Struts vs. Shocks vs. Springs: Understanding the Key Differences and Choosing the Right Setup for Your Car
Introduction
When it comes to enhancing your car’s performance and handling, one of the most critical components to consider is the suspension system, especially if you plan on putting your car to any sort of performance test, much less a day on the track. Your vehicle's suspension is responsible for maintaining stability, ensuring ride comfort, and providing control during driving. Within this system, struts, shocks, and springs play essential roles.
Understanding the differences between these components can help you make informed decisions when upgrading your car's suspension. In this blog, we'll break down what struts, shocks, and springs are, how they work, and how to choose the right setup for your needs. Come inside with MAPerformance as we show you the difference between these suspension components so you can have a better idea of what's best for your car!
What Are Struts?
Struts are a key component of a vehicle's suspension system that differ significantly from shocks. Unlike shocks, struts not only absorb impacts from road irregularities but also serve as a structural part of the suspension. Struts help support the weight of the vehicle and play a significant role in maintaining alignment settings, which are crucial for vehicle handling and stability.
- Role in Suspension: Struts provide a structural connection between the wheel and the vehicle body. They help support the weight of the car, control the vehicle's suspension travel, and are often a part of the steering system.
- Types of Struts: The most common types of struts are MacPherson struts, which are widely used due to their compact design and cost-effectiveness, and double wishbone setups, which provide better handling at the expense of more complexity and cost.
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Space-saving design, better stability for steering and alignment, often integrates the shock absorber for a more streamlined suspension setup.
- Cons: More expensive to replace, impacts alignment during replacement, which may require professional adjustment.
Shop Shocks and Struts For Your Car In Our Store
What Are Shocks?
Shock absorbers, commonly known as shocks, are designed to control the up-and-down motion of your vehicle’s wheels and reduce the impact of road vibrations. While they serve a similar purpose to struts in damping and controlling suspension motion, shocks do not provide any structural support to the vehicle.
- Role in Suspension: Shocks are mounted between the frame and the wheels and work by converting the kinetic energy from suspension movement into heat energy, which is then dissipated. This helps keep the tires in contact with the road, providing stability and control.
- Types of Shocks: There are several types of shocks, including mono-tube and twin-tube shocks, as well as gas-charged and hydraulic options. Each type offers different levels of performance and suitability for various driving conditions.
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Easier to replace, a variety of options tailored for specific performance needs, less impact on vehicle alignment.
- Cons: Do not provide structural support, can wear out faster under heavy use compared to struts.
Shop Shocks For Your Car In Our Store
What Are Springs?
Springs are another crucial component of the suspension system. They work together with struts and shocks to absorb impacts, support the weight of the vehicle, and maintain ride height. Springs determine the firmness or softness of your ride and play a key role in handling and comfort.
- Types of Springs: There are several types of springs used in suspension systems:
- Coil Springs: Common in most modern vehicles, providing good balance between comfort and performance.
- Leaf Springs: Often used in trucks for their ability to handle heavy loads.
- Torsion Bars: A type of spring that uses the twisting action of a metal bar to absorb shocks.
- Air Springs: Adjustable springs that offer versatility in ride height and comfort.
- Role in Suspension: Springs bear the weight of the vehicle and are responsible for maintaining ride height, absorbing bumps, and ensuring smooth handling.
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Crucial for ride comfort and handling balance, adjustable options like coilovers or air springs offer customization for different ride heights and performance needs.
- Cons: Must be paired correctly with shocks or struts for optimal performance, otherwise can lead to poor handling or excessive wear.
Shop Coilovers For Your Car In Our Store
Struts vs. Shocks: Key Differences
- Structural Role: Struts act as a structural component of the suspension system and provide support for the vehicle's weight, while shocks do not.
- Impact on Vehicle Alignment: Replacing struts typically requires a realignment of the wheels, whereas shocks do not affect alignment.
- Cost and Maintenance: Struts are generally more expensive to replace due to their complexity and additional functions.
- Performance Tuning: Shocks offer more flexibility in performance tuning, allowing enthusiasts to easily adjust damping for different driving conditions.
Struts vs. Springs: Key Differences
- Functionality: Struts combine shock absorption and structural support, whereas springs solely focus on supporting the vehicle's weight.
- Replacement Considerations: Struts usually have a longer lifespan than springs, but replacing them often requires realignment, adding to the cost.
Shocks vs. Springs: Key Differences
- Motion Control vs. Weight Support: Shocks are designed to control suspension motion and dampen vibrations, while springs support the vehicle's weight and maintain ride height.
- Upgrade Path: Upgrading shocks can improve handling and comfort, whereas upgrading springs can adjust ride height and load capacity, depending on the desired performance outcome.
Choosing the Right Suspension Setup for Your Vehicle
So, now that we know what differentiates each type of suspension, which is right for your build? There are a few things to consider here, listed below:
- Consider Driving Style: Daily driving, off-road adventures, track racing—different driving styles require different suspension setups.
- Budget Constraints: Struts, shocks, and springs vary in cost. Consider the overall expense, including potential realignment and other labor costs.
- Desired Performance Outcome: Whether you're looking to improve ride comfort, enhance handling, or boost off-road capability, choosing the right combination of struts, shocks, and springs is essential.
Shop Suspension For Your Make and Model Here!
Shop Struts, Shocks, Springs & More For Your Car At MAPerformance
Understanding the differences between struts, shocks, and springs is crucial for anyone looking to upgrade their vehicle's suspension. Each component has its unique role and impact on your car's performance, handling, and comfort. By carefully assessing your driving needs and vehicle goals, you can select the best suspension setup for your ride.
We encourage you to visit our shop today for a wide range of high-quality performance suspension components to elevate your driving experience. We have plenty of in-stock suspension parts both from outside vendors and our in-house Evolved Autosport lineup, manufactured for enthusiasts just like you and us. Check out our store today and shop the best suspension kits for your car!
