Shock absorbers are indispensable for good roadholding and therefore an integral part of any suspension in both cars and trucks. I can hear you thinking: what exactly is a shock absorber, suspension and suspension? And how do you recognise problems with these and how can they be solved? More background info on this page.
Suspension of the car
Suspension refers to everything to do with how the wheels are connected to the car's chassis. This includes the suspension system and shock absorbers. The complete system aims to support the car's weight and absorb and dampen shocks. As a result, the wheels of the car will reliably maintain contact with the road surface.
Spring system
If we then look further, the suspension system ensures that you can drive in a comfortable and safe manner and provides the (hopefully) good handling. The suspension system consists of the shock absorbers (or also called shock absorbers), springs and dampers.
Shock absorbers
Shock absorbers are part of the suspension system. The main function of shock absorbers is to ensure that vibrations and shocks are less noticeable while driving. They are thus absorbed. This allows the wheels to reliably make contact with the road and ensures comfort, good road holding and safety. A shock absorber is a cylinder containing a piston, which is connected to the wheel suspension via a rod. 
To perform its function, a shock absorber must be able to absorb a certain amount of vibration. The amount of energy absorbed depends on the vehicle weight, spring stiffness and vibration frequency. The operation of hydraulic and hydropneumatic shock absorbers is based on two basic properties of the fluid: compressibility and viscosity. The principle of the hydraulic shock absorber is quite simple. A piston rod with a precisely calibrated valve system moves in the working cylinder filled with a special hydraulic fluid. The operating characteristics are individually selected for the best damping of each car's suspension.
Signals for faulty shock absorbers and suspension
As a driver, you need to be aware of the basic signals that indicate problems with the car's suspension. These signals can often be noticed while driving:
- Strong rocking of the car after passing a bump;
- Significant rocking of the car when braking;
- Uneven tyre wear;
- Leakage on the shock absorber (oil) or an oil slick on the ground;
- Pulling the vehicle to the side when the steering wheel is straight;
- Vibration on the body and on the brake pedal during braking
Do you recognise these signs? Then make sure you inspect quickly to see if anything is wrong and if you can (have) a defect discovered. Driving for too long and too many shocks that are not damped properly can lead to chassis damage and dangerous situations. The tyres will also wear unevenly and the car will be out of balance. Therefore, it is better to replace early to avoid repair and further damage. What can you do yourself? Visual inspection of the shock absorbers is always possible, they should be intact, not bent and/or dry. The axles should also be intact and in place. If there are leaks or other defects, the shock absorbers should be replaced. If in doubt, we advise you to make an appointment at a garage in your area.
What to do with worn shock absorbers?
Replacement is the most effective solution. When one shock absorber needs replacement, you do have to renew them as a pair. This is because when replacing one shock absorber, you have the chance of the car becoming unbalanced which is not good for comfort, wheels and safety. An overhaul is a pretty good way out, but with a few problems. But not all shock absorbers are renewable. That's the first thing, and the second is that it's not always easy to find a shop that knows how to do repairs properly. But it is possible. Suspensions can vary. In one case, for example, it's just wear and tear, which is typical when the car is used for a long time. And in another case, the car's wheel has hit a pothole in the road, which is especially dangerous at high speed. This is why different parts of the suspension can fail, as it is a whole unit. It is he first and foremost suffer when driving on bad roads. It is important for motorists to know in advance which suspension repair services are most in demand.
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