distance by up to 20 percent, roughly a full car length.
• Cornering and control: Worn shocks and struts allow excessive body roll in turns, reducing tyre grip and altering suspension geometry. Worn struts can also change wheel alignment, making steering vague or unresponsive.
• Emergency manoeuvres: Sudden swerving in a car with a worn suspension can become dangerously unstable. Unpredictable weight transfer can lead to skids or spins.
Petzer advises that if you notice warning signs such as a floaty ride, nose-diving under braking, or unusual clunking noises, act immediately. Take your vehicle to a reputable, TEPA-accredited professional fitment centre for inspection and always ask for quality, recognised brands.
“Quality shocks and struts are engineered with vehicle-specific valving tuned to your car’s weight and handling. Cheap parts lack this precision. It is like buying a one-size-fits-all suit. It might cover you, but it will not perform when you need it to,” he says.
Tips to protect your suspension
• Avoid potholes and slow down for speed bumps.
• Do not overload your vehicle.
• Maintain your tyres and have your suspension checked during regular vehicle services.
“Shocks and struts keep your tyres planted firmly on the road. This connection is where all your steering, braking, and stability come from, which is why you should never compromise on the parts that give you control. They are critical for control, stability, and safety,” Petzer concludes.
