Introduction
Struts are an important component of any car’s suspension system. They help absorb shock from bumps in the road and keep the car stable while driving. Over time, they can become worn down or broken due to normal wear and tear, making it necessary to replace them. But how often do struts need to be replaced?
This article will explore the factors that affect the lifespan of struts and their need for replacement. We will look at expert advice, cost analysis, signs of wear, maintenance, and brand comparison to better understand when it is necessary to replace struts.
Expert Advice
To get a better understanding of when struts need to be replaced, we interviewed a mechanic with more than 20 years of experience. He suggested that the life of a strut depends heavily on the type of driving conditions and how well the vehicle is maintained.
For example, if the car is driven mostly on highways and other smooth roads, the struts should last around 50,000 miles before needing to be replaced. However, if the car is driven over rough terrain such as dirt roads, the struts may need to be replaced sooner than that, possibly after 25,000 miles or less.
The mechanic also noted that regular maintenance is key to extending the life of struts. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other basic maintenance can help keep the struts in good condition and reduce the need for costly replacements.
Cost Analysis
Replacing struts can be expensive, so it’s important to consider the cost before deciding when to replace them. Generally speaking, replacing all four struts can cost anywhere from $400 to $800 depending on the make and model of the car. On the other hand, maintaining the struts on a regular basis can be much more affordable. For example, getting a tire rotation every 6,000 miles can cost around $50.
Therefore, it’s important to weigh the cost of replacing the struts against the cost of maintaining them over time. In some cases, it may be more cost effective to maintain the struts rather than replacing them.
Signs of Wear
It’s important to know the signs of wear that indicate struts need to be replaced. If the car is pulling to one side when braking or the steering wheel is shaking, this could be an indication that the struts are worn out and need to be replaced. Additionally, if there is an excessive amount of bouncing when driving over bumps in the road, this could mean the struts have worn out.
If any of these signs are present, it’s important to get the struts checked by a professional mechanic to determine if they need to be replaced.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping struts in good condition. This includes checking the tire pressure regularly, getting oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, and getting a tire rotation every 6,000 miles. All of these steps can help extend the life of the struts and reduce the need for costly replacements.
Additionally, it’s important to inspect the struts regularly for signs of wear. If any signs of wear are present, it’s best to get the struts checked by a professional mechanic to determine if they need to be replaced.
Brand Comparison
The type of struts used can also affect how long they last. Lower quality struts tend to wear out faster than higher quality ones. Therefore, it’s important to choose a reputable brand of struts that are known for their durability and longevity. Some of the most popular brands include KYB, Monroe, and Bilstein.
In general, higher quality struts can last up to 70,000 miles before needing to be replaced, while lower quality struts may need to be replaced after only 30,000 miles. Therefore, it’s important to choose a reliable brand of struts that will last for many years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the lifespan of struts depends heavily on the type of driving conditions and how well the vehicle is maintained. Regular maintenance and inspections can help extend the life of the struts and reduce the need for costly replacements. Additionally, it’s important to choose a reliable brand of struts that are known for their durability and longevity. By following these tips, you can ensure your struts last as long as possible.
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