Shocks & Struts

The Key to Comfort and Control

While often overlooked, your vehicle's shocks and struts quietly influence your driving experience more than you may realize. They not only absorb bumps but also shape the way your vehicle interacts with the road. These components also determine how the vehicle will handle turns.


The suspension system of your vehicle has to respond intuitively to every terrain and carry the vehicle's weight with grace. The Kevin's Automotive's suspension maintenance services include a thorough analysis of shocks and struts to make sure these components are functioning properly. If they're not, our mechanics can provide timely suspension repair services.

Off-road vehicle tire on rocky terrain, viewed from below, focusing on the wet tread.

What Do Shocks & Struts Do?

Shocks and struts are the suspension components behind every smooth ride and sharp turn. When your vehicle moves, these components manage the force of motion. They also absorb the energy from bumps, potholes, and uneven surfaces to keep you in control.


Let's break it down even more. Front struts are a structural part of the suspension system. They combine a shock absorber with a coil spring to support the dampening of movement and the vehicle's weight.


Rear shocks focus on absorbing road impacts and controlling rebounds. Together, these components stabilize your ride and maintain traction through changing road conditions.


For drivers who demand more control, off-road shocks and struts provide advanced dampening in rugged terrain. Those hauling extra weight or navigating intense driving conditions can upgrade to heavy-duty shocks and struts for reinforced control.


Besides providing car ride comfort, shocks and struts influence handling and stability. Worn or underperforming units can result in vehicle handling issues like nose-driving during braking and excessive body roll.


That's where Kevin's Automotive makes a difference. From shock and strut replacement to repair, our mechanics go all out to dial your suspension properly so that the road feels quieter and smoother.

Common Shocks & Struts Issues

Over time, even the best-engineered shock absorbers and vehicle struts wear down. If you've noticed changes in your vehicle's ride or handling, it may be time for a suspension inspection. Here are the common issues drivers experience with shocks and struts.


  • Uneven or Excessive Tire Wear: Worn car shocks and front struts can't keep your tires firmly planted on the road, leading to patchy tire wear. It reduces grip and shortens tire life.
  • Suspension Noise: Knocking or rattling from the wheel wells often signals problems with the strut assembly. You can bring your vehicle to Kevin's Automotive for suspension noise troubleshooting, especially if it worsens over time.
  • Nose-Driving When Braking: If your vehicle dips forward during braking or bounces excessively after a bump, it's a sign of worn shocks and struts.
  • Poor Handling: Diminished responsiveness in corners or feeling like the vehicle leans too far during turns can point to an unbalanced strut and shock absorber or weakened rear shocks.
  • Longer Stopping Distances: Faulty shock absorbers reduce tire-to-road contact and increase the distance it takes to come to a complete stop.
  • Visible Fluid Leaks: Leaking oil around strut and shock absorber components means the internal seals have failed. At this point, shock absorber repair is no longer an option, and replacement is necessary.
  • Vibration at Highway Speeds: Uncontrolled up-and-down motion from degraded performance shocks and struts can lead to vibrations felt in the steering wheel or seat.
  • Sagging: If your vehicle seems to lean to one side, the shock and strut service timeline may be overdue. Let Kevin's Automotive's mechanics provide appropriate repairs before uneven support puts strain on the entire suspension system.


Regular maintenance and repair is the go-to approach for keeping shocks and struts in good shape. However, when the damage is irreparable, a replacement is needed. 


While shocks and struts replacement cost varies by vehicle and system, the price of delay is often higher. The sooner you bring your vehicle to Kevin's Automotive for repairs and replacement, the better.

Take Your Vehicle From Rough to Refined With Kevin's Automotive's Services

Regardless of the strut and shock absorber types, regular maintenance and timely repairs are a must. While the average strut and shock absorber lifespan is around 50,000 miles, driving on harsher roads may require early replacement.


Kevin's Automotive provides a range of strut and shock-related services, from a suspension upgrade to full-fledged replacements. Give us a call at (615) 453-5955 or visit us at 500 S Cumberland St # C, Lebanon, TN 37087 to enjoy the services drivers like you have been receiving satisfactorily from us since 2004.