Shocks or Springs?

If your car’s ride is no longer smooth, is it the shocks or springs? Some say if your car bounces and bounces after hitting a bump, it is the shock absorbers failing to mitigate the “shock” from the bump on the road. But, if the ride isn’t as smooth as it once was, it is the springs.

In short, I do know the spring takes the compression from the bumps in the road, but the shock absorbers ultimately mitigate the energy from the spring. So, what’s the SD? And, how can one determine this for themselves before asking a repair shop? (I really don’t have my own mechanic.) - Jinx

What kind of car?

Only if your shocks are in really bad condition (or there are no shocks at all). Generally the effects of bad shocks are not so obvious and will only show under certain circumstances (hitting a bump under heavy braking, hard cornering, etc.). Can you describe what exactly feels different about the ride quality?

Also, have you changed your tires recently? Different tire brands/models have entirely different construction and can affect handling and ride quality.

For the most part, springs hold the car up, shocks smooth the ride. There are some exceptions to this in self leveling suspensions where the shocks also help hold the correct ride height. (Yeah I know I oversimplified this but hey it’s late)

If ride quality has decreased, it is most likely the shocks or a tire issue. However other suspension items like ball joints, and bushings should be inspected just to make sure there are not problems there.
Tires can and do go out of balance. Tires can also get flat spotted, or go out of round. New shocks won’t cure these problems. Wheels can get bent via potholes or curbs.
If you are looking at a cost effective way to go about isolating this problem, find a good tire shop and have the tires rotated and rebalanced. If the problem still exists then go for the shocks.