SHOCKS AND STRUTS

Shocks and struts are both components of a vehicle’s suspension system. The purpose of the suspension system is to provide a smooth ride and maintain contact between the tires and road.

Shocks (short for shock absorbers) are devices that absorb and dissipate energy from bumps in the road. They work by using hydraulic fluid to control the movement of a piston inside a cylinder, converting the kinetic energy from the suspension’s movement into heat energy that is then dissipated.

Struts, on the other hand, serve the dual purpose of being both a structural component and a shock absorber. A strut is a structural component that supports the weight of the vehicle, and it contains a shock absorber within it to absorb and control suspension movement.

In summary, shocks and struts both play a role in providing a smooth ride and controlling the movement of the suspension, but struts serve a dual purpose as both a structural component and a shock absorber.