Driving with bad shocks and struts can cause a car accident. But if you learn the warning signs of defective shocks and struts, you can quickly address these issues before they become a problem.

How Can Driving with Bad Shocks on a Car Cause an Accident?

There are several ways that driving with bad shocks and struts can lead to an accident, including:

1. You Can Lose Control As You Drive Over Bumps and Dips

Faulty shocks and struts can hamper your ability to navigate your car across bumps and dips. They can cause your car's wheels to vibrate, which may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Faulty shocks and struts can also make it feel like your car is "flying" over speed bumps, even if you're driving at a safe speed.

2. Your Car's Anti-Lock Braking System Won't Perform As Expected

There is a direct correlation between the performance of your car's shocks and struts and the performance of its anti-lock braking (ABS) system. If your shocks and struts are worn out, your car's ABS won't work as effectively as it has in the past. So, if you're driving along rough or bumpy roads and need to brake suddenly, your car won't necessarily stop as quickly as you'd like, which can lead to an accident.

3. You May Struggle to Steer Your Car Around Curves

Your car's shocks and struts help your vehicle grip the road. Worn-out shocks and struts will hamper your car's ability to grip the road to the point where they cause understeering or oversteering. If you are forced to understeer or oversteer your car, you can cause an accident.

4. Worn-Out Shocks and Struts Can Damage Other Car Components

Different car suspension components rely on the shocks and struts to function properly. If your shocks and struts are malfunctioning, they may put additional pressure on the control arms, ball joints, and other suspension components. Over time, these issues may result in a car accident. They can also require costly, time-intensive repairs.

5. Your Car's Tires May Wear Down Faster Than Expected

As your car's shocks and struts deteriorate, you may notice your tires' tread start to cup or show other signs of wear and tear. Worn-down tires can make it difficult to safely steer your car, which may result in an accident. Furthermore, defective shocks and struts that contribute to worn-down tires may force you to replace your tires sooner than expected.

Is It Dangerous to Drive with Bad Struts?

Yes, it’s dangerous to drive with bad shocks or struts. Fortunately, many signs indicate your car's shocks and struts are malfunctioning, such as:

• Your car feels unstable, even if you are driving on a flat surface.
• Your car tips to one side during turns.
• Your car's front end rises and the rear "squats" when you press down on the accelerator.
• Your car's tires bounce excessively.
• Your car's tires look worn down, and their tread looks wavy and uneven.
• Your car is leaking fluid near the shocks or struts.

If you believe your car's shocks or struts are defective, take your vehicle to a certified auto mechanic who can evaluate your car and replace the shocks or struts as needed. But if you’re involved in a vehicle collision, try not to stress. Fix Auto can repair any damage to your car's exterior. We offer over 150 auto body shops nationwide, and our friendly, knowledgeable, certified auto body professionals are happy to assist you in any way they can. To schedule a service appointment, please contact us online or call us today at 800.INFO.FIX.   This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Northridge, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing Northridge and the greater San Fernando Valley.