Shock Absorbers explained
Simply put, shock absorbers are hydraulic (oil) pump like devices
that help to control the movement of your vehicle’s springs and
suspension. That makes them a vitally important part of your vehicle’s
ability to accelerate, travel and stop with safety and control.
What are shock absorbers?
Shock absorbers are quite possibly the most misunderstood part of any
vehicle’s essential systems – most people don’t even realise they’re
designed to keep your tyres in contact with the road! Your steering,
stability, handling, ride comfort and brakes all rely on your shock
absorbers to function at optimum levels. Monroe Shock absorbers provide
safety and control for most of the vehicles on, and off, our roads.
What do shock absorbers do?
Essentially, shock absorbers do two things. Apart from controlling
the movement of springs and suspension, shock absorbers also keep your
tyres in contact with the ground at all times. At rest or in motion, the
bottom surface of your tyres is the only part of your vehicle in
contact with the road. Any time that a tyre’s contact with the ground is
broken or reduced, your ability to drive, steer and brake is severely
compromised.
Despite popular belief, shock absorbers do not support the weight of a vehicle.
Signs of worn shock absorbers
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Nose-diving and swerving
If the bonnet of your car dips when you brake or slow down, or your
vehicle swerves under brakes, you may have a shock absorber problem. |
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Trouble stopping
Worn shock absorbers can add as much as 20% to your stopping distance.
That’s the sort of fault that can be fatal and requires immediate
attention. |
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Bad vibes
Uncomfortable steering wheel vibration could be shock absorbers. |
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Side slide
If your car veers in side winds, particularly when the wind isn't so strong, you could have shock absorber problems. |
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Shake, rattle & roll
Notice that your car 'rock and rolls' over bumps, railway tracks or
uneven surfaces? Not hugging the bends? Time to get those shock
absorbers checked then! |
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Uneven tyre wear
If your tyres are wearing unevenly, particularly if there are bald patches, odds are it's your shock absorbers. |
Information kindly supplied by Monroe