?when to replace struts, and why.

[dhise]

My wife's Corolla has 145k on the original struts now. The car is still very tight and handles bumps and potholes like a new car. My subaru's struts are a little worn out at 165k and 23 years, but it never bottoms out or bounces at all. I'll probably have to replace them before 200k.

 

[mechtech2]

A little dampness is OK. Wetness is not.
It is good advice to replace shocks /struts with a premium type - an upgrade from standard offerings.
When? Tough call for most cars. If no real problems are evident, figure 125,000 miles or so is enough time to warrant replacements.
Sure, many will benefit from earlier new parts.