Shock Absorbers: 3 Important Benefits You Need to Know

When we think of smooth drive, we usually think of horsepower and a high-performing engine. However, little of us are aware that a powerful engine is pretty much useless without the driver’s ability to control the car. That’s where shock absorbers take the stage. As their name entails shock absorbers literally absorb the unpleasant effects of bumpy roads and unavoidable holes, thus enhancing the driver’s control over the vehicle as well as overall comfort of all passengers. Read on to find out some more of the benefits of shock absorbers and why you should take them more into consideration.

What are the Benefits of Shock Absorbers?

1. Safety

For most of us, vehicle safety means buckling up and not driving over speed limit. However, for licensed mechanics and car manufacturers, car safety equals an impeccable suspension system. The main component of a suspension system are the shock absorbers. Thus, their major role in vehicle safety is to provide steering stability and complete vehicle safety. Thanks to them, our cars do not veer to the sides when it’s windy and have no trouble stopping.

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If you are, however, experiencing these kinds of issues then you must repair or replace your vehicle’s existing shockers. Worn out shockers lack the capacity required to control the car, and can add as much as  twenty percent to your vehicle’s stopping distance.

2. Stability

Another important role of shock absorbers is stability. They boost the friction between the car tires and terrain, enabling car stability on the road. If streets, highways, and country roads were perfectly flat then shockers wouldn’t be necessary. But even recently paved roads have subtle flaws that apply force to the wheel, causing it to move up and down.

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Without shock absorbers, all vertical energy of the wheels would be shifted to the frame of the vehicle. This can thus cause for the wheels to lose contact with the road surface for a moment and then, thanks to Newton’s gravity, slam back onto the road and possibly cause damage to the vehicle or the passengers inside.

3. Comfort

Comfort is the most common thing associated with shock absorbers. Since the invention of the first car, the challenge of enhancing passengers’ comfort was a major part of manufacturing process. That’s why absorbers were invented. Their job, apart from providing vehicle stability, is to ensure the comfort of all passengers. They reduce the magnitude of vibratory motions due to various road imperfections in order to provide a smooth and comfortable ride.

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Hopefully, we helped you understand the importance and benefits of shock absorbers and why are they so vital for a smooth drive. They are an integral part of not only for overall comfort, but also for vehicle safety and stability which is why they must be maintained and checked regularly.

How to Recognize Failing Shock Absorbers

Depending on the results of  bounce and oil leak tests at your local maintenance garage, you will need to make a decision as to whether you let the technician replace the necessary parts or change the whole thing. However, it is almost always the case that taking a vehicle to a mechanic can be expensive, and in many cases unnecessary when the problem can be diagnosed by the vehicle owner. Understanding the difference between shocks and struts makes it easier for a car owner to locate these parts on the vehicle themselves.

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Not only should shocks and struts be replaced for increased driving satisfaction, but it is also important to recognize problems with shocks and struts before they get in such bad condition that driving the vehicle becomes unsafe. Knowing the signs of shock and strut failure as well as how to test a vehicle for these problems helps to make diagnosing the problem easier. Ideally, it is recommend to renew your vehicle’s shock absorbers every 80,000km for adequate safety.

Looking to replace your vehicle’s shock absorbers? BE FORWARD Auto Parts have thousands in stock to suit your needs. Click the button below to be taken straight to our suspension components category.

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