Shock absorbers manage irregularities in the road to ensure your car stays in contact with the surface. Because they wear gradually over time, it can be difficult to spot a problem.
Shock absorbers manage irregularities in the road to ensure your car stays in contact with the surface. Because they wear gradually over time, it can be difficult to spot a problem.
A damaged shock absorber can affect braking distance, increase chances of skidding or aquaplaning, and you may lose control on bends.
Driving with a faulty shock absorber could damage other parts of the chassis, cause excess wear on tyres and increase fuel consumption.
Signs the shock absorber is damaged
- Unusual noises at potholes or bends
- Tilting to one side, or vehicle is down more at the front or back
- Lights vibrate when driving at night
Shock Absorber FAQs
Why replace shock absorbers?
- Keep tyres in contact with the road at all times
- Safer, more comfortable driving
- Maximises tyre life
- Avoids wear and tear on other parts of the car
When do I have to service the shock absorbers?
Shock absorbers should be serviced every 20,000 - 30,000 km / 12,000 - 18,000m
When you change the shock absorbers, your vehicle will need to be rebalanced and realigned.
How do I know if my shock absorbers are in poor condition?
If you notice the car is swinging when you brake sharply, or if you find it leans over too much on bends, or when you hit a pothole, and the car takes too long to stabilise.
Could the car brake less effectively if the shock absorbers are in poor condition?
Yes, the shock absorber ensures contact between tyre and road, and the less contact there is, the longer is the braking distance.