A shock absorber is a mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp a sudden shock impulse and dissipate kinetic energy.
When a shock absorber is used in a vehicle it reduces the bouncing effect of traveling over rough ground. Without shock absorbers, your vehicle would have a bouncing ride, as energy is stored in the spring and then released to the vehicle, Control of excessive suspension movement without shock absorption requires stiffer (higher rate) springs, which would in turn give a harsh ride. Shock absorbers allow the use of soft (lower rate) springs while controlling the rate of suspension movement in response to bumps. They also, along with hysteresis in the tire itself, damp the motion of the unsprung weight up and down on the springiness of the tire. Since the tire is not as soft as the springs, effective wheel bounce damping may require stiffer shocks than would be ideal for the vehicle motion alone.
There are tell tale signs that give away the need for attention. If your car dips or leans forward under braking or sways from side to side in windy conditions, or just feels bouncy or uncontrolled you could have faulty shock absorbers.
This can lead you into a dangerous situation. Your shock absorbers keep your car stable and your tyres firmly on the road.
Dont leave it too late. Any time you notice any of these or other symptoms have your shock absorbers checked. If you have any of the problems above please don't hesitate to call us on 01204 572122. |