Shocks, Struts & Brakes: Smooth Driving Starts Here

That "Whoa There!" Moment

You know the one. You’re cruising down I-15, vibing to your favorite playlist, when traffic slams to a halt. You hit the brakes, and suddenly your car nose-dives like it's trying to kiss the asphalt. Not cool. And definitely not normal. While you might blame your brakes (they're the obvious suspects), the real culprit could be hiding in your suspension system—specifically, your shocks and struts.

Let’s break it all down. Because when it comes to stopping smoothly and driving safely, it takes a team effort: brakes, brake fluid, shocks, and struts all playing nicely together.

Brakes Don’t Work Alone

Brakes are like the headliner of your car's safety concert. When you hit the pedal, brake pads clamp down on the rotors to slow your wheels. That friction is what actually stops your car.

But here's the catch: just because your wheels stop turning doesn’t mean your whole vehicle calmly settles down. That’s the job of your suspension.

So, while your brakes are responsible for converting motion into heat and slowing the wheels, they rely on other parts of the system to manage the weight transfer, body roll, and grip during that stop.

When brakes start to wear down, they can squeal, grind, or make a metallic scraping noise. If you hear a high-pitched whine that disappears when you brake harder, your brake pads may be waving the white flag.

The Real MVPs: Shocks & Struts

Shocks and struts are your car’s stability experts. They’re often lumped together, but they’re not quite the same:

• Shocks (shock absorbers): Designed to dampen the bounce and keep the tires on the road after you hit a bump or make a quick stop.

• Struts: A structural part of your suspension system that includes a shock absorber and also supports the vehicle's weight and alignment.

Together, they do more than smooth out your ride:

• Keep your tires planted firmly on the road

• Control how your car reacts to braking and turning

• Help reduce wear on other parts like tires and even brake components

When shocks or struts start to fail, your car might clunk or rattle over bumps, especially if you're rolling through Midvale’s more "seasoned" streets. You might also hear a knocking sound when turning or braking—your suspension’s not-so-subtle way of saying, “Help.”

So if your shocks and struts are worn, your vehicle will lurch, sway, and bounce even if your brakes are in great shape.

Don’t Sleep on Brake Fluid

Now let’s talk about the lifeblood of your braking system: brake fluid. This hydraulic fluid takes the force from your foot and delivers it through lines and cylinders to the brake pads and rotors.

If the fluid is dirty, full of moisture, or old enough to have seen a few Utah winters, it won’t compress correctly. That means you’re pressing the brake pedal harder just to get the same result.

Old brake fluid can make your pedal feel soft or spongy. And if there’s a leak? You might hear a hissing sound under the hood when braking, or spot a mysterious puddle under your car (spoiler: it’s not Mountain Dew).

And guess what? That extra effort can cause your suspension to work overtime, trying to compensate for poor braking performance. It’s all connected.

Signs your brake fluid might be the issue:

• Mushy or soft brake pedal

• Increased stopping distance

• Brake warning light on

• Unusual hissing or gurgling sounds

System Check—How It All Connects

Let’s look at the big picture:

• Brakes handle the stop.

• Brake fluid delivers the force.

• Shocks and struts manage the vehicle’s response.

If any one part isn’t pulling its weight, the whole team suffers.

Say your shocks are worn. Your car might nosedive every time you hit the brakes, making it feel like your brakes aren’t working (even if they are).

Or if your brake fluid is bad, you’ll be pressing harder to stop, putting more pressure on both your brakes and your suspension.

This trio needs to be in sync for smooth stops, solid handling, and safety you can count on.

Signs Your Shocks or Struts Need Love

• Your car nosedives when braking

• The ride feels bouncy or floaty

• You hear clunking or rattling over bumps

• Tires are wearing unevenly

• Steering feels loose or wobbly

• Knocking sounds when turning or braking

• Excessive vibration or shaking at high speeds

You might also notice longer stopping distances or a general “wobbly” feeling when turning or braking—these are your car’s way of begging for a suspension check.

How We Handle It at Gary Beardsley Automotive

We’re not just throwing parts at the problem. When you roll into our shop, we do a full diagnostic to see how your shocks, struts, brakes, and brake fluid are working together (or not).

We inspect your:

• Brake pad thickness

• Rotor condition

• Brake fluid levels and quality

• Suspension performance (including bounce tests and road feel)

Our goal? Get your whole stopping system working in harmony—so your car feels planted, smooth, and safe whether you're cruising through Cottonwood Heights or merging onto I-215.

FAQ – Because You’ve Got Questions

Q: How often should I replace shocks and struts? A: Most vehicles need new shocks or struts around 50,000 to 100,000 miles—but if you drive on rough roads or tow regularly, it could be sooner.

Q: Can bad shocks ruin my brakes? A: Indirectly, yes. Worn shocks cause uneven tire wear and poor contact with the road, which can stress your brakes and reduce their effectiveness.

Q: What happens if I ignore bad brake fluid? A: Brake performance declines. Your pedal may feel soft or sink to the floor, and in worst cases, you could lose braking power entirely.

Q: What’s the difference between a shock and a strut? A: Shocks control bounce; struts do that and support the car’s structure. If your vehicle uses struts, they’re doing double duty.

Q: Is it dangerous to drive with bad shocks or struts? A: Yep. It reduces handling and braking performance, especially in emergencies. If it feels unstable, it probably is.

Book Your Inspection Today

Does your car need new shocks, fresh fluid, or a full brake overhaul? We’ll figure it out. Schedule your inspection online or check out our services list to learn more.

Book your appointment here and let’s give your ride the smooth stopping power it deserves.