Shock absorbers are an essential part of your vehicle’s suspension system. They help to reduce the effect of bumps and potholes on your suspension. Shock absorbers also keep your tyres in contact with the road, as well as reduce wear on other components such as brake pads and springs. If your vehicle’s shock absorbers are worn or damaged, this could cause problems such as tyre wear, vibration through the steering wheel when braking at low speeds, reduced control over steering during cornering manoeuvres, increased stopping distances at high speeds due to premature tire wear and loss of ride comfort over rough roads or bumps caused by a lack of dampening effect from worn shock absorber units.
In this guide we explain what you need to do if you suspect that your car’s shocks need replacing – including how much it costs and what tools are required for installation – plus some tips for maintaining them yourself
What is a shock absorber?
A shock absorber is a device that dampens the motion of a vehicle’s suspension when it travels over bumps in the road or other irregularities in its path. This helps smooth out rough roads so that you don’t feel every bump as much as if there were no shocks at all. Shock absorbers also help keep tires on the pavement by keeping them level with each other while they pass over bumps in the road surface.
Understanding shock absorbers
Shock absorbers are a vital part of your vehicle’s suspension system. They help to control the movement of your car’s suspension and wheels, as well as absorbing bumps in the road.
Shock absorbers consist of a piston or cylinder with oil inside it, which moves up and down when you drive over bumps in the road. This movement absorbs some of that impact so that it doesn’t travel through to your body or seat.
Signs your vehicle needs a new shock absorber
If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to get a new shock absorber:
- The vehicle bounces around when driving.
- The vehicle excessively bounces when braking.
- The ride feels rough or bumpy in general, even if there are no potholes in the road or other obstructions that would cause this type of irregularity.
This may also be caused by worn-out springs and struts on your car’s suspension system–which means you’ll need both components replaced at once rather than just one part at a time.
Factors to consider when choosing shock absorbers
Shock absorber type
There are three main types of shock absorbers: gas pressure, hydraulic and mechanical. Gas-pressurized shocks use compressed nitrogen or argon gas to dampen vibrations. Hydraulic units rely on a liquid such as oil to provide dampening, while mechanical units use springs and pistons to absorb the impact of bumps in the road.
Shock absorber size
The size of your vehicle’s shock absorbers should be matched with its weight and height so they can handle all kinds of driving conditions effectively without wearing out prematurely or causing other problems like excessive wear on other parts like tires or struts (which is why you must have them checked regularly). In addition to weight capacity ratings there are also height restrictions for each model – if you drive an SUV for example then getting oversized shocks would be counterproductive since they will only increase vibration when going over bumps instead of providing additional cushioning against them!
How much does it cost to replace shock absorbers?
Shock absorbers are one of the most important parts of a vehicle’s suspension system. Without them, your car would be bouncing around like a pogo stick on every bump and dip in the road. Shock absorbers help to keep your tires from hitting their bump stops and causing damage to them or even worse–causing you to lose control of your vehicle!
Because shock absorbers play such an essential role in keeping your vehicle safe and comfortable to drive, they must be working properly at all times. If you notice that there’s something wrong with yours (or if someone tells you there is), then it’s time for new ones! However, before replacing them entirely with new ones from an auto parts store or mechanic shop make sure they aren’t just worn out yet by doing some maintenance first: cleaning out any dirt around them; making sure no leaks exist and removing rust build-up where applicable.
How long do shock absorbers last on your vehicle?
Shock absorbers can last from 5,000 to 100,000 miles. The lifespan of the shock absorber depends on many factors such as driving style and the condition of your vehicle. When replacing them, try to get parts with at least an equal quality as OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts.
Shock absorbers are one of the most important components in your vehicle’s suspension system because they control how much movement there is when you’re driving over bumps or potholes. If you’re hearing loud noises coming from under your car while driving on rough roads then it could be time for new shocks!
How can I tell if my car’s suspension needs attention?
Before you decide to replace your car’s shock absorbers, it is important to know how they work. Shock absorbers dampen vibrations that travel through the chassis and suspension system of a vehicle. They are usually located at each corner of a car or truck, and their function is to reduce road impact when travelling over bumps or potholes. In addition, they also help keep passengers safe by absorbing some energy during sudden braking or acceleration events.
Shock absorbers consist of an inner cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid which surrounds an outer cylinder containing small metal particles known as “shims.” When these two parts move relative to one another under compression (when going over bumps), the friction between them causes heat to build up inside the chamber housing both cylinders’ pistons. This causes expansion within this space while simultaneously reducing its volume (which increases pressure). This process results in the absorption of vibration caused by uneven surfaces such as gravel roads or poorly paved highways – preventing harsh jolts from reaching drivers’ spines!
A leaky shock absorber can be a sign of failure, but it’s not always. Many other things can cause oil leaks on your car and make people think their boge shocks need replacing when they don’t. If you suspect that your shocks might be leaking, there are some things to look out for.
Check the amount of oil on the ground under your vehicle; if there are just drops here and there, then it could be coming from anywhere in or around the engine bay. If there’s more than a few inches worth of black sludge on the ground though (and especially if it smells burnt), then that means something else has gone wrong with either one or both of those components. The most likely culprit is likely one or both struts themselves rather than just the seals around them.
It’s not always easy to know when you should have your shocks checked. There are many signs that your vehicle needs a new shock absorber or a Sachs dual mass flywheel, but others can be subtle or difficult to detect. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it may be time for a new set.
Your vehicle bounces around more than usual when going over bumps in the road or hitting potholes. This is usually caused by worn-out springs and struts that need replacing along with the shocks themselves if they’re old enough. A good rule of thumb is that if your car feels like it bounces too much on rougher roads than usual, then this could mean that its suspension is starting to wear out after thousands upon thousands of miles on the road–and replacing just one part isn’t going to solve this problem!
Installation and maintenance tips
Shock absorbers are mechanical devices that help control the up-and-down movement of your vehicle. They work by absorbing some of the energy generated by bumps in the road, making your ride smoother and safer.
Shock absorbers are an important part of your vehicle’s suspension system, but they can wear out over time, especially if you drive on rough roads or do a lot of off-roading. Regularly checking the air pressure in your shock absorbers will help prevent them from leaking oil or other fluids that can damage other parts of your car’s suspension system. It’s also important to replace worn-out shock absorbers before driving any further; even if there aren’t any leaks yet!
If you notice unusual noises coming from one side of your car when braking or turning corners, this could be an indication that one or more shocks need replacing soon because they’re worn out beyond repair. You should also check if there is any unusual vibration felt when driving over bumps at low speeds while parked. This would indicate possible damage caused by worn-out shocks with insufficient dampening ability left inside them yet still being used regularly under heavy loads like those experienced during regular traffic conditions.
In a nutshell
We hope that this article has helped you understand the ins and outs of shock absorbers. We know what a headache it can be to keep up with your car’s suspension system, but the good news is that we’re here for you!
Need guidance on choosing the right shock absorbers? Contact our experts for personalized recommendations! Ensure your vehicle’s suspension is top-notch!