Shocks
The primary purpose of a shock is to hold tires to the road, giving passengers a safer, smoother ride. They aren't just for comfort - they affect steering, road handling and braking of a vehicle, so they are very important for safety. Shocks become especially important in emergency maneuvers.

Struts
In newer cars that include struts instead of shocks, struts are compact, and allow for lighter vehicles and more interior room. They not only control the up and down movement of the tire, but contribute to the steering's pivotal rotation.

Driving with worn shocks and struts is as risky as driving on bald tires or using brakes that are past their prime. Click here to see some of the warning signs of worn shocks.

If you haven't checked your shocks lately, you should have them inspected immediately.