The shocks and struts in your Volkswagen Atlas deliver the ride comfort you rely upon, whether you're traveling backwoods trails for a camping trip or heading into Philly for a night on the town. They support your SUV's weight while cushioning any irregularities in the road surface. That keeps your wheels rolling true, while maintaining ideal handling and control. Read on to learn more about these critical suspension parts.

Are Shocks and Struts the Same Thing?

No. They share the same role in your SUV's suspension, but you can't use one in place of the other.

Shocks

Shock absorbers are larger than struts, and are generally designed to be stiffer than a strut. That's because they're an independent suspension component. There are three types:

Mono-tube shock: Also called a gas shock, this is the most common shock absorber. It's made from a steel tube that has a rod and piston inside. When you drive over a bump, the piston pushes up and is slowly compressed by gas to make for a smoother transition.

Dual shock: This type is sometimes referred to as a twin-tube shock. It consists of two vertical tubes that are filled with hydraulic fluids instead of gas. As the shock compresses, the fluid transfers from one tube to another.

Coil-over shock: This type is found on those rare vehicles that feature shock absorbers on the front end. As the name suggests, the shock itself is covered by a coil spring.

Struts

Struts are integrated components of both the suspension and steering systems. They're smaller than a shock, which makes them better suited for models that have suspension travel compressed. These days, most vehicles feature a MacPherson strut, which incorporates both the strut and spring into one unit. They mount to the steering knuckle, with the spring's "top" supporting the body. While that makes them more durable than a shock, it also means that replacing struts requires a vehicle alignment afterwards.

When Should You Replace Shocks or Struts?

Your owner's manual will specify the exact mileage, but you should plan on replacing yours somewhere after 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Obviously, your road conditions can affect that number greatly. Signs of trouble include:

An overly bumpy ride

The suspension bottoms out when you're backing out of the driveway

The vehicle pulls to one side when you brake

You notice a greasy film on the parts

Shop Online to Find Genuine VW Atlas Shocks and Struts at Affordable Prices

The best shocks or struts for your SUV are the ones that Volkswagen makes. That's because they come with a guaranteed compatibility that can't be matched. Our online VW parts store sells them, and at prices up to 35% lower than the retail you'll be charged elsewhere. Buy now for fast shipping to any address in the US!