Struts play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride by absorbing shock and maintaining proper wheel alignment. Over time, struts may wear out or get damaged, requiring replacement. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to change struts.

1. Gather necessary tools: Before you begin, make sure you have the proper tools such as a floor jack, jack stands, wrenches, sockets, pry bars, torque wrench, and new struts for your specific vehicle.

2. Park your vehicle on a level surface: Find a flat and stable area to work on your car safely. Apply the parking brake for added safety.

3. Loosen the lug nuts: With the car still on the ground, use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts of the wheel where you’ll be replacing the strut.

4. Use a floor jack to lift the car: Carefully lift your vehicle with a floor jack until it is at a safe working height. Make sure you are lifting from an approved jacking point on your car to avoid damage.

5. Put jack stands under your car: Place jack stands at secure points under your vehicle as added safety while you work. Lower the car onto these sturdy supports.

6. Remove the wheel: Take off the lug nuts completely and remove the wheel from the car.

7. Locate the strut assembly: Look for the strut assembly, usually found between the wheel well and engine compartment as part of your suspension system.

8. Disconnect any lines or cables: Depending on your vehicle, there may be brake lines or sensor cables connected to your strut assembly; be sure to disconnect them carefully.

9. Loosen top and bottom mounting bolts: The strut will have top and bottom mounting bolts that hold it in place. Use a wrench or socket set to loosen (but do not remove) these bolts.

10. Remove strut assembly: Carefully pry the strut assembly free using a pry bar, keeping a firm hold on it to prevent damage.

11. Swap out the old strut for the new one: Inspect the new strut for any signs of damage and ensure it is the correct replacement part. Place the new strut in position and align mounting holes.

12. Tighten mounting bolts: Once the new strut is in position, tighten the top and bottom mounting bolts following manufacturer specifications for torque pressure.

13. Reconnect lines or cables: Reattach any brake lines or sensor cables that were disconnected earlier.

14. Reinstall wheel and lower car: Put the wheel back on, tightening lug nuts securely. Carefully lower your vehicle off the jack stands using a floor jack, then remove the floor jack from under your car.

After completing these steps, repeat the process on any other struts that need replacement. Give your car a test drive to ensure a smooth ride and check your work for proper alignment and installation.