Struts are the backbone of a car’s suspension. They hold the weight of the vehicle, keep the wheels in line, and cushion bumps. If you’ve ever felt a harsh jolt on a pothole, that’s a strut doing its job – or failing at it. Understanding the impact of struts helps you decide when to stay with stock parts, drop a coilover, or replace worn components.
Every time you hit a speed bump, the strut decides how much of that shock reaches the cabin. Good struts give a smooth ride, keep the car stable in corners, and prevent uneven tire wear. When you lower a car with springs or coilovers, you’re changing the angle and load on the struts. That’s why many of our readers who install lowering springs notice a tighter feel but also a harsher ride if the struts aren’t upgraded.
Struts also affect braking. When you brake hard, the front struts help keep the nose from diving too much. A worn strut can let the front sink, reducing front‑wheel grip and making the car feel unstable. This is why a car with sagging struts often feels ‘loose’ after a stop.
Another point is tyre contact. Struts keep the wheel perpendicular to the road. If a strut leaks or is too soft, the tyre can tilt, causing uneven wear and less traction. That’s a common complaint after installing wheel spacers – the extra offset can stress the struts and reveal hidden wear.
Listen for clunks when you go over bumps. That sound usually means a strut mount or the strut itself is worn. Look at the ride height; if the car sits lower on one corner, the strut may be failing. Also, check the tyre wear pattern – more wear on the inside or outside edges hints at a bad strut.
If you’re lowering your car, consider a strut upgrade that matches the new ride height. Coilovers, for example, come with adjustable struts that let you fine‑tune stiffness and damping. That helps keep handling sharp without sacrificing comfort.
For daily drivers, a mild upgrade like performance struts can improve cornering without making the ride too stiff. For track‑only cars, stiffer struts give better feedback but can be uncomfortable on normal roads.
Regular inspection is key. Push down on each corner and let go – the car should bounce back smoothly, not keep bouncing. If it keeps bouncing, the strut is likely leaking fluid and needs replacement.
When you replace struts, always replace the mounts and any worn hardware. A cheap strut with a new mount still leaves the car vulnerable if the mount is old.
Bottom line: struts are the hidden workhorse of your suspension. They affect ride comfort, handling, braking, and tyre life. Whether you’re running stock, dropping springs, or fitting coilovers, keep an eye on strut condition and upgrade when the chassis demands it. Your car will thank you with a smoother ride, safer handling, and longer‑lasting tyres.
Lowering springs are popular among car enthusiasts looking to enhance both aesthetics and handling. However, there are questions about their impact on vehicle struts. When you lower a car, it changes the dynamics of its suspension system, which can affect the struts. Understanding these changes helps in maintaining vehicle performance and avoiding unnecessary damage. This article explores the relationship between lowering springs and struts, providing insights and tips for car owners.