We understand that shock absorbers are not at the top of your car part priority list, but they definitely should be. Shock absorbers usually don’t receive the credit that they deserve and are usually not checked as regularly as the engine, tyres, and brakes. However, if your shock absorbers do not work, you could be in for a big surprise when your journeys become unstable and you feel every inch of the road. We are going to outline a short checklist for you so that you know what you should think about when it comes to shock absorbers on your vehicle.
What Actually Are Shock Absorbers?
Shock absorbers are a vital part of the suspension system in your vehicle; they ensure safe control of your vehicle at all times. To put it simply, they are basically very small ‘oil pumps’ which are fitted near the wheels to absorb impact and reduce movement as much as possible. Shock absorbers are specifically designed to adapt to any road condition, creating more resistance when your vehicle needs it. The most important job of your shock absorbers is to keep your tyres on the road at all times; if you do not have a constant connection with the road surface, you could lose control of your vehicle and your safety and the safety of others within the car is compromised. You should now understand why it is crucial that you make sure that your shock absorbers are working correctly all of the time, and have them checked straight away if you think there are problems with yours.
When You Should Replace Shock Absorbers
Depending on what terrain you regularly drive on; you may need to replace your shock absorbers quicker than others; if you drive on harsh, uneven terrain regularly, you will definitely need to change your shock absorbers sooner than someone who drives on regular roads. Of course, there is no actual guideline as to when you should replace your shock absorbers, but it is generally a good practice to replace them every 5 to 10 years or so. Although, if you regularly drive over potholes or speed bumps at speed, or with heavy cargo which makes your vehicle bounce, the longevity of your shock absorbers will significantly lessen.
How To Check Your Shock Absorbers
There are a few ways to check whether your shock absorbers need to be replaced, including the bounce test. This literally takes seconds; you just have to press down hard on one corner of the vehicle and let it go and see how the car reacts. Count the number of times that your car bounces and if it bounces more than twice, there is most likely a problem with your suspension.
Motorsolve – Shock Absorber Experts
At Motorsolve, we have been operating as car repair experts for many years now. This means that we have the knowledge and expertise to provide the very best car servicing and repair services to our valued clients. If you think that you have issues with your shock absorbers, call a member of our team on 01923 268 082 today.