hybrid car - Does Your Car Need Shock Absorbers

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Does Your Car Need Shock Absorbers?

Your car's shock absorbers are an important part of the suspension system. But, you might be surprised to learn that they don't actually "absorb" road impact. They have a different role, which I'll describe in a moment. They can wear down over time and become less efficient or even incapable of performing their job. When that happens, you'll notice that the overall quality of the ride suffers.

Below, I'll describe how your car's shock absorbers work, including reasons why you should make sure they're in good condition. Then, I'll provide a few tips for inspecting them for wear, damage, and leaks.

How They Work

Again, it's important to realize that They aren't absorbing the impact from the road. That's the responsibility of the suspension system's springs. The springs compress and expand whenever your vehicle hits a bump or dip. For example, if you drive over a hole in the street, the springs in your car's tires extend to limit the hole's impact on the chassis. If you drive over a bump, they compress to minimize the bounce and make sure your tires never leave the ground.

So, what do your shocks actually do? They control how much the springs compress and expand. Without them, the springs in the suspension system would overcompensate. For example, on bumps, they'd compress too far and result in bouncing when they extend back (overcompensating again in the process). On holes, they'd work in the opposite manner. Shock absorbers transform the overcompensation into energy, thereby dampening the impact of the road. In fact, a lot of mechanics prefer to call them "dampeners."

Inspecting And Replacing Them

Unfortunately, there's no mileage guideline that tells you when to replace them. If your car has the originals still installed, they may be effective for 35,000 miles. But, that's only a rough estimate. They may start wearing after 20,000, depending on the type of driving you normally do. Making matters worse, it's often difficult to tell when they're going bad because they wear down so gradually.

There are a few ways to tell when your shocks may need to be replaced. For example, when you brake, the nose of your vehicle may dip. Or, when you drive over small bumps or holes, the suspension might continue bouncing longer than it should. Or, it may take longer for your car to come to a complete stop when you brake. If you notice any of these things, take your car into a repair shop to have the shocks tested.

If they need to be replaced, you may be able to perform the job yourself. It's relatively simple, and many manuals and websites offer comprehensive instructions. That said, if you don't normally do auto work, have a mechanic do the job. Compared with other car repair work, it's inexpensive and doesn't take long. And you're guaranteed a smooth ride afterward.

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