The shock absorber is one of the components in a vehicle’s suspension system that work together to prevent the vehicle from bouncing about while driving over uneven road surfaces.
They are usually installed on both the front and back wheels and are meant to absorb most of the shock when driving on uneven ground, which may cause them to wear out faster.
Shock absorbers use hydraulic fluid pumped via valves and channels to dampen springy motion. The fluid’s resistance and drag allow the shock absorber to move more slowly than the spring, reducing bouncing and providing a pleasant, comfortable ride for the vehicle’s structure. With a smooth ride, the center of gravity of the car stays the same, so you can stay in control even if the road surface changes.
How long do shock absorbers last?
Under optimum driving circumstances, a set of shock absorbers may last for five to ten years or 50,000 to 100,000 kilometers. Manufacturing quality, poor roads, large loads, towing, harsh braking, and aggressive driving all have an impact on the life expectancy of the shock absorber. After about 40,000 miles, or when the car starts to bounce, sag, take longer to stop, or have other suspension problems, these parts should be checked regularly.
A thorough inspection of the complete suspension system is necessary before installing new shock absorbers. Your suspension system’s under-performance might also be caused by the following extras:
- Ball Joints
- Tie Rods
- Control Arms
- Springs
If you suspect you’re due for a suspension system repair or replacement, please call or visit John’s Auto Care today. We look forward to seeing you!