The modern pace of life is accelerating, and the car has long ceased to be a status symbol and has become an everyday tool. We use it daily: we go to work, take the children around, go shopping or out of town. And in this constant hustle and bustle, almost no one thinks about the enormous load that shock absorbers take on.
Meanwhile, it is they — the quiet and inconspicuous "workers" of the car — who are responsible for the smoothness of the ride, the accuracy of control and, most importantly, for the safety of everyone in the cabin. Like any mechanical elements, they wear out over time.
Neglecting their condition is a risk not only to comfort, but also to life.
What shock absorbers are really responsible for
Speaking without technical difficulties, shock absorbers are designed to suppress body vibrations that occur when driving on uneven surfaces. They dampen impacts from potholes, bumps and asphalt joints, keeping the car in a stable position.
Thanks to them, the wheels are constantly pressed to the road, and this is critical for normal driving and effective braking. It is the serviceable shock absorbers that allow the car to accurately respond to the steering wheel, not "float" on bends and stop in time when the brake pedal is pressed.
Five signs that shock absorbers need replacing
1. The body sways and "bucks"
One of the most noticeable symptoms is excessive swaying of the car on an uneven road. If earlier "speed bumps" were passed almost imperceptibly, and now the car jumps and continues to swing for several seconds, the struts have clearly lost their effectiveness.
This behavior is called "bucking": after a blow, the body cannot stabilize for a long time, like a pendulum.
2. The braking distance has become longer
Working shock absorbers press the wheels to the asphalt. When they are worn, during sudden braking, the car begins to sharply "nod" its nose, and the grip of the tires with the road deteriorates.
As a result, the brakes are formally working, but the stop occurs noticeably later. If the car has started to brake worse on dry pavement than before, a suspension check is mandatory.
3. Extraneous sounds and vibrations have appeared
Squeaks, knocks and shaking are often attributed to the age of the car or bad roads. However, often the source of these sensations is precisely tired shock absorbers.
If everything else is in order in the suspension, and new noises still appear, you should pay attention to the struts.
4. Tires wear out unevenly
Faulty shock absorbers do not keep the wheels in constant contact with the road. Because of this, the tires begin to "jump", and the wear becomes uneven: along the edges or in the form of individual spots.
This type of wear is a direct signal that the grip with the road is unstable. In this case, the suspension diagnostics should not be postponed.
5. Traces of oil on the shock absorber
There is working fluid inside the shock absorber. Over time, the seals lose their tightness, and an oily coating or obvious leaks appear on the body.
Sometimes the leak is not striking, but if other symptoms are present at the same time, checking for leaks becomes mandatory.
What ignoring the problem leads to
Many drivers delay replacement until the last moment, until the situation becomes critical. However, prolonged operation of worn shock absorbers leads to a number of unpleasant consequences:
- a noticeable increase in braking distance, especially on wet pavement;
- deterioration of handling during maneuvers and in turns;
- accelerated wear of tires and other suspension elements;
- additional load on the body, steering and steering wheel;
- rapid driver fatigue due to constant shaking.
Safety should always come first. Saving on suspension almost always turns into much more expensive costs after an accident or serious breakdown.
How often do you need to check shock absorbers
On average, the service life of shock absorbers is from 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers of mileage. The specific period depends on the quality of roads, driving style and operating conditions.
However, these figures are average. If the car often drives on bad roads, is used with a full load or is operated in a harsh climate, it is worth checking the suspension every 20–30 thousand kilometers and обязательно after each winter. Even small suspicions are a reason to visit the service.
Problems with shock absorbers are always easier and cheaper to prevent than to fix their consequences. If you notice at least one of the listed signs, do not postpone the diagnosis.
Confidence behind the wheel, comfort and safety of passengers should remain a priority. Timely replacement of shock absorbers allows you to save not only money and nerves, but also avoid much more serious troubles on the road.