What are Shock Absorbers?

The shock absorbers are an equally important part of the suspension system in a car. If we describe shock absorbers quite simply, they are devices, which reduce excessive vibrations during the vehicle motion on irregular and uneven ground. Every vehicle has wheels and springs on its suspension system that can dissipate shocks. However, without shock absorbers, the vehicle can only become manageable for passengers when the springs collapse. Any other driving movement after that would simply be sheer disturbance.

Principle of Operation of Shock Absorbers

Regarding this, the operation of shock absorbers is primarily based on hydraulic damping. As the vehicle moves, whenever the wheels reach pavements or bumps, the suspension system’s springs will either be compressed or extended. At this moment, the shock absorber has hydraulic oil which passes through internal valves as damping, thus minimizing the vibrations of the extended springs. The action minimizes the tumbler effect of a ride. It also guarantees the wheels are in constant contact with the surface thus improving the vehicle control and stability.

Variations in Shock Absorbers

The principal variations of shock absorbers are:

Twin – tube Shock Absorbers: Twin- tube shock absorbers are widely used because of their simplistic construction and reasonably low cost. It is made up of an inner and outer cylinder with the interior made of hydraulic oil where the cylinders are placed. The space between the two horizontal cylinders dampens the system.

Mono – tube Shock Absorbers: Mono-tube shock absorbers are built with one cylinder and are design wise more compact, offering efficient heat dissipation effects, this is why they are more used in sports vehicles and high performance cars.

Pneumatic Shock Absorbers: This type of shock absorber has a mixed form since its damping unit can include both a gas and a liquid and usually are able to change suspension hardness according to driving conditions and improves comfort and control.

How to Determine Whether Shock Absorbers Need to be Replaced?

Over time and based with objective usage of the vehicle, shock absorbers will reach refurbishing point often below standard. Shock absorber failure presents the following indications;

Body Vibrations are Too Much: When going over bumps, if you feel that the vehicle is vibrating too much than normally or even when driving on a flat road too, this could be an indication that the shock absorbers are failing.

Rebound of the carrosserie: Nose – dive when brakes applied and the rear rises: If at any point in time, the front nose of the vehicle tends to tilt downwards when the brakes are applied than the rear which tends to lift, then the shock absorbers should be checked on that area.

Body Roll During Corner: In most cases, the body roll is well contained and balanced due to the presence of shock absorbers during a turn. But when you notice that during turns, the vehicle is leaning over to one side, it could be due to worn out shock absorbing devices.

Tires Show Wear Patterns: The unevenness will cause differential contact of the tires hu & body frame as a shock absorber which will lead to tire wear deficiency. Where there is touch and excessive contact scratch, the tires should be thoroughly checked.

From the body of the shock absorber oil leakage is visible and this gets to say there are oil stains or oil leakage that is noticed where the shock absorbers are fitted. This means that the hydraulic oil inside the shock absorbing structure is escaping through points it is not meant to escape through and the structure has served its function and is due for replacement.

What are the Factors in Choosing the Appropriate Shock Absorbers?

Now when purchasing shock absorbers, there is more than one criteria that have to be taken into account: the type of vehicle, the specific driving needs and purposes and the price to be paid.

Vehicle Type: Family cars will mostly prefer to install twin – tube or mono- tube shock absorbers and family heteros excel shock absorbers where as performance cars should have pneumatic shock absorbers or shock absorbers with adjustable features appropriately to help cope with the diverse driving conditions.

Driving Requirements: In case you spend most of the time driving on the freeways or you are aggressive driver, going for the high performance shock absorbers will enable you enjoy better handling and driving experience. On an average day, it is possible to go to work or drive in the city and still choose more comfortable shock absorbers and use them effectively.

Brand and Quality: It is observed that shock absorbers that come from reputable companies often get more wear and tear tests and therefore enduring and efficient than others. However, it is usually a little on the expensive side but on the positive side, it helps to better control the car’s motion and also drives more comfortably.

Conclusion

Shock absorbers are one of the important parts of any vehicle suspension system and hence impact actively the vehicle handling and comfort. A policy of periodic examination and replacement of the shock absorbers can only enhance the comfort but improve driving safety as well. In the event that the vehicle shows the abovementioned signs of shock absorber defects, then servicing or replacing such shocks should be done in good time as it eliminates any risks that could be posed.